Do I need a lawyer?

"Do I need a lawyer?"
If you have to ask this question, the answer is probably “yes.” The severity of your circumstances can be determined only with the aid of an experienced lawyer, and only after he is familiar with the facts of your case.

What if I am innocent of the charges brought against me?
The reality is, if you have been charged with a crime, you are assumed to be guilty. The prosecutor, the public, probably the judge, and, at the outset, the jury, will believe you are guilty. We like to think that truth and justice prevail, but it is not always so. People are found guilty of crimes they did not commit.

The only way to ensure that your rights are defended and that you have someone fighting for you is to retain a qualified, experienced lawyer. Make no mistake: The system is set up to convict people. You need a skilled defense lawyer to fight for you.

The only way to ensure that your rights are defended and that you have someone fighting for you is to retain a qualified, experienced lawyer. Make no mistake: The system is set up to convict people. You need an experienced defense lawyer to fight for you.

Do I need a lawyer if my case is still under investigation and no charges have been filed against me?
Yes, your need for effective legal representation is just as great during the course of the police investigation. It is important to note that police and prosecutors do not always give people the benefit of doubt before they file charges. They often make mistakes, and they are not always thorough. Don’t assume that the police will fairly decide whether you should be charged.

Any evidence in your favor needs to be investigated and preserved by your lawyer as early as possible. In many cases he is able to bring evidence to the attention of the police and prosecutors before charges are filed—and persuade them not to file charges against you. It is often easier to convince prosecutors not to file charges in the first place than to persuade them to dismiss charges once filed.

Should I speak with the police?
No! Make no statement and sign nothing. If the police think that you will talk, they may try to interview you. You may even believe that this is your chance to tell your story. However, the police are not there to clear you of suspicion. Their role is to gather evidence to convict you of a crime. When the police ask you questions, the first—and only—words out of your mouth should be: “I won’t answer any questions without my lawyer.”

The police regularly use deceptive tactics and lie to people under investigation. They say that if you tell them your side of the story, they will not arrest you. That is a lie. It is a regular police tactic used in the hope that those accused will make a statement which can later be used against them in court

The police will try to trick you into talking without a lawyer by saying things like:

"If you didn't do it, you don't need a lawyer. You are not a suspect. Only guilty people ask for a lawyer! This is your only chance to tell your side of the story!"

.These are lies the police frequently tell in hopes of getting you to give up your right to consult with a lawyer and to have that lawyer present with you during questioning. If the police can trick you into talking without a lawyer, they will take advantage of your limited understanding of the law.

For example, did you know that the person who drives the car in a bank robbery can be found guilty of murder and armed robbery if a guard is shot? This is true even if the driver never entered the bank and had no idea his partner was armed. You have a right to remain silent and to have a lawyer present during any questioning. Many people sitting in prison today would be free if they had exercised their rights!

Whether you should speak with the police is an extremely important and complex decision, one that can only be made with the advice of competent legal counsel.

What can my lawyer do if the charges have already been filed?
First, we will evaluate the evidence and determine if the government can prove its case against you. Sometimes prosecutors are mistaken about the strength of their evidence and can be persuaded to abandon their case after hearing both sides of the story. Other times, prosecutors can be persuaded to dismiss charges because of changes in the evidence. We always look for police mistakes or illegal tactics that can be the basis for suppression of evidence or dismissal of the charges against you.

If we can’t obtain a dismissal of charges, we will help you evaluate whether it is in your best interest to go to trial or to obtain a negotiated plea bargain. Only a skilled criminal defense lawyer can evaluate your chances for success at trial.

What if I just want to plead guilty?
If you wish to accept responsibility and plead guilty, an experienced defense lawyer can help ensure that you are treated fairly and reasonably. The penalties for many offenses are unexpectedly harsh, and the government is not always inclined to graciously accept your plea and agree to leniency. In fact, you may be able to take responsibility for the offense without suffering the ramifications of a guilty finding on your record. You do not have to just submit yourself to the system.

In short, you should never simply count on the mercy of the court or prosecutor. You will seldom find it. If you intend to admit to an offense, you need a lawyer who will take the time to learn who you are, where you come from, and where you wish to go—a lawyer who can obtain the very best disposition for you.

We represent clients in and from these and other counties, towns and cities:

Boston , Lawrence, Lowell, Peabody, Newburyport, Gloucester, Worcester, Danvers, Amesbury, Andover, Beverly, Haverhill, Ipswich, Lynn, Lynnfield, Manchester , Marblehead, Middleton, Nahant, Reading, Reading, Rockport, Saugus, Salem, Swampscott, Topsfield, Newbury, Winchester, Wilmington, Woburn, Belmont, Brighton, Cambridge, Charlestown, Chelsea, Chestnut Hill, Dorchester, Arlington, Watertown, Everett, Hyde Park, Lexington, Malden, Mattapan, Medford, Melrose, Newton, Quincy, Revere, Roxbury, Somerville, Stoneham, Waltham, Wellesley, Weston, Winthrop, Essex, Suffolk, Middlesex, Worcester, Plymouth.