federal criminal defense attorney

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, 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.

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 Legal Defense 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.