Boston Criminal Defense Lawyers

Assault and Battery

Assault and battery cases in Massachusetts are serious matters. They often start from an argument or a misunderstanding, only to escalate – or from an off-handed comment that was misunderstood. Often times, alcohol leads to A&B charges. Sometimes these charges can be filed even if there is no physical harm caused to the victim. Depending on the severity of the assault, if convicted of A&B one can face significant jail time along with heavy fines.

Once you have been charged with assault and battery, or just simple assault, or you have been informed that you are under criminal investigation for this crime, your first priority should be to hire an experienced and competent Boston Criminal Defense attorney.

Aggravated Assault & Battery | Assault with Intent to Kill | Assault with Intent to Rob or Murder

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence charges are taken very seriously in Massachusetts, and they may result in serious penalties including permanent restraining orders, fines and jail time. Recent changes to domestic violence laws in the state make it so police officers have an obligation to arrest somebody who is charged with domestic assault. Given the new effort to protect victims from intimidation, you may still be tried and punished even if a victim officially recants their charges.

In order to ensure you are given a fair trial and treated justly under the law, it is imperative to consult with a criminal defense lawyer in the wake of any arrest for domestic violence. You may simply have wound up on the wrong end of an accusation where the person reporting the crime didn’t fully grasp the seriousness of their claim. We understand the sensitivity of being charged with domestic violence and have decades of experience handling these matters in Massachusetts courtrooms.

Drug Crimes

Although Massachusetts has made progressive strides in its drug possession policies, harsh penalties still exist for possessing large quantities of certain drugs – even if you never intended to sell them to anybody else. There are a lot of factors that go into defending a drug charge case, things such as if minors are involved, the quantity of drugs on the person, was it in a school zone, do you have a previous record.

If you are arrested on drug charges, it is vital to have a criminal defense attorney who can assess the situation and see if it is possible to reduce your sentence, or explore avenues to have the case dismissed if possible.

When it comes to marijuana, Massachusetts has entered uncharted waters, with recreational marijuana coming online in July of 2018 there remains a lot of gray areas which may require legal consultation. It is illegal, for instance, for a police officer to initiate a traffic stop simply because there is an odor of burnt marijuana present. If such a stop leads to the officers finding other charges which you are then arrested for, we may be able to get your case dismissed due to false pretenses leading to the arrest. The only way to know which options are available to you is to consult with one of our criminal defense experts today.

Drug Trafficking | Federal Drug Crimes | School Zone Drug Violations

Drunk Driving/OUI

Being arrested for operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, drugs or other mind-altering substances are the kind of charges that can seriously impact your life and leave you suffering the consequences of them for years to come. These charges can result in significant financial penalties, insurance implications and even jail time – and these charges only get more severe for second and third-time offenders – so consulting with an attorney for how to navigate this delicate situation is absolutely essential.

It is possible to appear in court and win at trial to dismiss the charges of operating under the influence, however this requires significant evidence and an attention to legal procedure that only an experienced DUI defense attorney can provide. The attorneys at Altman and Altman have handled many such cases over the decades, and will provide you with the most sound legal advice to either fight your case or the minimize the damages of your penalties.

Federal Crimes

Committing a federal crime – like mail and credit card fraud, identity theft or kidnapping – is an incredibly serious offense which can result in sentences that go all the way up to life in prison without the possibility for parole. There is no room for incompetence from your defense attorney in such cases, as you will get no leniency from a judge or a federal prosecutor at the Joseph Moakley Courthouse in Boston during your trial.

The experienced attorneys at Altman & Altman LLP have successfully represented numerous clients in federal court hearing and trials. We understand the delicate nature of the federal criminal procedure and how to navigate it for the best results of our clients. . If you have reason to believe you are being investigated for a federal crime, contact Altman & Altman LLP today for a free consultation and assess your options.

Arms Trafficking | Computer Crime | White Collar Crimes

Gun/Weapons Charges

Being arrested for carrying an unlicensed firearm, even if there is no ammunition accompanying the gun, can lead to a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 2.5 years in Massachusetts, of which you must serve at least 18 months before being eligible for parole. Needless to say, a gun charge in the Commonwealth is a charge that should never be taken lightly.

There are many different types of gun charges in Massachusetts, such as carrying a weapon without a license, possession of a firearm in commission of a felony, discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling, carrying a loaded firearm while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, assault and battery by discharging a firearm. Massachusetts has some of the toughest gun charge laws in the country. If you have been arrested with a gun or weapons charge it’s imperative that you contact an experienced Massachusetts charge lawyer.

Juvenile Crimes

Any crime that implicates a juvenile must be handled delicately, whether dealing with a high school aged juvenile, underage drinking or a college student caught up in a collegiate investigation. We have the experience to represent any student, whether they are facing charges from their school, university or charges brought against them by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

With over 50 years of experience and over 100 colleges in Massachusetts we have handled numerous college investigations, hearings, meetings at the school’s inter-disciplinary system. We are keenly aware of what is at stake for college students that have been charged with a crime or are being investigated for misconduct.

For juveniles and their family members, any crime which leads to a possible sentence – whether in juvenile court, or if they are charged as an adult – can be a horrifying and traumatizing experience. It is important to have a defense attorney who not only understands the intricacies and special Constitutional rights of a juvenile, but also has the understanding that the client is also still a child, and needs a comforting and steady presence as they navigate a crucially-important crossroads in their life. The juvenile criminal defense attorneys at Altman & Altman LLP take that responsibility seriously.

Underage Drinking | Juvenile Delinquency | Possession of a Fake ID

Motor Vehicle Offenses

Motor vehicle offenses encompass a huge array of charges, from simple traffic violations to much more serious offenses like hit and runs or leaving the scene of an accident. In any case, whether it was an accident, a bad decision or if you were unaware that you even committed a crime, it is important to immediately know what your rights and options are.

For less serious violations, you may very well be able to win your case simply by showing up to a hearing. In cases which could potentially result in jail time or losing your driver’s license, it is crucial to employ the services of an experienced attorney who can provide you multiple courses of action and give you an honest summation of your situation in plain language. Our decades of experience can go a long way toward letting you keep your license and stay on the road.

In addition to handling motor vehicle violations in courts across the Commonwealth, the attorneys from Altman & Altman LLP have successfully handled hundreds of cases at the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles as well.

Reckless Driving | Operating an Uninsured Motor Vehicle

Outstanding Warrants in Massachusetts

Having an outstanding warrant in Massachusetts can be a scary experience, but not understanding the consequences of what an outstanding warrant means can make it even scarier. The charges issued in the warrant may be less serious and they may also be life-altering, but our experienced Boston Criminal Defense Attorneys can assist you no matter what the situation. A major part of our practice is clearing up outstanding bench warrants.

With more and more courthouses updating their databases on line, we have seen a jump of in clients being informed that there is an outstanding warrant for them. Some of our clients are living out of state when they are informed of their outstanding Massachusetts warrant. We have successfully cleared warrants for our clients that live out of state – often without them having to come back to Massachusetts.

The knowledgeable defense attorneys at Altman & Altman LLP will be able to provide you with a comprehensive, free legal consultation to assess your options and explore what possibilities there are for reducing your possible sentence, or fighting on your behalf in court. You may also be unaware that there is a warrant for your arrest, and we will assist you on what next steps to take.

Restraining Order & 209A Violations

Our Boston criminal defense attorneys will help you understand the details of any restraining order. Restraining order violations can happen accidentally, for example if a defendant happens to see a movie in the same theater as the one who filed a restraining order. It is likewise a violation to send messages to a person who has placed a restraining order against you through a third party, such as a friend or family member.

It is also important to understand that the circumstances surrounding a restraining order being filed can be suspect in some cases, such as a scorned ex-spouse making up lies as an attempt to manipulate the law in order to get their former significant other out of their life. In such cases, we will stop at nothing to advocate on your behalf and prove your innocence.

At Altman & Altman LLP, we have a successful history representing individuals who have been charged with 209A violations, and we will utilize that depth of experience when representing you.

Sexual Assault Charges

Being charged with a sexual assault is serious, and no matter the circumstances it is imperative to connect with a criminal defense attorney who will diligently advocate on your behalf. The days immediately following a sexual assault charge are crucial, and we will waste no time crafting a case in your defense and protecting your rights. It is generally in your best interest not to talk to the police before contacting a lawyer well versed in sexual assault defense.

If you have been falsely accused of sexual assault, or you had what you thought was a consensual sexual encounter with somebody who proceeded to accuse you of sexual assault, then you must act quickly and consult with an experienced criminal attorney. Rape, sexual assault, indecent assault, are incredibly serious charges and if you have been charged or are being investigated for these charges the need for an experienced Boston criminal lawyer is obviously imperative.

Such charges can cause significant damages in all aspects of your life, so do not waste a minute in securing your defense.

Indecent Exposure | Internet Sex Crimes | Statutory Rape

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