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Defend Your Rights and Freedom Against a Massachusetts Criminal Charge!

If You've Been Arrested in Massachusetts, You Probably Feel That No One Is On Your Side.

If you're facing criminal charges here in Massachusetts, you may feel alone, depressed, overwhelmed, hopping mad, or all of the above. And now you've got to figure out what you are supposed to do. You're probably asking yourself  "Where can I go to get the best criminal defense legal advice to get out from under this mess?"

I'm here to help. My name is Elliot Savitz. I'm a criminal defense lawyer here in Massachusetts. Defending and protecting people caught up in our criminal justice system is what I do. It's all I do.

People who call me about their criminal cases generally fall into two categories:

1. I can't believe this happened to me. I made a stupid mistake and I'm completely embarrassed. What can I do to make this go away, or at least minimize the damage and move on with my life? This will never happen to me again.
2. I can't believe this happened to me. These charges are complete BS. I didn't do anything wrong, and the person accusing me is not telling the truth.

In both situations, I can help give you the legal advice and the outcome you need. And I know how to beat criminal cases. I've fought and won cases in practically every district court in Massachusetts, and I'm known as a zealous and tireless advocate for my clients.

But either way, if you are facing a criminal charge and have a Massachusetts court date coming up soon, don't wait to seek out advice. The longer we have to look into your case and file the necessary defense motions, the better your chance to beat the charges.

What Penalties am I Facing Under Massachusetts Laws?

The penalties under Massachusetts criminal laws vary considerably depending on the exact crime you are charged with, whether it is a misdemeanor or a felony, whether you have prior offenses, and other factors. Many criminal charges do have mandatory minimum penalties. Please take a look at my specific criminal charge pages to the left, or on my MA criminal charges & penalties page. If you can't find the answer you're looking for, just call me and I'll help you out.

Even seemingly minor charges like a simple drug charge - possession of marijuana - can have unfortunately harsh penalties, like loss/suspension of driver's license for six months. You need to consider those factors when thinking about how to defend your criminal case.

Any criminal record can impact your life in countless ways. It will follow you around for the rest of your life and show up on simple background checks. It could impact your ability to get the job you want, or a scholarship. And now, it can even limit your travel. Canada won't let people into the country if they have even a minor misdemeanor conviction on their record.

Can I Really Win My Criminal Case in Court?

Absolutely. Many, if not most cases are winnable. Even in cases where the facts look bad, and the evidence against you initially looks strong, there are always options. There have been countless times I've found facts in our favor after a little digging, or mistakes by the police or prosecutors that I could use against them.

I can frequently find ways to beat cases by filing a motion to suppress evidence against you to get a dismissal, or a motion to remand a case back to a show cause hearing in front of a clerk magistrate, where I can argue the evidence against you is weak, and the charges never should have been filed.

There are many legitimate due process arguments, and Constitutional protections you have as a defendant, under the US and Massachusetts state Constitutions. And there are other evidentiary defenses, and police and legal procedures that must be followed before the state can convict anyone of a crime.

Now, I can't guarantee a successful outcome - no honest lawyer can. But I can guarantee I will fight hard and look for every opportunity to get you the best result possible.

I can also work with the DA to get charges reduced, and penalties dropped down to restitution, community service, or other lesser punishments that you feel you can live with.

Either way, I'll be an advocate for you and your interests. I'll listen to you, and help you figure out what to do, and what's best for you. I've got the experience and knowledge to beat cases when other lawyers might talk you into pleading guilty. Just ask me about cases similar to yours -  whether it's a drug possession, shoplifting, assault, or any other criminal charge - and I'll tell you about cases I've won at trial, or gotten dismissed.

I Think I'm Guilty and Just Want to Plead Guilty.

Many people ask me what I can do for them if all they want to do is take responsibility, plead guilty and move on. That's fine, noble, and honorable, but it doesn't mean you have to accept a punishment that is unfair or harsher than you deserve. There's no justice in that.

And there are legitimate, legal and completely fair ways to accept responsibility for a criminal charge that doesn't have to ruin your life, and can actually still keep your record clean. These include:

• Pretrial diversion programs: under Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 276a, there is an allowance for a judge to divert your case to a community service program, or other alternate program in what is known as a pretrial diversion. If you complete this program, your arrest and charge can be dismissed without ever appearing on your record.

• Remand to Clerk's Hearing: If the evidence for the arrest is thin, I can file a motion to have the case remanded back to a clerk magistrate's hearing, where the incidence can potentially be voided for lack of compelling evidence of a crime.

• Diversion to rehabilitation program: For a person who is drug dependent, under 111a there is a provision for a person to be diverted to a rehab program instead of put through the criminal justice system on a drug possession charge. We must convince a judge that you would strongly benefit from drug treatment, and avoiding criminal penalties is in the best interest of justice.

and there are more alternatives we can discuss. Judges actually have a tremendous amount of discretion to make riminal charges go away. So with relatively minor criminal charges, and first time offenders, if we can give him or her a compelling reason to cut you a break, that actually happens much more often then people realize.

If you walk into court without a lawyer defending you, there will be no one looking out for your interests. The judge just wants to move the case off the docket. The DA just wants to get a conviction and close the case. No one is particularly concerned with treating you fairly.

I will make certain you are agreeing to a criminal penalty that is reasonable and appropriate. I can make sentencing arguments in the interests of fairness and justice. And by pleading guilty, you are doing them a favor, so you should get something in return. I can argue that the DA should drop lesser charges or civil penalties in exchange for your plea.

And it still may not be that simple. I'll take a careful look at your case to make sure you were treated fairly when you were arrested and processed. Even if you are willing to admit you "did the crime", that doesn't give the police the right to violate your rights or disobey the rule of law. It's important for all of us that I work to keep the system honest.

About Massachusetts Criminal Defense Attorney Elliot Savitz

If you want more information about me, you can read my attorney bio, or ask me about my background when we speak. I will tell you that I focus on criminal defense exclusively and I've helped people charged with nearly every possible criminal offense. I know how to guide your case through the complexities of the Massachusetts courts and legal system because I've done it countless times.

By focusing my attention, training, and skill on criminal cases, I've developed a lot of defense strategies that frankly, few other lawyers tend to use. I love knowing that I'm doing right by my clients, and often getting cases dismissed that few other lawyers would challenge. Lawyers who also do real estate closings, estate planning, or other work in addition to criminal defense just aren't as familiar with the best arguments and defenses, and what works in front of judges in Massachusetts criminal cases (and what doesn't). My focus is a real benefit to my clients.

I stay highly active in the Massachusetts Criminal Defense Legal Community to keep up with the latest trends, laws, and defenses, and I help mentor young attorneys who are interested in criminal defense. I'm Vice President of the Plymouth County Bar Advocates, and I'm a member of the Plymouth and Norfolk County Bar Associations, and the Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (MACDL). And in 2002, I was honored as Plymouth County Bar Advocate of the Year.

Why Offer Free Advice and Consultations? What's the Catch?

There is no catch, and I'll tell you the exact reasons that I consult with and give free advice to anyone who's facing a criminal charge in Massachusetts.

It's the right thing to do. You have the right to talk to and evaluate any lawyer before you hire him or her. You're in a serious situation with real consequences, so figuring out your options and hiring the right lawyer is a critical decision. And the only way you can really evaluate a lawyer in a way that is helpful to you is to talk about your case. So it just make sense that I'll be giving you my advice and opinions anyway.

I think I'm very good at what I do and there is a good chance you will hire me if we speak. I have a strong record of success fighting and beating criminal charges. I may tell you things and give you information that other lawyers won't, and you can decide for yourself if I'm the best Massachusetts criminal defense lawyer for you.

Again, you are under no obligation to hire me. If you choose not to do so, that's ok. You can keep my free advice, and do with it whatever you wish.

But if you care about finding the best lawyer to defend criminal charges in Massachusetts, you should at least talk to me and find out what I have to offer. You have nothing to lose, so why not give me a call now at (781) 326-2700.

I do many consultations right over the phone, during evenings, or on weekends if necessary. We can also meet in person to discuss your case, and go over your paperwork and police report.

The initial consultation or meeting is free, so there is no risk on your part. It's a chance for to find out what your options are to protect your rights.

If are accused of a criminal offense in Massachusetts, and you don't know what to do, call me now at (781) 326-2700. My law offices are in Dedham, MA and Brockton, MA. You can meet me at either of my offices in greater Boston, or I'll travel throughout the Boston area, Eastern Massachusetts, or the South Shore to meet you where it is most convenient. I travel to courts across the state to represent clients facing any criminal charge. Call for a free, no-obligation criminal defense legal consultation now.

  Sincerely,

Elliot Savitz, Attorney at Law
Massachusetts Criminal Defense Lawyer

30 Eastbrook Road
Suite 201
Dedham, MA 02026
(781)326-2700
Call anytime 24 hours a day.

I accept credit cards for your convenience. See my criminal defense fees page.

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