Best Criminal Lawyer in Massachusetts
Joe Serpa
Criminal Lawyer
Georgetown University Law Center
University of Massachusetts at Amherst
Boston Bar Association
Massachusetts Bar Association
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Joseph B Simons
Criminal Lawyer
Since Attorney Joseph Simons founded the firm in 2012, he has amassed a string of incredible wins. Attorney Simons believes in focusing on one practice area and doing it well. For him, it’s criminal defense. Joe has never been a prosecutor. He attributes his success to creative thinking, long hours, and smart collaborations with his team.
Attorney Simons enjoys the intellectual challenges that come with handling difficult and complex cases. The best part of the job is winning a case that other lawyers have deemed impossible; he compares his craft to that of a surgeon, as his clients have so much at stake. His clients are mothers and fathers, teachers and doctors, teenagers and CEOs. They come from all walks of life.
Sought after across the state, Attorney Simons has represented clients in over 90 courts in Massachusetts, and has been retained to represent clients in New York, Florida, New Hampshire, Maine, and Illinois. Based in downtown Boston, Attorney Simons has successfully represented clients across the state. His hard work as a Boston criminal defense lawyer has achieved acquittals and dismissals on serious felony charges, including Armed Home Invasion, Drug Distribution, Rape, Forgery, Embezzlement, and Carrying a Firearm without FID Card.
Attorney Simons has been recognized by his peers, earning a 10 out of 10 rating on avvo.com, being named a “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers, and a “Top 100 Trial Lawyer” by The National Trial Lawyers.
David Yannetti
Criminal Lawyer
Boston Criminal Defense Attorney David Yannetti’s polished trial skills and professional demeanor have earned him the respect and admiration of clients, peers, competitors and judges throughout Massachusetts and the country. Attorney Yannetti has successfully tried important, high-stakes cases that were broadcast gavel-to-gavel on Court TV, New England Cable News and other networks, earning high praise from other commentators and legal experts. Mr. Yannetti himself has appeared as a legal analyst on Fox News, CNN, and I.D. Channel. Attorney Yannetti competed in the 2008 “Battle of the Lawyers” sponsored by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly, a charity event designed to showcase masterful trial lawyers re-creating their famous closing arguments. Attorney Yannetti was chosen by a celebrity jury to have given the “Most Compelling Argument”, thereby naming him the winner of the event.
Attorney Yannetti has been selected to the exclusive Massachusetts and New England “Super Lawyers” list in Boston Magazine every year since 2007. In order to be named a “Super Lawyer,” an attorney must survive a rigorous and discerning selection process. Lawyers nominate other lawyers, who are then evaluated by a blue-ribbon panel consisting of top attorneys within each practice area. The blue-ribbon panel considers such factors as an attorney’s honors and awards, his experience, his scholarly lectures and writings, his education and employment background and other outstanding achievements. In the end, only 5% of Massachusetts lawyers are selected for inclusion in the Super Lawyers list. Attorney Yannetti is proud to be among them, as a highly rated criminal defense attorney.
WILLIAM BARABINO
Criminal Lawyer
With a law firm located in Medford, Massachusetts, defense attorney William Barabino has the experience necessary to successfully represent clients in a broad range of criminal defense matters, from driving offenses to drug charges.
The key to success in the courtroom is often thorough preparation. Motivated by a passion for justice, Mr. Barabino dedicates hours to thorough preparation that protects his clients’ freedom. He researches legal issues, investigates facts and considers arguments. The result? He creates a strong defense that challenges prosecutors at every step of the way — excluding evidence from trial and forcing them to prove each element of a crime beyond a reasonable doubt.
Boston criminal defense attorney William Barabino has been a staple in the legal community for several years. He has the experience, skill and ability to ensure that you obtain the best results possible. Whether you are charged with a single misdemeanor offense in the District Court or a lifetime felony offense in Superior Court, he is ready to fight for every right that you deserve – and he is with you every step of the way. You can be confident you will have a lawyer that has represented individuals charged with offenses ranging from Homicide, OUI/DWI/DUI, License Suspensions, Juvenile Offenses, Domestic Assault and Battery, Drug Possession, Firearms Charges, Domestic Restraining Orders, Probation Violation, Sex Crimes as well as a range of other offenses.
Ernest Stone
Criminal Lawyer
After more than twenty years as a lawyer representing people during the most stressful times of their lives, I don’t think people really care where I went to law school or what bar associations I belong to. I don’t blame them. When we are working together for months at a time, and sometimes longer, we really get to know each other. What is important is our trust, and how we work together.
There are a few things that I believe in that guide me in representing people.
When I am not representing people in court, I love to fly fish, especially in the rivers and bays of the North Shore. My wife will tell you I don’t catch much, but I believe in catch and release, so I don’t bring many fish home.
My wife is a high school teacher. She used to teach biology, then got frustrated that some of her students couldn’t read well, so now she teaches reading. I love going to her classroom once in a while to talk with the students about legal issues they have read about. I’m always impressed with how smart they are, even if they don’t realize it.
Stephen Neyman
Criminal Lawyer
In the mid 1980’s Mr. Neyman began practicing law in San Francisco, California with the firm of Wilhelm, Thompson, Wentholt and Gibbs serving as an associate attorney in the criminal and civil litigation departments. He later served as a Deputy District Attorney in the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office prosecuting various South Central and Southeast Los Angeles gang members. After successfully handling and prosecuting hundreds of gang cases ranging from drug offenses to murders Mr. Neyman moved to Massachusetts where in 1990 he opened his own law practice.
Mr. Neyman’s office initially concentrated exclusively on criminal defense work. The clientele grew to include among others, students, career criminals, professionals and CEOs of large corporations. The cases ranged from traffic violations to major felonies. As the practice expanded, Mr. Neyman began to handle some of these clients’ high end civil cases on a selective basis. A sampling of some of the cases handled by our offices are detailed in the PRACTICE AREAS pages of this website.
Brad Bailey
Criminal Lawyer
If you are facing serious criminal charges in Massachusetts and the greater New England area, Boston criminal defense attorney Brad Bailey should be your first choice of representation and defense. Having worked for over a decade as highly successful state prosecutor in both NY and MA, and as a federal prosecutor in MA (as well as formerly serving as a County Sheriff), Brad uses his extensive experience and knowledge of law enforcement and criminal prosecutions to provide unparalleled criminal defense for his clients in state and federal courts.
Born and raised in Massachusetts, Brad has been happily married for over 40 years. He is the father of four adult children, and is a grandfather. A college athlete at Harvard himself, Brad was proud to see each of his children attain athletic success at the high school and collegiate levels, and he is well-versed in MIAA rules and regulations, as well as governing codes of discipline of high school and collegiate athletics. Brad is an avid fan of all of Boston’s professional sports teams, and is active in his local community.
Frank Fernandez
Criminal Lawyer
Frank Fernandez has over 25 years of litigation experience in both complex civil and criminal matters. Criminal cases he handles range from State district court matters to large Federal Conspiracy cases. As a former prosecutor, he is able to build the best defense possible for his criminal clients having had extensive trial experience in both prosecuting and defending cases as a Boston criminal lawyer.
Attorney Fernandez has been involved in large civil litigation cases involving personal injury and death. He was involved with the “Big Dig” case a wrongful death case in which a faulty ceiling panel fell on to a passing car killing the wife of the plaintiff. After numerous depositions and settlement talks, the matter was resolved short of trial with the plaintiff receiving a 23-Million-dollar settlement. He has been involved in other wrongful death claims resolving in multi-million-dollar settlements.
Facing Criminal Charges in Massachusetts? Why You Need a Top-Tier Lawyer
The prospect of criminal charges can be unsettling and leave you feeling overwhelmed by the complexities of the legal system. In Massachusetts, navigating the criminal justice process requires a skilled and knowledgeable advocate on your side. Here’s why securing the best criminal lawyer in Massachusetts is crucial for protecting your rights and achieving the best possible outcome:
1. Unmatched Knowledge of Massachusetts Criminal Law:
The intricacies of criminal law vary significantly from state to state. Massachusetts has its own unique legal code, court precedents, and procedures. A top-tier criminal lawyer licensed in Massachusetts possesses a thorough understanding of these nuances, allowing them to:
- Interpret State Statutes and Case Law: They can meticulously analyze your case within the framework of relevant Massachusetts criminal statutes and interpret key court decisions that may influence the outcome.
- Stay Current on Legal Developments: The legal landscape is constantly evolving. Your lawyer actively monitors changes in Massachusetts criminal law, ensuring your defense strategy reflects the most up-to-date legal principles.
- Identify Potential Legal Issues: Their deep knowledge of state laws allows them to anticipate potential legal challenges and proactively address them in your defense strategy.
2. Expertise in Diverse Criminal Defense Cases:
Criminal cases encompass a wide spectrum of offenses. The best criminal lawyers in Massachusetts specialize in defending clients facing a variety of charges, including:
- Violent Crimes: Assault, homicide, domestic violence
- Property Crimes: Theft, robbery, burglary, vandalism
- Drug Crimes: Possession, distribution, manufacturing
- DUI/DWI: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- White-Collar Crimes: Embezzlement, fraud, money laundering
- Traffic Offenses: Driving violations, license suspensions
This extensive experience allows them to tailor their defense strategy to the specific details and complexities of your case, maximizing your chances of a successful outcome.
3. A Guardian of Your Constitutional Rights:
The criminal justice process is built upon the foundation of your fundamental rights. Top-tier criminal lawyers in Massachusetts are committed to safeguarding these rights throughout your legal journey:
- The Right to Remain Silent and Right to an Attorney: Your lawyer ensures you understand these crucial rights and protects you from any potential violations by law enforcement.
- Ensuring Due Process: They meticulously review all legal procedures to guarantee you receive fair treatment under the law.
- Challenging Unlawful Searches and Seizures: If your rights were violated during a search or seizure, your lawyer can fight to suppress any illegally obtained evidence.
4. Unveiling the Truth Through Meticulous Investigation:
Building a strong defense starts with a thorough understanding of the facts. The best criminal lawyers conduct a comprehensive investigation into your case, including:
- Analyzing Police Reports and Witness Statements: They meticulously scrutinize police reports and witness statements to identify any inconsistencies or weaknesses.
- Securing Exculpatory Evidence: Your lawyer actively searches for any evidence that may support your innocence or mitigate the charges against you.
- Consulting with Experts: When necessary, they may collaborate with experts like forensic investigators or ballistics analysts to strengthen your case.
5. The Art of Negotiation and Plea Bargaining:
In many cases, reaching a favorable plea agreement can be a viable option. Top-tier criminal lawyers possess exceptional negotiation skills and can advocate for you effectively:
- Understanding Plea Bargain Options: They explain all available plea bargain options and guide you through the decision-making process.
- Negotiating Reduced Charges or Sentences: Your lawyer leverages their negotiation expertise to strive for reduced charges or lighter sentences on your behalf.
- Protecting Your Future: They take into account the long-term consequences of any plea agreement and ensure it aligns with your best interests.
6. Championing Your Interests in the Courtroom:
If your case proceeds to trial, having a seasoned courtroom advocate by your side is critical. The best criminal lawyers in Massachusetts excel in:
- Presenting a Compelling Case: They meticulously prepare for trial, crafting a compelling defense narrative that highlights the strengths of your case.
- Cross-Examining Witnesses: Your lawyer utilizes skilled cross-examination techniques to expose inconsistencies in witness testimonies and weaken the prosecution’s case.
- Delivering Persuasive Arguments: With confidence and eloquence, they present your case forcefully before the judge