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Richard S. Berne is a highly qualified criminal defense attorney and Embezzlement Lawyer in Portland, Maine. During his more than four decades in practice, Mr. Berne has represented a wide range of individuals in white-collar and criminal defense cases in state and federal courts in Maine, Massachusetts and New York. What is Embezzlement? Embezzlement is charged… Read more »

Learning that you are under investigation for a state or federal crime, whether you actually committed the crime or not, is both unsettling and serious. For this reason you should retain counsel immediately rather than wait to see if formal charges will be filed.  As is more fully explained below,  counsel will be able to… Read more »

Portland, Maine Drug Charges Lawyer Richard Berne A criminal drug charge is a serious matter that can result in a substantial fine, a significant prison sentence, and a permanent mark on your record. A drug charge may be brought in state court and/or federal court. However, the laws and the consequences of committing or being… Read more »

Determining whether a Search By Police During a Traffic Stop or Home Visitation was Lawful A search of your vehicle, hotel room, your person or home by law enforcement agents without a search warrant is presumptively unconstitutional, except under certain exceptions (for example, when voluntary consent is given).  When law enforcement officers conduct searches that are… Read more »

State Embezzlement Charges Versus Federal Embezzlement Charges An embezzlement offense may be charged as either a state or federal crime depending on several factors. The primary factors are the amount allegedly embezzled and  whom the alleged victim of the offense is. Embezzlement is a felony under state and federal law if  it involves an amount that exceeds… Read more »

If you are charged with a crime in Maine, you likely have a list of questions about the charges against you, the rights you have, the penalties and fines you face, and the defense options you have. At the Law Office of Richard Berne, we understand how overwhelming and stressful this can be, regardless of… Read more »

Unlawfully accessing or disclosing protected health care information in Maine is a serious federal crime that may result in both incarceration and financial penalties. Set forth below are the federal statutes that pertain to such charges as well as an explanation of the importance of retaining an experienced federal defense attorney to ensure the most effective defense. The Federal Laws that Protect Health Information… Read more »

Let’s Take A Closer Look at Mortgage Fraud Most borrowers think that overstating your income or net worth on a mortgage application may constitute mortgage fraud but that the typical borrower who does so is merely “stretching” the truth to qualify for a mortgage to purchase real estate otherwise beyond  their reach. This belief  may… Read more »

Maine Insurance Fraud Defense Lawyer In the state of Maine, insurance fraud is considered a serious violation, and can result in severe punishment. This article will discuss the following points in more detail: The definition of insurance fraud Common types of insurance fraud Penalties for insurance fraud The importance of enlisting the aid of an… Read more »