The Law Offices of Joseph D. Bernard P.C. Team
Our Attorneys
Our lead attorney Joseph D. Bernard and our associate attorneys Erica M. Bruno and Jennifer H. Diggles are the driving forces of our defense team. Attorney Bernard, Attorney Bruno and Attorney Diggles work in collaboration to provide our clients with the support that they need throughout the court process.
Attorney Bernard has over twenty years of experience as a practicing attorney and has shown true leadership in the area of OUI defense throughout his career. He has been lead counsel in the statewide litigation challenging the scientific reliability of the breathalyzers used in Massachusetts, which has ultimately led to an eight year exclusion on the use of breath test evidence. He has authored OUI treatises and is regularly invited to speak at seminars to lecture on the strategies of OUI defense.
Attorney Bruno is revered in the courtroom as a talented young lawyer with passion, drive and wit. She is exceptionally skilled in the area of impaired operation, and has successfully established new favorable case law with her legal challenges at the Massachusetts Appeals Court.
Attorney Whalen has over 35 years of experience as an attorney. Starting his career in the Northwestern District Attorney's office in 1985, Dean spent two years prosecuting in both District and Superior Court. In private practice, he specialized in criminal defense and has handled hundreds of criminal matters.
Our Staff
Our administrative staff is the backbone of our firm. While Attorney Bernard, Attorney Bruno and Attorney Diggles are advocating for our clients in court, our trusted staff is here to make sure that our office runs smoothly and efficiently. The staff will be in contact with you to gather all information and documents related to your case, to schedule appointments, and connect you with our attorneys so that all of your questions can be answered.
Our Experts
We work with subject matter experts from around the country to build strong defenses in court. Our experts are our teachers — from accident reconstruction to forensic laboratory quality standards to breath and blood testing to police training, the in-depth knowledge of these individuals supports our defense work in and out of the courtroom.
-crop2.jpg "Dean M. Whalen Photo")
-min.jpg "Stephen Streeter Photo")
Awarded in the Industry
From the Berkshires to Boston, The Law Offices of Joseph D. Bernard represents individuals charged with operating under the influence. We are passionate attorneys who sincerely care about our clients and the challenges they are facing. We not only fiercely defend our clients in court, but counsel our clients through the court process with respect, empathy and understanding.
- Massachusetts Lawyer of the Year
- National Lawyer of the Year for Drunk Driving Defense
- Only Lawyer in Massachusetts to Have Completed the Breath Test Training Conducted by the State Police
- Only Lawyer in Massachusetts to be Certified by the International Acclaimed Borkenstein Drug and Alcohol Courses
- Hampden County Kent Smith Award
- Certified Training for Field Sobriety Tests
Our Values
Our practice takes on a limited number of cases in order to deliver quality legal representation. We believe in quality over quantity, and it is our goal to provide our clients with the attention and expertise they deserve. We are here to provide you with dependable communication and a legal strategy designed specifically for your life and your case. When you work with us, you can rest easy knowing our firm has your back every step of the way.
Understanding the science involved with OUI cases is critical to our defense. When science is changing and improving, our defenses should evolve too. One of the core principles of our firm is to continue our education in the science of impaired operation matters, including standardized field sobriety tests, breath and blood testing, drug recognition expert training, accident reconstruction, and the physiological impact of alcohol and drugs on the human body.
Lawyers Who Provide a Scientific Defense
-
Trained Breath Test Machine Operator
Attorney Joseph D. Bernard is the only lawyer in Massachusetts to have completed the breath test training conducted by the state police.
-
Certified Field Sobriety Test Administers
Our attorneys are certified administers of the field sobriety test by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
-
Former Assistant District Attorney
We understand OUI cases from both sides of the fence and know exactly how to defend our clients.
-
Unique Certification & Expertise
Attorney Joseph Bernard is the only lawyer in Massachusetts to be certified by the internationally acclaimed Borkenstein drug and alcohol courses. Attorney Bernard is also the only lawyer in Massachusetts who is a member of the American Chemical Society.
Real Client Reviews
See How We've Helped Other People in Your Shoes-
“I'm here to tell you as someone who went through it and knows how scary it is when you are facing that black hole and approaching the event horizon and realize that you are about to lose everything you ever knew and fought for, this is the man you want.”
- Former Client -
“Listen to Atty Bernard when he gives the advice. His staff was great. Thank you, Joe, and keep up the good work.”
- Avvo User -
“Joe is very knowledgeable and experienced with MA DUI laws. We worked well together to come up with the best solution for my case. The outcome was what I was hoping for and could not be more pleased.”
- Former Client -
“I was extremely confident with the representation of the firm. Their rates are reasonable, their professional and they not only handled one state but two. They clearly knew the law and I would gladly use them again if I needed it.”
- Former Client -
“I was very pleased with the expertise and professionalism with which Attorney Joe Bernard managed my case. It quickly became clear to me that he has the experience and respect of his peers necessary for effective litigation. I’ll always be grateful.”
- Avvo User