About Gary

Biography

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.

Former assistant state's attorney. Rated as Super Lawyer and Best Lawyers in America.

Practice Areas

DUI and DWI 50%

I have been teaching how to defend DUI cases in Maryland for over 30 years. I have been recognized in Super Lawyers and The Best Lawyers in America. I am a Specialist in these matters.

47 years

50%

Criminal Defense 30%

I handle all criminal cases whether felonies or misdemeanors. Drug cases, assaults, and sex offense cases make up the majority of my criminal practice. I am a former Assistant State's Attorney and was assigned to the Felony, White Collar Fraud Unit, as well as the misdemeanor unit. I am a Specialist in these matters.

47 years

30%

Violent Crime 20%

I have handled violent crimes as both a prosecutor and criminal defense attorney. Assault and sex offense cases make up a large portion of the violent crimes I handle. These are handled by special units in the State's Attorney's Office and you need a lawyer who regularly handles these serious matters. I am a Specialist in these matters.

47 years

20%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 120 minutes

Retainer

Always

Payment Methods

Cash
Check
Credit Card

Licenses

Licensed in Maryland for 50 years

State: Maryland

Acquired: 1975

Active

No misconduct found

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Location

Gary S. Bernstein, P.A.

(844) 409-2539

Mobile

(410) 823-0610

Fax

210 West Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 100, Towson, MD, 21204

www.noplea.com

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Gallery

Gary S Bernstein's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

90 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 27 reviews | General Knowledge

Posted by Michelle | April 14, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

If you are looking for exceptional expertise you just found him!

We feel like we hit the jackpot when our paths crossed with Gary. We were in a desperate situation and in need of representation immediately. Within 24 hours notice, Gary took our case and walked into the courtroom. He commanded the room with his exceptional expertise and unbridled passion, ultimatel...y getting our case dismissed. It was a true privilege to watch him work his magic. Gary is nothing short of amazing. He is personable and well liked. We left the courtroom feeling like he wasn’t just our attorney, but a good friend! Needing an attorney is never pleasant and often times the most stressful time in your life. Having Gary as your ACE in your back pocket is your best move. Thank you so much Gary for taking us on a moments notice, for making your time work around our time, and for your amazing game day show down! It is a true honor to know you!

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Posted by Ben | May 21, 2024 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

Super lawyer!!

Gary did a great job with my case. He made all the right decisions and knew all the steps to take to ensure the best outcome. He got 7 of my 8 charges down to nothing. I couldn’t be happier with the outcome of my case. I would definitely recommend him if you got a dwi/dui

Posted by anonymous | March 28, 2024 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

4th DUI - No Jail Time!!!

Gary helped me on both my 3rd & 4th DUI’s. The 3rd, he was able to get me work release and the 4th I was facing significant jail time… I walked out of the courtroom with zero jail time! He was able to get me into recovery housing so that I can continue working on myself and my sobriety which was a bl...essing!! Gary knows how to navigate the court system and work with the prosecutors and judges to help get you the best possible outcome. He is the best attorney and if you put your trust in him, I promise you won’t be disappointed. I was able to get not only a second, but a third chance at redemption with him in my corner.

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Posted by Mike | May 01, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Best of the best!

As Eric Clapton knows the guitar and the stage- Gary Bernstein knows the law and court system. His 'true grit' demeanor is persistent and evident in the court room. He believed in me and successfully fought for the truth.

Posted by anonymous | August 12, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Trapped in the justice system

I was violating a county code that i was unaware Existed, a misdemeanor offense, my neighbors daughter which harbored animosity towards me For unknown reasons used this to get me arrested , now because of her lies i was facing a more serious situation, potential jail time in county lock up, wors...e night of my life, my attorney told me not to worry and within a few months got my case dismissed, the best day of my life. Gary S. Bernstein thank you so much, serious lawyer for your most serious situation.

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Gary S Bernstein's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Gary

Daniel Whitney

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jul 07

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"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."

Jonathan Katz

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Michael Taylor

DUI and DWI lawyer | Oct 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Harley Wagner

DUI and DWI lawyer | Apr 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Christopher Flohr

DUI and DWI lawyer | Feb 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Gary is an outstanding lawyer. He knows the law and fights hard in court. Gary has over 30 years of experience and it shows."

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Daniel Whitney

Consumer protection lawyer

Experience

Rating: 10.0 (Superb)

Honors

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