(781) 531-8673Criminal Defense Attorneys in Melrose, MA
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 experienced Massachusetts 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 You Not Do After You Have Been Arrested?
If you have been arrested in Massachusetts, you should take some preemptive steps to ensure that your criminal case is not jeopardized.
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 you feel uncomfortable with an officer’s line of questioning? Ask for your lawyer, and don’t let them convince you that “only guilty people ask for their lawyer.”
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 result in more charges. While you obviously want to keep your hands to yourself, this also means don’t take the bait. Officers may try to get a rise out of you so you slip up during an argument.
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. They may claim they have the right to search you or your property. Always insist on seeing a warrant. Ensure the name and address on it are accurate. 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. Use this exact phrasing:
“I am invoking my right to remain silent. I want to speak to a lawyer.”
Do not be vague when invoking your rights, and do not continue speaking with the officer after you have asked for an attorney. It is not uncommon for an officer to seem “buddy-buddy” after you ask for a lawyer in order to lower your guard and get you to talk. Watch out for phrases like:
“We can’t work with you when you ask for a lawyer.”
“We’re just having a conversation.”
“If you didn’t do anything wrong, you don’t need a lawyer.”
And so on. These are trigger phrases used to invoke fear and keep suspects talking when they shouldn’t be.
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 You Need a Criminal Lawyer for Arraignment?
In Massachusetts, you are not required to have an attorney present during the arraignment. Arraignment is not a criminal trial but a 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 even ask to release you on your own recognizance. Having the professional advice of a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer from the beginning can ensure you are going into any legal situation prepared and educated.
What Happens if You 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 clearing up the arrest warrant. Otherwise, the police will be actively looking for you at your home or workplace. Failure to appear is its own crime, so missing your court date will not only make defending your case more difficult, but it may also see you being charged with new charges.
What Happens if You Don’t Hire a Criminal Law Attorney?
There is no such thing as a “minor” criminal charge. Sure, some charges are less serious than others, but any criminal charge will likely negatively impact your life both immediately and in the long run. If you take this on alone, you risk:
- Unintentionally incriminating yourself.
- Missing important legal deadlines.
- Being tricked into confessing to a crime you are not guilty of.
- Being tricked into an unfair plea deal.
- Losing your right to own firearms, especially in instances of domestic violence charges.
- Struggle with rental and employment background checks.
- Your criminal record will likely follow you for the rest of your life.
When charged with a crime, you need a law firm that will aggressively defend your rights. Many criminal charges carry heavy fines and penalties. Felony charges can land you with a prolonged prison sentence. Your freedom is literally on the line. You might be thinking you can’t afford a lawyer when you should really be thinking you can’t afford not to hire one.
Should You Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney as Soon as You Are 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. Your criminal defense lawyer will start defending your innocence the moment you hire them.
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.