Home > Practice Areas > Criminal Defense

BOSTON CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY

Criminal Defense Lawyer in Boston Massachusetts

If you or a loved one has been arrested in the Boston area, it is critical that you consult a skilled Boston criminal attorney that will protect your rights. A conviction on a criminal charge can haunt you for the rest of your life. Not only is your freedom at stake, a criminal record can make it difficult to find a job and can also affect other privileges like traveling and driving a car legally. Don't let just any lawyer handle your case. The Boston criminal lawyers of Joshua Spirn and Associates have the courtroom experience to guide you through this difficult process and ensure a favorable outcome in your case.

Criminal Charges

If you have been arrested for any crime in Boston, our experienced Boston criminal defense lawyers can help. We will make every effort to make sure that your constitutional rights are protected. In order to get a favorable outcome in your case, we will thoroughly investigate your case including all documentation, facts, and witnesses involved.

In the Massachusetts court system, criminal charges can be filed in either District Court or Superior Court. The main difference is that in District Court, it is up to the police departments to decide if someone should be charged for a crime, and in the Superior Court, it is up to the county's District Attorney's Office to decide to charge someone with a crime. If your charges are filed by the District Attorney's Office in Superior Court, the case will be heard by a Grand Jury.

The Arrest

Arrests do not always happen at the scene of the alleged crime, although that is typical in most cases. The statute of limitations allows for authorities to make an arrest within a certain time frame after a crime has been committed. After the police arrest a suspect in a crime, they are required to take the alleged perpetrator before a Magistrate or Judge as soon as possible- normally within 24 hours of making the arrest.

Booking of Suspect

Police will take the suspect to at least one police station where they will question you and try to get basic information about you. In most situations you will be photographed and fingerprinted. Video surveillance is set up in the majority of Boston's booking rooms. You will be provided with an opportunity to contact an attorney, which you should definitely take advantage of. You will likely be asked to speak with police about your arrest and case. DO NOT TALK TO THE POLICE BEFORE CONSULTING AN ATTORNEY. Your attorney will provide you with the proper action to take in the best interest of your case.

The Arraignment Process

Your first appearance in court following your arrest is commonly referred to as 'arraignment'. Unless the arraignment is waived, you will be asked by the judge to confirm your identity and enter a plea. This is also the first time you will hear the actual charges you are facing. Having a qualified Boston criminal defense attorney with you at your arraignment is crucial for negotiating bail and conditions of release from custody.

Bail

Bail is often determined by a Bail Commissioner at the police department where you were booked. In some cases the suspect can be denied bail at the police department. Either way, at your arraignment the judge will formally state your bail or change the amount set forth by the Bail Commissioner depending on the situation and your attorney's negotiation skills.

Future Court Dates

Following the arraignment, your case will continue on through the court system. Along the way there will likely be motions, discovery, conferences, and scheduled trial dates as your case makes its way through the court system. The outcome will depend on the specific circumstances of your case and the hard work and diligence of the attorney you chose to work with. No two cases are the same, and every case requires a unique defense strategy.

EXPERTISE

Our Practice covers a wide array of crimes, concentrating in such areas as:

• Criminal Defense
• Drug Crime
• Sex Crime
• Violent Crime
• Assault
• Juvenile Crime

• Domestic Violence
• Parole Violation
• OUI (Drunk Driving)
• Homicide
• Gun Charge
• and more...

EXPERIENCE

A Boston based law firm, Joshua Spirn & Associates have been practicing law in Massachusetts for over ten years. Our commitment is to our clients. We offer the utmost in service and experience assisting our clients.

RELIABILITY

Joshua Spirn & Associates has tried more than 300 cases and negotiated thousands of pleas. Our firm is also a Better Business Bureau Accredited Business.