Given the high conviction rate that prosecutors in the Boston area achieve, you might think you’re behind the eight-ball when criminal charges are levied against you. The evidence might seem stacked against you, leaving you feeling like there’s no way to convince a...
General Criminal Defense
What are my child’s rights when they are arrested?
The Massachusetts juvenile justice system operates in parallel to the criminal justice system for adults, but with some key differences. Most importantly, the juvenile justice system provides more opportunities to avoid incarceration and the long-term damaging effects...
What are the consequences of a shoplifting conviction as a minor?
Raising a child is challenging, especially as your child gets older and begins doing more on their own. When your child is out with friends, you likely can’t help worrying about what they are doing and hope they are safe. Often, the last person you want to hear from...
What happens at a pre-trial hearing?
The criminal process can feel extremely confusing and overwhelming, particularly if this is your first experience with it. Aside from the nervousness over appearing in court and worrying about what will happen to you, you might be anxiously wondering what the next...
What are the pros and cons of my criminal case going to trial?
When people in Boston and the surrounding areas are confronted with criminal charges—no matter what they are for—they will have questions about what happens next. People tend to maintain a vague notion of how the court system works based on watching the news, reading...
A criminal conviction can significantly impact your career
Massachusetts residents facing a criminal conviction usually focus on the more obvious consequences, such as fines and jail time. However, the impact on your career is an often-overlooked consequence of a criminal conviction. Your fines might be paid, you may have...
The difference between misdemeanors and felonies in Massachusetts
Being accused of any crime in Massachusetts can have a major impact on your personal and professional life, and it gets much worse following a conviction. Any criminal conviction should be taken seriously, but it’s important to understand how the law ranks the...
Breaking down the three main stages of a criminal case
Looking at your criminal case in its totality can quickly become overwhelming. At first glance, the prosecution’s case may seem insurmountable, and your future may feel like it is in jeopardy. However, by educating yourself about the major phases of a criminal case,...
What is an arraignment?
When a person is apprehended on suspicion of a crime, the whole arresting procedure can be overwhelming. Appearing in court, however, can be even more intimidating. For many people who are either going through this again or for the first time, not knowing what the...
Which criminal charges carry a mandatory minimum sentence?
If you’re facing criminal charges, then your primary concern is probably the potential penalties that you’re facing. There’s good reason for that concern, too. After all, depending on the criminal charges that you’re up against, you could be hit with extensive jail or...