A criminal charge can affect your freedom, your job and your future. A Massachusetts criminal defense lawyer works to protect your rights and guide you through each stage of the court process.
What your lawyer may do from the start of a case
Your defense can begin before your first court date. Early decisions can shape how your case moves forward. A criminal defense lawyer often handles the following:
- Review the evidence: Police reports, witness statements, body camera footage, lab results.
- Advise you on your rights: What to say, what not to say, how to handle police contact.
- Represent you in court: Arraignments, bail hearings, pretrial conferences, trials.
- Negotiate with prosecutors: Reduced charges, diversion programs or plea agreements.
- File legal motions: Suppress unlawfully obtained evidence or seek dismissal of weak charges.
- Prepare for trial: Select a jury, cross-examine witnesses, present defense evidence, deliver closing arguments.
- Evaluate appeals: Challenge legal errors if a conviction occurs.
Each step can influence the outcome. A well-prepared motion can limit what evidence a jury sees. A focused negotiation can reduce potential penalties.
How Article 12 shapes your defense in Massachusetts
Under Article 12 of the Massachusetts Declaration of Rights, you have core procedural protections in a criminal case. These include the right to due process, the right not to incriminate yourself and the right to a trial by jury.
Article 12 also requires that serious charges proceed by grand jury indictment and that accusations be fully and plainly described. The Supreme Judicial Court has interpreted Article 12 to provide strong protections in some circumstances. These rights can affect how evidence is challenged and how the prosecution must prove its case.
Taking the next step to protect your future
If you face charges in Massachusetts, you may benefit from speaking with a criminal defense attorney as early as possible. An attorney can review the facts, explain how state law applies to your situation and help you understand the possible paths forward.