Criminal Defense Lawyers in Melrose, Massachusetts 

Defending Individuals Charged With Criminal Offenses

If you or a loved one has been arrested and charged with a criminal offense, you most likely are feeling frightened and anxious about the future. If you are facing criminal charges in Massachusetts, you need to speak with an Massachusetts experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

Time is of the essence when choosing a criminal defense lawyer. It is in your best interests to obtain skilled legal representation as soon as you possibly can. It is much better for your criminal defense lawyer to start at the beginning of your case rather than come in during the middle of legal proceedings.

Massachusetts prosecutors are known to be overly aggressive when it comes to prosecuting criminal cases. You need a criminal defense lawyer who understands how the legal system works and is not afraid to stand up to the state and fight aggressively for your freedom.

The Melrose, Massachusetts criminal defense lawyers from the Martino Law Group, LLC are intensely committed to fighting to have your criminal charges completely dismissed or reduced. If it becomes necessary to go to court, we pledge to do all that we can to obtain a favorable resolution for you.

What Should I Not Do After I Have Been Arrested?

If you have been arrested in Massachusetts, there are some preemptive steps that you should take in order to ensure that you do not do anything to jeopardize your criminal case.

Do not have unnecessary conversations with the police: It is important to keep in mind that a police officer is not talking to you in an effort to be your friend. Often, when they are making small talk, they are really trying to lull you into a false sense of security, and in all likelihood, they are attempting to gain information to use against you.

Do not talk about your case on the phone: If you are at the police station and use the phone, be certain not to discuss the details of your case. Typically, all calls made from the police station are recorded. It is legally permissible for law enforcement officials to use statements that you have made over the phone against you.

Do not fight with the police: Although this should be obvious to anyone who has been arrested, it still needs to be stated. Fighting with the police will only gain you even more charges.

Do not give law enforcement permission to search without them having a search warrant: If the police do not have a search warrant, do not allow them to search your car, home, or yourself. Be firm but polite.

After you have been arrested, the one step that you definitely do need to take is to call a criminal defense attorney immediately. Be certain to tell the police that you are not willing to talk to them without a defense attorney being present with you during questioning. Following these instructions can save you and your criminal defense attorney a great deal of time and trouble as your case progresses through the legal system.

Do I Need an Criminal Lawyer for Arraignment?

In Massachusetts, you are not required to have an attorney present with you during the arraignment. Arraignment is not a criminal trial but instead is the time when the criminal charges are first read against you. Therefore, you will still have the opportunity to obtain legal representation as your case moves through the judicial system.

Nonetheless, there are numerous advantages to hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney before your arraignment hearing. For example, an attorney can advise you about which plea you should enter based on the facts that surround your case. Additionally, a skilled defense attorney can negotiate with a judge to reduce the amount of bail that the state is asking for or to even ask to release you on your own recognizance.

What Happens if I Do Not Show Up for Court?

One of the worst actions that a defendant in a criminal case can take is not to show up for court. Not showing up for court is known as Failure to Appear in Massachusetts and can result in you being charged with Contempt of Court. When you fail to show up for your scheduled court date, the judge will issue a warrant for your arrest.

Once an arrest warrant has been issued in Massachusetts, it does not go away on its own. The greater the length of time that the warrant remains active also works against you. The judge may view you as an individual with no consideration for the court’s authority.

If you miss a court date, you need to contact a criminal defense attorney immediately. Your Massachusetts criminal defense attorney can assist you with having the arrest warrant cleared up. Otherwise, the police will be actively looking for you at your home or workplace.

Should I Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney as Soon as I Am Arrested?

After you have been arrested and charged with a crime, you may think that there is no way that you can afford to hire a criminal defense attorney. Being charged with a criminal offense in Massachusetts can have long-lasting consequences and can seriously impact your future in terms of gaining employment, receiving benefits, and holding a professional license, not to mention putting your future in danger.

A knowledgeable criminal defense attorney can explain each stage of the legal process and what to expect. Your attorney can also help you understand and identify the strengths and weaknesses of your case. In some cases, one added benefit of hiring a criminal defense attorney is that they can examine the evidence against you and possibly have your case dismissed early on or even prevent formal charges from being filed entirely.

By invoking your right to have a criminal defense attorney present with you during questioning, you protect your rights and guard against saying something that can be held against you at a later date. If you have been arrested and charged with a crime, the criminal defense lawyers of the Martino Law Group, LLC of Melrose, MA, can help. Contact our law group by calling (781) 531-8673 and ask to speak with a criminal defense attorney. We are happy to assist you during your time of need.