Bernard F Crane

PRO

Bernard F Crane

also known as LAW OFFICES OF BERNARD F. CRANE

5.0
Rating: 9.5

Licensed for 41 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Washington, DC
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI, Speeding & Traffic Ticket ... +3 more

601 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 900-South, Washington, DC

Virtual Consultation Available

Free Consultation

About Bernard

Biography

Expert Representation for Criminal, Traffic & DUI Cases in D.C. and Virginia. Free Consultation & Consultations via Zoom.

Practice Areas

6

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 35%

Virtually all types of criminal cases, including assault, drug charges, theft, larceny, weapons offenses, robbery, larceny, underage drinking, fraudulent ID, sex offenses, conspiracy, stalking, mental health-related issues, ADW, deceptive labeling

41 years | 2,500 cases

35%
DUI and DWI 25%

Completed in-depth advanced training on traffic alcohol procedures approved by NHTSA, and earned certification in Standardized Field Sobriety Testing. Able to spot errors and omissions in police work and reports that frequently results in dismissals

41 years | 800 cases

25%
Speeding and Traffic Ticket 15%

Speeding, reckless, red light, improper turn, defective equipment, aggressive driving,

41 years | 200 cases

15%
Business 10%

Advised and handled legal needs of countless businesses, including accountants, restaurants, nightclubs, I T vendors (hardware and software), labor services providers, and government contractors. Preparation of all business documents and agreements

41 years | 500 cases

10%
White Collar Crime 10%

Have represented clients in fraud cases, SEC insider trading investigations, and defending against revocation of U.S. Government security clearances.

41 years | 100 cases

10%
Expungement 5%

In many situations, I can prosecute motions to seal or expunge criminal cases from your record so you can get your life back and move forward. And after we've won you are actually authorized by law to answer "NO" if asked if you've ever been arrested

41 years | 25 cases

5%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 20 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2025 2023 2022
...
+ 2

Licenses

Licensed in District of Columbia for 41 years

State: District of Columbia

Acquired: 1985

Good Standing

No misconduct found

Licensed in Virginia for 41 years

State: Virginia

Acquired: 1984

Active

No misconduct found

Location

OFFICE 202-429-2900 CELL 202-486-6555

601 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 900-South, Washington, DC, 20004

berniemyattorney.com

Law Offices of Bernard F Crane

10521 Judicial Drive, Fairfax, VA, 22030

berniemyattorney.com

Bernard F Crane's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

39 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (39) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 7 reviews | General Knowledge

Posted by anonymous | July 31, 2025 | Hired Attorney

Reliable, Smart, and Professional — Highly Recommend

I recommend this attorney for any upcoming cases. Throughout my case, Mr. Crane was extremely thorough, professional, and helpful. He helped me feel secure in every choice, met deadlines, and provided detailed descriptions of everything. His responsiveness and knowledge were greatly valued. He was ...strategic, honest, and genuinely concerned about the result; I never felt in the dark. I attribute my case's successful resolution to his expertise and commitment

Posted by Ivan NJ | May 19, 2021 | Speeding & Traffic Ticket

More than I expected!

I got snagged by a photo camera on my way to Florida from NJ. I called Mr. Crane and was very impressed at how straight forward he was with me. He put my mind at ease about paying the ticket vs trying to contest it. Although he did not have to, He explained how the ticket would not affect my insuranc...e and hearing that straight from him made all the difference. If I did need a lawyer I would have been perfectly comfortable with him. I'm Glad I called.

Posted by John | December 24, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Felony assault case

Mr. Crane is a very experienced and tactical criminal defense attorney in DC/VA region. I initially came across Mr. Crane on the recommendation of a court appointed attorney. Prior to meeting Mr. Crane, I had already consulted with many lawyers. Notwithstanding this fact, his willingness to break dow...n the complexity of the legal terms and process and ability to think outside the box to come up with creative approaches to my felony assault case gave me confidence to move forward with him. From formulating strategies to prepping me for the sentencing, Mr. Crane worked as hard and efficiently as possible. In the end, he delivered the goods. He exceeded my expectation by achieving an outcome better than what I desired (More lenient sentence/ shorter probation period). I was pleased with his service and would recommend him to my dearest friends and family.

Posted by Alan | January 31, 2020 | DUI & DWI

Great Advice

I called Bernard for a consultation about a pending DWI case in Virginia and he was more than gracious with his time and expertise in answering my question to the best of his ability. He went out of his way to help me and I was relieved after speaking with him and hearing the depth of his expertise....

Posted by anonymous | January 29, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket

Schooled me on game in regards to traffic laws in the DMV area.

I have recently received a speeding ticket going over 25 mph on 395 in the tunnel in DC going northbound (the speed limit was 35 at the time). The moment I received the ticket I immediately did research on how to fight the ticket. I looked at DC's driving demerit point system and found out that it co...uld cost me five demerit points on my DC record. I am a New York State driver originally from the NYC tri-state area and I moved to DC primarily for a doctoral program. I was on my way back from Manassas, VA working out, which was around a 47 minute drive. I looked up Mr. Crane, explained to him about my situation. And he schooled me on game. He explains that DC's traffic laws are little stricter than the traffic laws of NYC. Both systems have a win or lose jurisdiction when it comes to traffic tickets. The real kicker came when he told me that you could easily be charged with reckless driving if you go 30 mph or more in DC or you go 20 mph or more or crack 80 mph or more regardless of the posted speed limit in the Commonwealth of Virginia. That floored me. I gave him a shot, picked the latest court date possible. The moment the date came, expecting to pay the fine and have points on the DC record. I was told by Mr. Crane that the charges were dropped. I was very fortunate and very lucky, which gave me a new lease on life and taught me to be more aware and more defensive when it comes to driving in these jurisdictions of DC and Virginia. It also made me appreciate how looser the traffic laws are in Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York State, and Connecticut (which can get you for reckless if caught going 85 mph or more regardless of the posted speed limit). I am extremely grateful for Mr. Crane's help and guidance on helping me navigate the traffic laws of the DMV. I will look to hire him again if I somehow get jammed up in either DC or Virginia whether it is a regular moving violation or a reckless driving charge.

See All Client Reviews

Bernard F Crane's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Bernard
Henry A Escoto headshot
Henry Escoto

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Bernard Crane is one of the finest lawyers I've known. He possess the skills, competence and knowledge to effectively represent clients. He's committed to his client's cause and is fair to all parties. I highly recommend him."

Mark M Rollins headshot
Mark Rollins

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known attorney Bernard Crane for over 10 years. He is a lawyer's lawyer because of his vast years of experience in the area of criminal defense. When there is a question that other criminal lawyers need help with they ask Bernard Crane. I highly endorse him."

Troy Nussbaum headshot
Troy Nussbaum

Business lawyer | Apr 30

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse Attorney Crane. I cold called Mr. Crane after finding his information online to support myself and my clients in a business transfer matter. Mr. Crane immediately got to work and helped us on an extremely tight deadline. As part of our transaction, I spent almost an hour on the phone discussing legal issues involved in the matter. The breadth of Mr. Cranes knowledge regarding the issues was extensive. Moreover, his maticulous approach to the subject matter ensured my client ended up with a much better product than I could have provided by myself. I can recommend and endorse Mr. Crane highly for all facets of Business Law and encourage others to work with him."

Alan S Solomon headshot
Alan Solomon

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 07

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Bernie for more than twenty years. We have worked for co-defendants in the past and he is one of the most hard working, competent lawyers you can hire. He will go above and beyond in every case and allow you to relax knowing you are in good hands"

Thomas T Heslep headshot
Thomas Heslep

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have watched him work for many years. He's intelligent, aggressive and hard working. And, of course, he has lots of experience."

John Louis Machado headshot
John Machado

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Crane is a very capable lawyer. He works hard for his clients and is very knowledgeable in the area of criminal law. His vast experience makes him an excellent advocate who can help you get the best resolution to your case, whether it is taking it to trial, or negotiating a plea with the government. I wholeheartedly recommend this attorney."

Ralph Douglas Robinson headshot
Ralph Robinson

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Bernie is meticulous, efficient, resourceful, and diligent. He gets the best results for his clients."

Jonathan P Willmott headshot
Jonathan Willmott

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I strongly endorse this lawyer. I have always been impressed by Mr. Crane's thoroughness, dedication and professionalism."

Bruce Michael Cooper headshot
Bruce Cooper

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Mr. Crane for nearly 25 years. During that period, Mr. Crane and I have worked together or consulted on numerous criminal cases. His courtroom manner and his relationship with his clients clearly demonstrates that he is an exceptional attorney."

Todd Stewart Baldwin headshot
Todd Baldwin

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Bernie Crane is one of the finest attorneys I know. He is dedicated to his clients and a master at the law. He is always a knowledgeable about the best course of action to take a case and I would trust him completely in any courtroom proceeding. What’s even more is he truly cares about his clients more than just about any attorney I know. Of the hundreds of attorneys I have worked with and against over the decades I have practiced, Bernie Crane is right there at the top. I wholeheartedly endorse him as an attorney."

Dominic G Vorv headshot
Dominic Vorv

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Edward D Joseph headshot
Edward Joseph

DUI and DWI lawyer | Sep 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have been a colleague of Mr. Crane's for many years. I have never seen another attorney so attentive to his clients; caring for them not just as clients, but as people. He is relentless in analyzing legal issues and investigating facts. He is a gifted courtroom attorney who can be trusted to effectively present any argument in the best possible light. I would highly recommend Mr. Crane to family or friends."

Jordan Edward Knabb headshot
Jordan Knabb

DUI and DWI lawyer | Aug 20

Relationship: Friend

"I highly recommend Bernie to anyone and everyone facing a DWI/DUI/OVI case. Bernie has a very specialized skill set that a lot of attorney’s do not have. Bernie has completed the NHTSA Standardized Field Sobriety Test certification course and knows exactly what to look for when handling these cases."

Kevin Lee Hargis headshot
Kevin Hargis

DUI and DWI lawyer | Aug 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Bernie is a highly trained and certified regarding NHTSA field sobriety testing. Because of this certification, Bernie knows how to explain what you, the accused, did right on a sobriety test, and what the arresting officer did wrong. Bernie should be among your first choices for any OVI/DUI/DWI case. I highly recommend this attorney."

Tad Orval Hoover headshot
Tad Hoover

DUI and DWI lawyer | Aug 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Bernie is certified to conduct standardized field sobriety tests using the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) guidelines. Because of this certification Bernie is the go-to man for any OVI/DUI/DWI case. I highly recommend this attorney."

Ada K Chan headshot
Ada Chan

Criminal defense lawyer | May 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Mr. Bernard Crane for over 15 years. He is an excellent lawyer. He is dedicated criminal practitioner in District of Columbia and surrounding jurisdictions. I would highly recommend Mr. Crane."

View All Endorsements
Matthew Stephen Kensky headshot
Matthew Kensky

DUI and DWI lawyer

Alan S Solomon headshot
Alan Solomon

Divorce and separation lawyer

Todd Stewart Baldwin headshot
Todd Baldwin

Criminal defense lawyer

John Louis Machado headshot
John Machado

Criminal defense lawyer

Kevin Lee Hargis headshot
Kevin Hargis

DUI and DWI lawyer

Tad Orval Hoover headshot
Tad Hoover

Criminal defense lawyer

Mark M Rollins headshot
Mark Rollins

Criminal defense lawyer

Bruce Michael Cooper headshot
Bruce Cooper

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.5 (Superb)

Honors

1990

Top 100 Trial Lawyers in America, American Trial Lawyers Association

1984

American Jurisprudence Award: Professional Responsibility, American Jurisprudence

1983

American Jurisprudence Award: Insurance Law, American Jurisprudence

1983

AmJur Award: Creditors Rights & Debtors Protection, American Jurisprudence

Work Experience

1985 - Present

Owner, Law Offices of Bernard F. Crane

Associations

2020 - Present

Fairfax Bar Association

Member

2018 - Present

Virginia State Bar, Criminal Law Section

Executive Committee

1990 - Present

United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia

Admitted to Practice

1985 - Present

DC Superior Court Trial Lawyers Association

Member

1985 - Present

District of Columbia Bar

Member

1985 - Present

United States District Court, Washington, DC

Admitted to Practice

1984 - Present

Virginia State Bar

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Armed Kidnapping/ADW case

ALL CHARGES DROPPED

Felony Threats to Kill

ALL CHARGES DROPPED

Felony Weapons Offenses

SUPPRESSION MOTION GRANTED, CASE DISMISSED

See More Legal Cases

Education

1984

Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1977

George Washington University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

1990

District of Columbia Bar

Criminal Law Mock Trial

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution