Bernard Crane | Fairfax Criminal Defense Lawyer

• 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

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

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.