Stephen Bernhardt | Destin Criminal Defense Lawyer

Stephen Bernhardt has been an attorney since he was 25 years old. Now, nearly a decade later, Bernhardt has extensive trial experience in both criminal and civil law. He began his legal career as a prosecutor, first handling misdemeanor offenses such as DUI, Battery, Possession of Controlled Substance, Violation of Injunction and many others. Bernhardt was quickly moved to a felony division and become the State Attorney’s Office’s representative for the county’s Drug Court Program. In this role, Bernhardt learned many techniques to help individuals overcome addictions as well as the differences between the many rehabilitation establishments throughout Florida. Prior to leaving the State Attorney’s Office, Bernhardt was the lead prosecutor in his division. Bernhardt conducted several jury trials that ended in convictions and sentences of more than thirty years, including a mandatory life in prison sentence. After leaving the State Attorney’s Office, Bernhardt began practicing civil law for one of the largest creditors’ rights firms in the United States. Bernhardt quickly became the lead litigating attorney for the firm’s Florida office and handled countless civil hearings and trials before leaving to start Bernhardt Law, PLLC. Bernhardt Law focuses on the practice areas of Criminal Defense, Personal Injury and Debt Defense. Using the knowledge gained throughout the years, Bernhardt Law is dedicated to making sure each client’s specific situation is handled with the utmost professionalism, attention to detail, and integrity. How did you build a successful practice?
I was fortunate enough to begin my legal career having great mentors and practicing in front of great judges. Having that foundation and always continuing to work hard has helped me build a successful practice.

What should clients look for in a lawyer?
Clients should look for a lawyer that has a strong work ethic and that conducts himself/herself with integrity.

How important is local knowledge to the success of your cases?
Having knowledge of the local judges and attorneys for the other side in very important in all areas of law.

What information can you provide in a free phone consultation?
I’m happy to discuss an individual’s legal matter for free over the phone or at one of our locations. I would review their case, discuss the strengths and weaknesses and determine what options may be available for the client

What information do you need in a free phone consultation?
I would like to review any paperwork they’ve received from the other attorney/party as well as contact information for following up.

What differentiates you from other lawyers in your community?
The two things that separate me from other lawyers are (1) my trial experience and (2) my experience on the opposing side. I have handled more trials in my first decade as an attorney than most attorneys will handle in their entire career. Additionally, as it pertains to criminal defense and debt defense, I have been the head attorney in my respective divisions for the sides I now go against. This gives me a big advantage in those cases.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
When someone comes to me, it usually means they’re going through a tough time. Either they’ve been hurt, arrested or sued. Helping someone get through that difficult time by putting these legal issues behind them is very rewarding.

What are your other interests in addition to law?
I am a big sports fan and I also love to travel.

Position	Organization	Location	Duration
Owner	Bernhardt Riley, Attorneys at Law	Destin, FL	Present

School	Degree	Major	Graduation
Florida Coastal School of Law	J.D.	Law School	2010
Florida State University	Bachelors	Public Relations	2007

State / Court	Date
Florida	2010

• Member | Florida State Bar Association

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