Massachusetts Criminal Lawyer

Any type of behavior or conduct that poses a danger or threat to society may be considered to be a crime. In Massachusetts, crimes fall under two categories: misdemeanor, less that one year of imprisonment and felony, more than one year of imprisonment. When a crime is committed in Massachusetts, the criminal may be penalized by community service, imprisonment, paying a fine, probation, or a combination of the above. Punishments for perpetrators differ, depending on the statutes enacted by various local, state, and federal government legislatures and jurisdictions. Intent is a big factor in criminal cases. To determine the guilt of alleged criminals, it is usually very important to establish that the criminals were not only of the right state of mind, but had the intention to commit the crime.

Two fundamental rights are given to those charged with or suspected of committing a crime in Massachusetts: the right to an attorney and the right to a fair and speedy trial. These rights make sure that those guilty will be punished for their actions while societal freedoms are preserved. Because the legal system is so convoluted, it is almost impossible for those with no legal education to represent themselves. Therefore, whether guilty of innocent, when involved in a criminal proceeding, retaining an experienced and knowledgeable defense attorney is crucial.

One of the main roles of Massachusetts prosecutors is to determine which criminal charges to file. This is a crucial task, as it will set the tone for the entire case. Defense attorneys decide whether a judge or a jury will decide the outcome of the case. If the outcome will be determined by a jury, both the prosecuting and defense attorneys will select jury members. Defense attorneys are also likely to perform tasks such as:
  • Negotiating deals and making arrangements with prosecuting attorneys to reduce charges for more lenient sentencing.

  • Establishing objective and realistic perspectives on the situation, so defendants are educated before making important decisions (plea bargaining, whether or not to go to trial, appeals, etc.).

  • Using their familiarity with local prosecutors, courts, and judges to reach some form of settlement quickly.

  • Hiring private investigators, locating witnesses, and collecting witness testimonies.


    • Because Massachusetts criminal law is such a specialized field, it is crucial to do some research to ensure the attorney has the suitable experience and credentials. Find out if the attorney is licensed and in good standing with the state bar association. Have all facts and proper documentation ready during the first meeting with the criminal attorney. Be completely honest when answering questions and make sure you at completely at ease, and never hesitate to ask the attorney any questions you may have.

    By Iris Ching           


     

    Locate a Massachusetts Criminal Lawyer:

    Victor, Raphel and Grimaldi, P.C.
    1350 Belmont Street, Suite 101
    Brockton, Massachusetts 02301

    The Law Offices of John C. Manoog III
    450 South Street
    Hyannis, Massachusetts 02601

    Robert O. Berger
    11 Beacon Street, Suite 1210
    Boston, Massachusetts 02108

    Randy Gioia
    151 Merrimac Street 2nd Floor
    Boston, Massachusetts 02114

    Quinn & Morris
    141 Tremont Street, Suite 600
    Boston, Massachusetts 02111-1209

    Oakley, O'Sullivan & Eaton, P.C.
    89 Main Street
    Andover, Massachusetts 01810

    McWalter, Barron & Boisvert, P.C.
    30 Monument Square, Suite 145
    Concord, Massachusetts 01742-1857

    Lesser, Newman, Souweine & Nasser
    39 Main Street
    Northampton, Massachusetts 01060

    Law Offices of Robert H. D'Auria, P.C.
    41 North Road, Suite 205
    Bedford, Massachusetts 01730

    Larkosh & Jackson, LLP
    20 Meshacket Road, P.O. Box 9000 PMB #193
    Edgartown, Massachusetts 02539

    Kristen Jay Patria
    128 Prichard Street
    Fitchburg, Massachusetts 01420-3509

    Kerstein Coren Lichtenstein & Finkel LLP
    60 Walnut Street, 4th Floor
    Wellesley, Massachusetts 02481

    Keegan and Flanagan
    1495 Hancock Street
    Quincy, Massachusetts 02169

    John Joseph McArdle
    101 Tremont Street, Suite 1100
    Boston, Massachusetts 02108

    John J. Hickey
    4 West Street
    Franklin, Massachusetts 02038

    James R. Rosencranz
    Faneuil Hall Marketplace Center, 200 State Street-3 North
    Boston, Massachusetts 02109-2612

    George F. Kelly, Esquire
    930 Main Street
    Springfield, Massachusetts 01103

    Fitzsimmons Law Offices
    The Fitzsimmons Building, 255 Main Street
    Weymouth, Massachusetts 02188

    Feinberg & Kamholtz
    125 Summer Street
    Boston, Massachusetts 02110

    Elliot M. Weinstein
    83 Atlantic Avenue
    Boston, Massachusetts 02110

    Del Prete & O'Neill, P.C.
    2 Franklin Commons
    Framingham, Massachusetts 01702

    David Burgess & Associates
    37 Main Street, Suite 1
    Concord, Massachusetts 01742-2529

    Carey & Slater, P.C.
    380 Lowell Street, Suite 202B
    Wakefield, Massachusetts 01880

    Berman & Dowell
    210 Commercial Street
    Boston, Massachusetts 02109-1305

    Andrews & Updegraph, PC
    70 Washington Street
    Salem, Massachusetts 01970


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