Massachusetts Criminal Defense Attorneys
If you have been arrested for drunk driving, shoplifting or some other crime, it is perfectly natural to feel scared, nervous and intimidated. You are at the mercy of the police who have you in custody, and they are not inclined to make you feel comfortable about your situation. Always remember that you have rights. You have the right to an attorney and the right to remain silent, and you are presumed innocent unless and until you are proven guilty in a court of law. Make the most of your situation by vigorously protecting your rights. Do not agree to submit to questioning by the police; instead, call an experienced criminal defense attorney and follow your lawyer’s advice. You will start to feel more at ease and more in control of the situation, knowing you have an advocate on your side who understands the law and legal procedures and will not let you get taken advantage of.
In Massachusetts, call Scalli Murphy Law. We are experienced Massachusetts criminal defense attorneys ready to advise you and represent you at every stage of a criminal prosecution, from arrest and arraignment to bail hearings, pre-trial motions, plea bargaining and trial. We will work to resolve the matter in your favor at the earliest possible step (assuming that is the best course of action for you), keeping you educated and informed so you can make the best decisions and participate in your case. You have too much at stake – your liberty, your finances, your driver license, your job, your reputation – to roll over and plead guilty without first understanding the strength of the prosecutor’s case, what defenses you have available, and the different options you have at your disposal. An experienced criminal defense attorney from Scalli Murphy Law can explain all this to you and will have your back, no matter what you decide.
Drunk Driving/Drugged Driving
Massachusetts OUI/DUI laws are strict and come with harsh penalties. For just a first offense, you can face up to two and a half years in prison, fines from $500 to $5,000, and a one-year suspension of your driver’s license. Penalties rapidly increase for subsequent offenses, including mandatory jail time. The law also imposes enhanced penalties under some circumstances, such as if you had a child in the car or if you caused a car accident that resulted in serious bodily injury.
Our OUI/DUI defense attorneys will examine the circumstances surrounding your arrest, including whether the police had cause for the initial stop, whether they had reason to test, and whether they followed proper police procedures. We’ll present all viable defenses to get the charges dropped or reduced or fight your case in court. Alternatively, if a plea is your best or preferred option, we’ll advocate to avoid entry of a conviction on the Court record, to set up hardship license (“Cinderella License”) eligibility and to obtain the least permissible punishment available under the law.
Domestic Violence
Massachusetts domestic violence laws apply to, such acts as physical harm, threats or harassment between current or former spouses, current or former household members, relatives, people who have a child in common, and people who are or were in a “substantive” dating relationship. Alleged abusers can be immediately put under Abuse Prevention Orders or Harassment Prevention Orders. These orders can prohibit you from having any contact with the other person. They can force you to leave the home, and you can lose custody of your kids and be prohibited from contacting them. You can also be ordered to pay support and other expenses, be ordered to give up your firearms, and more.
If you are placed under a restraining order, you should be notified of a hearing scheduled within about ten days. It’s very important to attend this hearing and give your side of the story. You’ll have the opportunity to present evidence and convince the judge not to implement a long-term order. If the judge does issue an order, you might be able to influence how that order is fashioned, so it is not overly restrictive on your life.
However, while not required to have an attorney representing you, we strongly recommend you have a qualified and experienced Massachusetts attorney representing you at such hearing.
While issuance of a Restraining Order or Harassment Prevention Order is not a criminal offense, after issuance any alleged violation by you of the order is a criminal offense. You are subject to arrest and likely will be arrested if/when the party protected by the RO or HPO alleges you broke any protective term of the order. If it is claimed that you broke the order, you are not entitled to a civil hearing. You will be charged criminally, arraigned, subject to bail and have to, thereafter defend yourself against the criminal charge of violating the order.
Again, do not take the initial RO or HPO hearing lightly as, should the order issue or be extended, you may be in grave jeopardy in criminal court at some future date or time.
Other Criminal Matters We Handle
Our firm takes on a variety of criminal legal matters. If your particular case is outside of our regional area or areas of expertise, we’ll put you in touch with a qualified attorney or law firm who can take care of your needs. Doing our best for you means providing the utmost representation when we can and referring you to another trusted professional when it is in your best interest for us to do so. Contact Scalli Murphy Law for help with any Massachusetts criminal arrest or prosecution, including:
- Drug Crimes – Possession, possession with intent, distribution, drug trafficking
- Theft Offenses – Larceny, shoplifting
- Motor Vehicle Crimes – Reckless driving, leaving the scene of an accident involving personal injury or property damage, drag racing
- Homicide Offenses – Murder, manslaughter, negligent or reckless homicide
- Violent Crime – Assault, battery, dangerous weapons
- Public Nuisance Offenses – Disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace
If outside Massachusetts, call us as we can usually help you find qualified local counsel wherever needed.
Do not Gamble With Your Future. Call Scalli Murphy Law for Criminal Defense in Massachusetts or for a referral if outside Massachusetts boarders.
If you’ve been arrested in Massachusetts for a traffic infraction, misdemeanor crime or felony offense, call Scalli Murphy Law at 617-387-7000 for immediate assistance.
