Samuel David Berns

PRO

Samuel David Berns

5.0
Rating: 9.5

Licensed for 15 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Rocklin, CA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI, Business, Land Use & Zoning

3724 Atherton Road, STE. 200, Rocklin, CA

Virtual Consultation Available

About Samuel

Biography

Placer County's Dependable Criminal Defense Attorney. Call (916) 226-4999

Trustworthy Advocacy When Life Gets Tough. Call (916) 226-4999

Placer County's Dependable Criminal Defense Attorney. Call (916) 226-4999

Placer County's Dependable Criminal Defense Attorney. Call (916) 226-4999

Trustworthy Advocacy When Life Gets Tough. Call (916) 226-4999

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 50%

Experienced in misdemeanors, felonies, DUI, expungement, and many other areas from traffic tickets to murder, and extensive knowledge of and experience with defenses related to medical cannabis.

16 years

50%
DUI and DWI 40%

Experience in misdemeanor and felony DUI charges, with a history of success in helping clients get reduced sentences and keep their licenses. Minor traffic cases too.

16 years

40%
Business 5%

Cannabis business setups and licensing, contracts, and more.

16 years

5%
Land Use and Zoning 5%

Zoning issues, including cannabis land use, code enforcement issues, and licensing.

16 years

5%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2017

Licenses

Licensed in California for 15 years

State: California

Acquired: 2010

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Law Office of Samuel D. Berns, Inc.

3724 Atherton Road, STE. 200, Rocklin, CA, 95765

bernslegal.com

Online Presence

Other places you can find Samuel online.

Samuel David Berns's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

22 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 6 reviews | Responsiveness

Posted by Celina | July 24, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Best attorney around!!

Sam Berns was my attorney for a felony probation violation. He was always straight to the point, he advocated for me, and got me the best possible outcome. He's approachable, nonjudgmental, and fights for his clients. I did everything he asked me to do and was very attentive to my questions. Findi...ng him was a blessing and I couldn't have asked for a better outcome. I didn't have to do any jail time, and got to stay at home with my baby daughter.

Posted by Terri Marie Martinez | October 10, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Juvenile

Criminal Defense

Sam Berns helped my juvenile son get out of a unfortunate situation. Sam is a dedicated attorney that didn’t ever give false hope. He really went to bat for my son. He proved he really cared and put his heart and soul into the case. He always kept in touch with me and explained everything very clear ...to my son. Sam is a top notch guy with strong values. I recommend him to anyone who wants a lawyer that really cares.

Posted by Cindy | September 08, 2017 | Hired Attorney | State, Local And Municipal Law

Code Enforcement/Building Permits

Sam Berns is a thorough, experienced lawyer. I called him for the first time on a Friday afternoon at 4:30pm as he was just leaving his office for Labor Day weekend, he said, "Let me call you right back." And he did within minutes. He talked me through our problem and said he would take care of talk...ing to Code Enforcement as soon as they opened after the weekend. He called me right back after he talked to them and he has a relationship with that office. They like him so much that when they came to sign off on the code violation, the officer mentioned what a great lawyer he was. He stayed in touch with me throughout the holiday weekend, if I emailed him for support, he emailed me right back with research he found out. He was a great help, I was able to sleep nights, he knows his stuff, he is to the point, he is the kind of lawyer you wish you could find when you need one. I feel real lucky to have randomly found him on a website, under duress. He really made a difference as to how my situation was going to turn out. I would normally say, "Don't call any lawyer that you have not gotten some feedback on from other clients." I would say Sam Berns is the lawyer to call. I'd recommend him for whatever is your problem because I believe he will help you, even if you're not sure if he can. He will help you because of the type of person he is. He will find a way to point you in the right direction AND he'll do it because he loves the law and is a helpful, caring guy. We need more lawyers like that.

Posted by Dave | January 12, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Awesome Attorney...Professional...Affordable...Compassionate...Extremely Knowledgeable...

I had consultations with several other attorneys, in reference to my felony case, and some of them wanted 10X more than Sam for their fees, yet none of them exhibited the sincere listening skills, possible scenarios of the consequences I may face, and genuine concern for my situation BEFORE giving... me their fees for representation, as Sam. The process took about 9 months to complete and during the entire time he always kept me in the loop and returned my calls within 24 hours of calling....with all my questions and concerns. During this stressful time I felt fortunate to have a well rounded attorney like Sam representing me. He treated me like a real person in a very challenging situation, not just a $$ # and next. Sam has a very rare quality of sincerity that is evident in all he does. He is also very knowledgeable and caring. So , before you plunk down a big chunk of money for a "well known" or a "big name" attorney and take a chance..... Give your self a real chance for the best outcome possible in your situation from a consultation with Sam. I had never been in any kind of "situation" with the law before, but after the trust I placed in Sam, I now refer him to anyone needing an affordable, winning attorney with great integrity....Sam Berns.

Posted by Spencer | January 15, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Bankruptcy & Debt

Lawyer I hired 4 years ago got me a great deal was very knowledge able and was always there to answer questions....

I hired and paid Samuel for his services and not only did he come in cheaper than the others I talked to he treated me like I was his only client, it has been almost 4 years since that point and I have called him for questions ranging from filling bankruptcy to my girlfriend's disablity claim he has ...always called me back within 24 hours and consulted me on anything that he could help me with. When I went to get my record expunged he offered to help but I couldn't afford it so he still talked me through the process and I was able to get my record expunged solely based on his help. In a world where everything has a price the amount that I paid was worth every penny and he is honest and looking out for your best interest. I would recommend Samuel to anyone that needs a lawyer. I know have a great job that I was only able to get because my record is clean and my life is back on track thanks to the work that this man did. I all the other lawyers I talked to treated me like a customer when my life was hanging in the balance. Sam is different. Thanks for all you have done for me Sam.

See All Client Reviews

Samuel David Berns's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Samuel
Amber Lyn Zehrung headshot
Amber Zehrung

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Sam and I worked together for a few years in the same office. We continue to work together on cases in the criminal courts. Sam is trustworthy and very knowledgeable. I would have not problem referring him criminal defense cases"

Theodore R Slater headshot
Theodore Slater

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 07

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Mr. Berns is one of the most skillful attorneys I have ever worked with. If your matter is in his hands, then it is in good hands!"

Ghazal Sharif headshot
Ghazal Sharif

DUI and DWI lawyer | Aug 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Samuel Berns is one of the best attorneys in Rocklin and Placer County area. He has over 10 years of experience. He fights hard for his clients and does not back down. As recently as last week, a jury found his client not guilty of a case no other attorney would even take to trial. He is kind, responsive, and the best attorney you can have on your side!"

Zachary Philip Merliss headshot
Zachary Merliss

DUI and DWI lawyer | Aug 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Sam Berns is highly knowledgeable, compassionate, and well-respected in the community. I certainly endorse this lawyer."

Benjello Isaac Jacob headshot
Benjello Jacob

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Berns is not only an excellent lawyer, but he is a sharp wit and a pleasure to work with. Any client of his should feel secure in that they are receiving a high level legal counsel."

Helen Fong Martin headshot
Helen Martin

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. He's a zealous advocate for his clients."

Shelby Nicole Alberts headshot
Shelby Alberts

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Sam is an excellent advocate for his clients. I have sought his advice on my own matters in the past. I endorse his work."

Arezou Bakhtjou headshot
Arezou Bakhtjou

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse and highly recommend Sam Berns. He is a zealous advocate and a passionate defender of his clients' rights. He is knowledgeable and dedicated and I am honored to know and have worked with him. His clients are blessed to have him as their lawyer."

David Gregory Cohen headshot
David Cohen

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 19

Relationship: Supervised lawyer

"Sam is the go to guy on any Marijuana issue in Northern California. I happily endorse this Lawyer."

Stanley Robert Switzer headshot
Stanley Switzer

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 26

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer for any criminal cases in Placer County."

Samuel Eugene Spital headshot
Samuel Spital

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 14

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Sam Berns went to one of the top law schools in California and focuses his practice on all aspects of criminal defense. I am honored to endorse him after working with a joint strategy on a mutual case -- Sam handling the criminal aspects and I concentrating on the administrative law state Board licensing issues. Sam went above and beyond to protect his client in coordinating the case with my law firm, being mindful of the unintended consequences."

View All Endorsements
Amber Lyn Zehrung headshot
Amber Zehrung

Criminal defense lawyer

Theodore R Slater headshot
Theodore Slater

Litigation lawyer

Michael Cory Mapes headshot
Michael Mapes

Contracts and agreements lawyer

Zachary Philip Merliss headshot
Zachary Merliss

Criminal defense lawyer

Richard Bennett Salles headshot
Richard Salles

Unknown lawyer

Helen Fong Martin headshot
Helen Martin

Criminal defense lawyer

David Gregory Cohen headshot
David Cohen

Criminal defense lawyer

Arezou Bakhtjou headshot
Arezou Bakhtjou

Criminal defense lawyer

Shelby Nicole Alberts headshot
Shelby Alberts

Criminal defense lawyer

Bonnie Sarah Landles-Dowling headshot
Bonnie Landles-Dowling

Estate planning lawyer

Stanley Robert Switzer headshot
Stanley Switzer

Criminal defense lawyer

Samuel Eugene Spital headshot
Samuel Spital

Administrative law lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.5 (Superb)

Honors

2023

Best Local Attorney, Placer Herald

2022

Best Law Office - Rocklin Best of the Best, Gold Country Media

2022

Best Local Attorney, Placer Herald

2021

Best Law Office - Rocklin Best of the Best, Gold Country Media

2021

Best DUI Lawyers in Roseville, Expertise.com

2021

Best Local Attorney, Placer Herald

2017

Client's Choice, Avvo

2009

Cali/Witkin Award for Trial Advocacy, UC-Hastings College of the Law

Work Experience

2016 - Present

Attorney, Law Office of Samuel D. Berns, Inc.

2010 - 2016

Attorney, Law Office of Mark A. Berg

2010 - 2010

Law Clerk, Sonoma County Public Defender's Office

2009 - 2010

Law Clerk, Marin County Public Defender's Office

2009 - 2009

Law Clerk, Solano County Public Defender's Office

2007 - 2010

Law Clerk, Law Offices of William G. Panzer

Associations

2021 - Present

Coalition of Concerned Legal Professionals

Attorney Sponsor

2021 - Present

Coalition of Concerned Legal Professionals

Attorney Sponsor

2017 - Present

Nevada County Cannabis Alliance

Legal Adviser

2016 - Present

Placer County Growers Association

Legal Adviser

2011 - Present

NORML Legal Committee

Attorney Member

2010 - Present

Placer County Bar Association

Attorney Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Assault with a Vehicle

Not guilty at jury trial

Cannabis Fines for an Absentee Landlord

98% Fine Reduction

Transportation of Cannabis

Case Dismissed

See More Legal Cases

Education

2010

UC Hastings COL

JD - Juris Doctor

2005

Univ of Wisconsin

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2021

CEB Online Legal Education Arraignments, Plea Bargains, Sentencing

2020

Quoted on the Radio and Accompanying Article Injustice in Administrative Cannabis Hearings in Sacramento

2020

Online Legal Education Seminar DUI Administrative Hearings

2020

CEB Online Prop 64 Relief

2019

CLE - Ulrich, Nash & Gump The Current State of Cannabis Penal Law

2018

PCBA Spring Conference Cannabis Business Law

2018

420 College Sacramento Seminar

Cannabis Laws and Business Setup

2017

Livestream MCLE

Cannabis Laws CLE

2017

Cannabis Business Basics

Cannabis Laws and Business Setup

2017

420 College Sacramento Seminar

Cannabis Laws and Business Setup

2016

Multiple Seminars

Cannabis Laws and Business Setup

2009

Marijuana Panel featuring US Attorney and others

Introduction and Organization

Publications

2023

Placer Herald Rocklin Best of the Best

2023

Placer Herald Best Local Attorney

2021

Placer Herald Rocklin Best of the Best

2011

Documentary Defending Three Strikes

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