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SELECTED LAWYER OF THE YEAR IN MARYLAND 2024 by Best Lawyers.
I am a former Assistant State's Attorney for Baltimore City and have been in the private practice of criminal and drunk driving law for over 40 years. My tag says "No Plea" because I am known for trying cases. Many lawyers look to get in and out of court as quickly as possible. My objective is to secure the best possible outcome for my clients. I'm no pallbearer. I handle all state and federal criminal and traffic matters. I can assist with criminal and DUI matters throughout Maryland including Anne Arundel County (Annapolis and Glen Burnie), Baltimore County (Catonsville, Towson, and Essex), Carroll County, Cecil County, Harford County, Howard County, and Baltimore City.
I have been named Maryland Super Lawyer for Criminal Defense: DWI/DUI for 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025.
I have also been selected for inclusion in the 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 editions of The Best Lawyers In America in the practice of DUI/DWI Defense.
I have been AV Peer Review Related by Martindale-Hubbell since 1990. This is the "Highest Possible Peer Review Rating In Legal Ability & Ethical Standards" by this organization that uses peer review to evaluate lawyers in the United States and Canada.
In addition to DUI defense, I am actively engaged in the defense of people accused of all criminal matters. The defense of drug distribution and drug possession cases make up a considerable part of my criminal practice.
I have co-authored books and taught continuing legal education courses for criminal defense lawyers since 1982.
These are reference books that even the judges make use of:
"Handling DWI Cases"
"Criminal Practice and Procedure in the District Court of Maryland"
In November 2003 I successfully completed the 24 hour National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) training course for administration of Standardized Field Sobriety Tests. This training provides me with an inside look at the actual police training and what was required at the roadside when you were administered these exercises.
Maryland DUI, Criminal Law, Drunk Driving, Personal Injury, and Wrongful Death Attorney
SELECTED BY HIS PEERS 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. AS MARYLAND SUPER LAWYER CRIMINAL DEFENSE: DUI/DWI.
SELECTED THE BEST LAWYER ON AMERICA DUI/DWI 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022,2023, 2024, and 2025..
If you are charged with a DUI or any criminal offense, please call our office at or locally at immediately as there are certain critical time limits for your case.
3
Practice Areas
47 years
47 years
47 years
Free Consultation
$0 first 120 minutes
Always
State: Maryland
Acquired: 1975
No misconduct found
Mobile
Fax
210 West Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 100, Towson, MD, 21204
www.noplea.com
90 Client Reviews
Showing 81 - 85 of 90 reviews
Posted by M | May 15, 2017
Excellent!
I'm really happy to have him on my case. He's a great guy, goes above and beyond for his clients, he's very efficient, and he knows his stuff. I would recommend him to anybody.
Thank you for the kind review.
Posted by Ken | May 15, 2017 | Criminal Defense
Extremely responsive, thoroughly competent
When i made a bad decision, I was referred to Mr. Bernstein. My first impression was having a phone call answered on Sunday morning, and a consultation scheduled the next day. I was stunned by the speed with which my questions were answered (emails were usually answered within the hour), and felt ver...
As soon as a legal crisis hits, people want to speak with a lawyer immediately. It is why I have always answered my own phone no matter what day of the week or time. Trouble does not arise 9 to 5 on weekdays only. The sooner we can get started the better. Judges are impressed at the speed and diligence of a client who is aggressive in seeking help. I never have a problem speaking to or meeting clients on the weekend. Your diligence helped and we had a wonderful outcome.
Posted by Susan P | May 15, 2017 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
DWI trail
“I cannot thank Gary S. Bernstein enough for representing me with my DWI . He was very professional, kind and always there for me when I had a question. Our first conversation in your office was very informative and straight forward. You had a plan of action and that plan suggested that I go i...
No one has turned their life around any better than you. I asked you to make sacrifices and you did. Now you are back with your family and living a life you have not known for years. You trusted my judgement and the joy I saw in your children' expressions when we met at court was rewarding for me as well. Just keep doing what you are doing and enjoy your family and your life everyday.
Posted by Mario | May 15, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Awesome Attorney
First, I would like to say Gary S Bernstein deserves a rating greater than 5 stars. Second, Mr. Bernstein is a man of great integrity and truly cares about his clients well being and state of minds. Speaking on the behalf of my personal experience, he was very reassuring during my entire court proces...
The trial of your case was a lot of fun and you were an excellent witness. It is not too often a lawyer puts a client on the stand in a DUI case, but you were the exception. I am glad we worked well together. You know you can call me for anything you need in the future.
Posted by anonymous | May 15, 2017 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
The best!!
I was referred to Gary by a friend and i'm glad they did. I was in 2 semesters away from finishing my nursing degree when bad decisions led to a DUI charge. From the moment i walked into his office Gary made me understand exactly what i was facing and also made me feel calm without trivializing the s...
Thank you for the really kind review. You know how hard I worked to get you through the case and the licensing. I am always available to help you.
"I have known Gary for 16 years. Gary is my go-to referral for my clients who need DUI and criminal defense representation. Not only does he know the ins and outs of the law, he knows the prosecutors and judges and is able to get excellent results consistently, whether by working out a deal or winning a jury trial. He is a passionate and straight-to-the-point attorney that I highly recommend."
"From the first time I met Gary in 1991, he impressed me as completely focused on obtaining as much victory as possible. He is colorful, funny and all the more persuasive as a result. I recommend Gary."
"I endorse this lawyer. Gary is a pillar in the Maryland DUI defense community. No one works or fights harder than Gary does when he defends his clients."
"Having been a member of the National College for DUI Defense for over 10 years now, and as an annual attendee of two to three national DUI defense seminars, I have been privileged to get to know many of our nation's finest DUI defense attorneys. Gary Bernstein is undoubtedly amongst this select group. His reputation for professional excellence far exceeds the borders of Maryland. His reputation as a well trained, experienced, ultra talented yet deeply compassionate, DUI defense attorney is not only national but matched by very few. I proudly and loudly endorse Gary Bernstein. The citizen accused could be in no better hands. Period. The fact that he is a personal friend is but a bonus."
"Gary is an outstanding lawyer. He knows the law and fights hard in court. Gary has over 30 years of experience and it shows."
Consumer protection lawyer
2024
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2024
Lawyer of the Year, Best Lawyers in America
2024
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyer
2023
Best Lawyer, Best Lawyers in America
2022
Best Lawyer, Best Lawyers in America
2022
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2021
Best Lawyer, Best Lawyers in America
2020
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2020
Best Lawyer, Best Lawyers in America
2019
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2019
Best Lawyer, Best Lawyers in America
2018
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2018
Best Lawyer, Best Lawyers in America
2017
Best Lawyer, Best Lawyers in America
2017
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2016
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2016
Best Lawyer, Best Lawyers in America
2015
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2015
Best Lawyer, Best Lawyers in America
2014
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2014
Best Lawyer, Best Lawyers in America
2013
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2013
Best Lawyer, Best Lawyers in America
2012
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2012
Best Lawyer, Best Lawyers in America
2011
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2011
Best Lawyer, Best Lawyers in America
2010
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2010
Best Lawyer, Best Lawyers in America
2009
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
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Best Lawyer, Best Lawyers in America
2008
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2008
Best Lawyer, Best Lawyers in America
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Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
1979 - Present
Attorney, Gary S. Bernstein, P.A.
1975 - 1979
Assistant State's Attorney, State's Attorney's Office For Baltimore City
1995 - Present
Maryland Criminal Defense Attorneys' AssociationBoard of Directors
2000 - 2005
Committee To Revise Criminal CodeCriminal Defense Attorney Member
Dismissed
Breath Test Inadmissible
Dismissed
Dismissed
Dismissed
1975
JD - Juris Doctor
1972
BA - Bachelor of Arts
2010
DUI Defense
2004
DUI Defense
2004
Criminal Defense
N/A
N/A
English
Legal Answers
I have a DE license, got pulled over in Maryland. Refused blowing because the office said MD cant do anything to my license.
20 Jan 2025
I’m 17 I got a speeding ticket can I pay it online without my parents knowing?
05 Jan 2024
So the police can start your house without a warrant a seal order without no stamp or judge signature
15 Sep 2023