Areas of Practice

Our firm offers a range of services to our individual and business clients. Because our firm is relatively small, our clients benefit by getting personalized, quality service that is beyond comparison. Below we have listed the services that we offer to our clients along with a brief description.

Traffic Violations
Most traffic violations are considered minor criminal offenses. Even minor mechanical or speeding violations can have serious consequences, leading up to your license being suspended if you have several infractions over a short period of time. Frequently, you will have to pay the fine listed on the face of the ticket, and there is also a strong possibility that your vehicle insurance premiums will increase.

DUI / DWI
Driving While Intoxicated ("DWI") is considered a serious crime in every state. DWI and Driving Under the Influence ("DUI") refer to the same crime. Drinking alcohol or taking drugs may affect your ability to operate cars, boats or industrial equipment in a safe manner. It is against the law in every state to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Felonies
Felonies are any of several grave crimes such as murder, rape and burglary, for which a punishment greater than that of a misdemeanor is provided. Such a crime may carry extensive jail time and fines. Felony cases are not handled in a District Court, but rather bound over to the Circuit Court.

Misdemeanors
Misdemeanors are "lesser" criminal acts which are generally punished less severely than felonies but more so than infractions. Depending on the jurisdiction, examples of misdemeanors may include petty theft, prostitution, simple assault, trespass, vandalism, and the like. In general, misdemeanors are crimes with a maximum punishment of one year or less of imprisonment.

Juvenile Law
Many of the offenses for which young adults under the age of eighteen are charged are similar to adult crimes, ranging from traffic misdemeanors to violent felonies. Karl L. Bertram, P.C. has extensive experience handling every type of serious criminal charge that your child may face. A variety of juvenile court matters have been handled at the law office of Karl L. Bertram, P.C., including:

• Underage alcohol consumption or possession
• Drug use, trafficking and drug possession
• Arson or other vandalism
• Traffic violations, including speeding and driving without a license
• Assault and battery
• Shoplifting, theft or other property crimes
• Gang-related activities
• Trespassing
• Sexual misconduct