Bernard Crane | Fairfax Criminal Defense Lawyer

I had a case wherein the client was charged with Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Assault With a Dangerous Weapon, for allegedly firing a pistol in the air near his girlfriend and/or her mother, after an argument. after a preventive detention hearing client was ordered held without bond. However, I conducted a full investigation and obtained a statement from the complaining witness stating that she had lied to the police out of animus toward the defendant. I was able to get the preventive detention hearing re-opened, and the judge reversed his decision and released the defendant into pretrial supervision. After I conducted further investigation on the case and was able to cast doubt on the government's theory of the case,, the entire case was dropped by the government several months later.

One of the most important factors which has enabled me to build a practice and do work in complex and large-scale business cases (which would not usually be done by a sole practitioner) is what I have told clients about my abilities. However, it is the opposite of what one would expect. While most attorneys go to great lengths to tell clients about all the things they can do, I have very frequently told clients what I CAN'T do. I have never been afraid to tell a client when the particular complexities of a case are beyond my abilities and talents, and suggest that we need to bring in a specialist. My business clients know that I treat THEIR business like it's MY business. I want the best, most effective person on the job when the stakes are high, and if needed I find that person to work with us. My clients know they can believe what I tell them, because I am not shy in telling them when I can NOT do what needs to be done. I don't oversell my abilities to my clients. If I promise something, they know they can rely and depend on my word, because I am quick to tell them what I CAN'T do.

In criminal representation, look for someone who knows the players well, and is not afraid to go to trial. You want someone who has handled cases just like yours many times, in the same courthouse, against the same prosecutors and in front of the same judges. Someone can be a great lawyer, but if he doesn't know the nuances of the prosecution and the particular judge you will be appearing before, its like walking through a minefield without a map. The same way a caddie can tell a golfer the little details and imperfections on each hole on the golf course so he can come out on top, a great lawyer will know exactly which points and arguments will work with your judge and your prosecutor, and which won't. Many judges will have little pet peeves that set them off, or arguments that work with other judges, but they just will not buy. The main reason you are paying more for a great lawyer is because he knows these things. He not only knows what to say, he knows when to shut up. What information do you need in a free phone consultation? You should be able to provide the attorney the date, time and location of the arrest or the alleged crime, the court in which the case is being brought, the case number and stage of the proceedings, whether any plea offer has been made or rejected, if their are any co-defendants and their lawyers' names. Yo should also be able to tell the lawyer everything about any prior arrests you have had, not just about any prior convictions.

After 34 years of practice, I know what judges are likely to consider which arguments. More importantly, I know which points are likely to infuriate a judge, based on what I've seen him or her do before. Also, I have taken advanced course on negotiation strategies. Most criminal cases today are won or lost not in the courtroom, but at the negotiating table.That table is my home.

In criminal cases, helping people who really need help, at what is very probably the worst moment in their entire lives.In business cases, meeting with someone who has an idea they are passionate about, and helping him or her build that idea into a business enabling it to grow.

In warm weather I bike about 60 to 80 miles per week on local bike paths and trails, and kayak many miles each week in streams, rivers and lakes at various places around the area.

I am involved in canvassing door to door for candidates in elections each cycle - not just in presidential races, but in congressional and senate races as well.

• Virginia State Bar, Criminal Law Section | Executive Committee | 2018 - Present
  United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia | Admitted to Practice | 1990 - Present
  DC Superior Court Trial Lawyers Association | 1985 - Present
  District of Columbia Bar | Member | 1985 - Present
  United States District Court, Washington, DC | Admitted to Practice | 1985 - Present

• 1983 American Jurisprudence Award: Insurance Law
  1983 American Jurisprudence Award: Creditors Rights & Debtors Protection
  1984 American Jurisprudence Award: Professional Responsibility
   

• Testimonials
  

  "A little while ago Mr. Crane handled a situation on my behalf. I could not have asked for a better advocate. Mr. Crane's tireless commitment in pursuit of the truth in my defense was utterly amazing. Nothing was ever sprung on me, he always gave me the truth in what was going on and in the next road we would go down. I say we because I never felt like I was alone in my situation. He will always be my lawyer of choice and I hope my friend."

  - William H, Washington, DC

  Excellent! We got the best outcome possible!! "I cannot even begin to thank Bernard Crane for all of his help. Not only was his legal representation impeccable, but his support in offering us reputable resources and advice, above and beyond the legalities of our situation, were priceless. We were impressed from the very beginning at his professionalism, reassurance and candor, while always treating my son with the utmost respect. The end result was the absolute best case scenario. I hope we don't need legal representation again, but if we do he will be the first person we call, no doubt about it!"

  - Anne S., Fairfax, VA

  "Bernard Crane is an incredibly dedicated and hardworking attorney. His work ethic and commitment to his clients is equally as impressive as his overall good nature. While his record speaks for itself, I would also highly recommend Mr. Crane to represent any of my friends or family in need of a good attorney with proven results."

  - Ada C., Washington, DC

• Legal Blog | Law Offices of Bernard Crane

Bernard F. Crane has been a Premium Member since November 26, 2018.
Lawyers with longer memberships tend to have more experience so we use the Membership date to help prioritize lawyer listings on search pages.

Above credentials have been verified independently by Lawyer.com.

As a service to our visitors and members, Lawyer.com displays the credentials for Premium Lawyer Profiles which Lawyer.com has independently verified. These are displayed at the at the 'Verified Credentials' table. Lawyer.com independently verifies these credentials when a lawyer signs up for a Premium Lawyer Profile. Each Premium Profile lawyer also certifies that they are licensed to practice as an attorney in their state, that they are in good standing with their applicable bar, and that they will notify Lawyer.com if this changes while they have an active profile.

• LinkedIn
• Avvo | Bernard Crane
• About Bernard Crane