Best Boston Criminal Lawyers

Do I Need a Boston Criminal Lawyer?

Getting in trouble with the law is scary, regardless of where you are – or what you’ve done.  When the police knock on your door, you may feel alone or feel like no one understands. A good Boston criminal defense lawyer can help at this critical time. The Boston criminal attorney you hire knows the law and will fight for your rights. Here’s why you need one of the best by your side.

They Know the Law

Laws are complicated! Criminal laws are different than bankruptcy laws. Boston Criminal lawyers spend years learning all the tiny details. They know what is legal and illegal. They understand court rules and processes too. Often, they know the prosecutor, and the judges, due to years of practicing law. This expertise and knowledge helps them build the strongest possible defense for you. Your attorney can spot issues regular people overlook. Their knowledge gives you a better chance of a good result. Many people think not hiring an attorney when facing criminal accusations, or they’ll take the plea deal from the prosecutor – this is a bad idea.

They Have Courtroom Experience

Facing a judge is intimidating for anyone. Prosecutors are intimidating and they are trying to win. They are not going to play fair. While they won’t break, they’ll walk up to the line and bend it. Hiring your own criminal defense attorney in Boston is super critical- their goal is to win. They know what to say and how to act, both inside and outside of court. They can handle surprises calmly. Years of experience in Boston courtrooms let them predict what will happen. It’s definitely fair to say, the right attorney has experience which gives them confidence to fight for your rights.

Many cases in Boston do not go to trial. Attorneys often work out deals with prosecutors beforehand. It’s possible the prosecutor may agree to drop charges or reduce penalties. When you hire a private criminal attorney, they push for the best possible deal for their client. They know when to compromise and when to dig in. This skill can lead to a fair outcome without trial.

When you’re accused of a crime, the system seems like it’s setup against you – that you are going to lose. The police, prosecutor and judge do not have your interests in mind. Your Boston criminal lawyer is the only one solely on your side. Their duty is to you first. Smart criminal attorneys use their knowledge of the law to fight fiercely for you.

How Do I Find the Best Boston Criminal Lawyer for Me?

Look for Experience with Your Criminal Charges

Find Boston criminal lawyers who regularly handle cases like yours. You wouldn’t hire a plastic surgeon to handle cancer, would you? The same goes here. When hiring a criminal lawyer, look for someone who specifically practices criminal defense – and has experience handling cases such as yours. It’s important you look for a criminal attorney who is familiar with the courts and judges in your jurisdiction. Their specific experience gives them insight few others have.

Seek out Trial Experience

While most cases settle, you want someone who is willing, and capable, of taking your case to trial. Criminal lawyers with litigation experience are best prepared for this. In some cases, the wrong lawyer might not be capable of going to trial – or have no experience presenting your case in front of a jury, and cross-examining. It’s important as you look at Boston criminal attorneys – you find someone who has the confidence and skills to mount a vigorous defense in court if needed.

Consider their Resources

Top law firms have teams supporting their lawyers with research, analysis and case prep. This depth of resources can aid in building a strong defense case. Solo practitioners may not have the same level of backup and resources.

Look for Clear Communication

One of the great things about Spodek Law Group is our online client dashboard. Everything you need, can be found and communicated through this. When you’re looking for criminal defense lawyers – you need a lawyer who can break down complex issues in understandable terms, and communicate them effectively.

Trust Your Gut Instinct

This is your future, so go with your gut. The intangibles of rapport, authenticity and personal connection matter. Choose a lawyer you have confidence in and feel respected by.

Conclusion

Facing criminal charges can be overwhelming. The legal system is complex. But having an experienced Boston criminal lawyer on your side levels the playing field. Their expertise in the law, courtrooms and negotiations make them invaluable supporters. Take time to choose the right one and you can feel confident you have excellent representation. With their counsel, you can make informed decisions on how best to proceed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do criminal defense lawyers cost?

Costs vary by experience and case complexity. Simple misdemeanors may start around $1,500, while serious felonies can cost $25,000 or much more. It’s possible for more complicated federal cases to cost up to $100,000 in fees. It all depends on who you’re your hiring. The average fee of a criminal attorney can vary, but often will be in a general range – depending on experience and the size of the law firm you’re hiring.

Should I hire a public defender or private lawyer?

Public defenders are free but often are handling many cases. Private lawyers cost more, but focus just on you. It all depends on what you can afford. It is usually suggested you hire a private Boston criminal defense attorney, instead of going with a public defender.

What kinds of cases do criminal lawyers handle?

All types – drug charges, white collar crimes, violent felonies, sex crimes, weapons charges, probation violations and more. Here’s a list of the most popular crimes that criminal lawyers often see and handle:

• Theft/Larceny – Taking property without permission
• Assault – Physically attacking or harming someone
• Battery – Use of force on someone physically
• Burglary – Illegally entering a building to commit a crime, especially theft
• Robbery – Taking property by force
• Murder – Unlawfully killing someone with malice
• Manslaughter – Unlawfully killing someone in the heat of passion
• Rape – Forced non-consensual sexual intercourse
• Fraud – Deceiving someone for personal gain through false representation or promises
• Identity Theft – Stealing someone’s identity or personal information to impersonate them
• Vandalism – Deliberately destroying/damaging property
• Arson – Maliciously setting fires to structures or property
• Shoplifting – Stealing goods from a store without paying
• Cybercrime – Crimes carried out online or using computers/technology
• Drug Possession/Trafficking – Illegal possession or distribution of drugs
• DUI/OUI – Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Tax Evasion – Illegally not paying owed taxes
• Embezzlement – Stealing money given to you by an employer
• Forgery – Falsifying a document or signature for fraudulent purposes
• Perjury – Lying while under oath
• Bribery – Offering a bribe to influence a person’s conduct
• Money Laundering – Concealing illegally obtained cash/money
• Counterfeiting – Producing fake currency or forged documents
• Racketeering – Organized criminal activity for profit

Can a lawyer get criminal charges dropped before trial?

Yes, through plea bargaining and negotiating with the prosecutor – it is possible for a lawyer to get criminal charges dropped. Often, this means hiring the attorney in the early stages of the trial.

Are public defenders as good as private attorneys?

They are often amazing professionals. But private lawyers potentially have more time and resources to devote on your case. Private attorneys are getting compensated more usually, and can afford to pay for more resources.

How quickly should I hire a lawyer after arrest?

Immediately! The early stages of a criminal defense case are crucial. An attorney can intervene to protect your rights from the outset. Often, the early stages are the most important because crucial mistakes are made then which seal your fate.

Should I hire a Private Criminal Defense Lawyer in Boston?

The success of a Boston criminal defense attorney—whether he/she is public or private—will depend on a variety of factors, including but not limited to:

• The complexity of the case they’re handling
• The jurisdiction in which the case is tried
• The specific charges
• The skill and experience of the attorney in question
• Resources available for case prep

Often many public defenders have a lot of excessive cases. They are also usually non-profit, which means they simply don’t have the resources a for-profit private attorney has.

That said, there are some general observations:

1. Workload: Public defenders usually have a higher caseload compared to private attorneys. Because of the limited resources public defenders have, this may limit the amount of time they can dedicate to each case on their docket.
2. Resources: Private criminal attorneys have more resources at their disposal, including, but not limited to, paralegals, private investigators, and expert witnesses.
3. Specialization: Some private Boston attorneys specialize in specific areas of law, such as criminal defense, which may give them an edge.
4. Client Selection: Private attorneys can choose their cases, while public defenders are assigned cases. While going with a private attorney doesn’t mean he/she can win, it might be good if their prior case results are indicative they can get you a good outcome too.
5. Financial Constraints: Public defenders are generally free, but may not have the resources for extensive case preparation, expert witnesses, etc., which could potentially impact the case outcome. As a result, it’s good to hire a private criminal defense attorney in Boston who has those resources since he/she is charging more.
6. Plea Bargains: Many studies have shown that public defenders are more likely to accept plea deals compared to private attorneys. It could mean they are not as likely to go to trial, and lack trial experience compared to private attorneys who regularly go to trial.