Essex County Criminal Defense Attorney

Any criminal charge is a serious matter. The criminal justice system is complex and frightening for people charged with a crime. Although a person charged with a crime is considered innocent until proven guilty, without proper legal representation a criminal defendant is placed at a severe disadvantage compared to the resources of the government.

Aprodu | Conley believes that every person suspected of a crime should be able to receive competent representation. In Massachusetts, the criminal process starts with a police investigation or an arrest. Criminal charges can be resolved through motions, plea negotiations and even criminal trials. Even after trial, a person charged or convicted of a crime has a right to appeal or the possibility of having a criminal record sealed or expunged. It is never too early or too late to hire an attorney to represent you in this criminal process. Aprodu | Conley has client-focused attorneys who are experienced and will fight for your rights every step of the way. Whatever you have been charged with, you can contact Aprodu | Conley for a free consultation.

Assault Crimes

Any involvement in a physical altercation with another person can lead to criminal charges. In Massachusetts, Assault and Battery is taken very seriously, especially when it involves a spouse, significant other, family, or household member. There are a number of assault crimes that a person can be charged with in Massachusetts, with varying degrees of possible punishments.

Drug Crimes

In Massachusetts, drugs are separated into a different classes based on the seriousness of the potential punishments. A person can be charged with a myriad of different drug offenses, including trafficking in drugs, possession of drugs, and possession with intent to distribute drugs. In some circumstances, a person can be charged with intending to distribute, or trafficking drugs based solely on the quantity of the drugs found in their possession.

Sex Crimes

Sex offenses in Massachusetts can range from aggravated rape charges, to distribution of obscene matter, to indecent exposure. Any charge of a sex crime is serious, and many carry with them a significant risk of incarceration, and the potential to become a registered sex offender.

Motor Vehicle Crimes

Driving a car in Massachusetts is a privilege and not a right. As such, the government has the power to control and monitor the safety of the roads and the vehicles that travel them. There are hundreds of civil and criminal motor vehicle offenses. The process generally begins with a police officer issuing a motor vehicle citation, and can result in lengthy driver's license suspensions, fines, RMV penalties, and even incarceration.

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Restraining Orders

Oftentimes, a person involved in an altercation is not only charged criminally, but also has a restraining order issued against them. Although it is a civil proceeding, the consequences of having a permanent restraining order issued against you can be significant. In Massachusetts, there are two primary types of restraining orders, Abuse Prevention Orders, which apply to family or household members, and Harassment Prevention Orders, which can apply to anyone.

Probation Violations

Either during the pendency of criminal proceedings, or after the conclusion of a criminal case, a person may be placed on probation. In Massachusetts, probation officers monitor a person's probation, and if that person violates their probation, there is a specific procedure that must be followed. Being found in violation of probation can result in severe penalties, including incarceration.

Criminal Appeals

In Massachusetts, if a person is convicted after a trial, or in some cases after pleading guilty, that person has the right to appeal that conviction. The appeals process is extraordinarily complex and time-consuming, however a successful appeal can result in a person's conviction being overturned. In certain circumstances, there are additional post-conviction remedies available that can provide relief from a conviction.

Clerk Magistrate Hearings

When a person is charged with a misdemeanor offense in Massachusetts and is not arrested, the first stage in the criminal process is often a hearing in front of a clerk magistrate. This hearing is an opportunity for the clerk to determine if there is probable cause to issue a criminal complaint against someone. This stage is of the utmost importance, because as soon as a complaint is issued, the charge becomes part of a person's criminal record.

Sealing and Expungement

Once a person has a criminal record, it can affect that person's employability, opportunities, and relationships. These adverse consequences can stem from a past conviction, or even a case for which you were not convicted. In Massachusetts, sealing or expunging your criminal record is often possible. However, the sealing and expungement processes are complicated, and depending on the age, type, and circumstances of the offense, a person may or may not be eligible.

What Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Do?

Our Essex County criminal defense lawyers play a crucial role in the criminal justice system by defending individuals accused of committing crimes. Our primary objective is to protect the rights of our clients and ensure a fair legal process. Here's a detailed overview of what our experienced criminal defense lawyers do in Massachusetts:

Legal Advice and Guidance: Our defense lawyers provide legal advice to their clients, explaining the charges they face, the potential consequences, and their rights under Massachusetts law.
Case Evaluation and Strategy: We thoroughly analyze the evidence, witness statements, and legal procedures to develop a strategic defense plan. This plan aims to challenge the prosecution's case and establish doubt regarding our client's guilt.
Negotiation with Prosecution: Our Essex County defense lawyers engage in negotiations with the prosecution to potentially reduce charges, secure a plea deal, or propose alternative sentencing options that may be more favorable for our clients.
Courtroom Representation: We represent our clients in court proceedings, including arraignment, pre-trial hearings, trial, and sentencing. We present arguments, cross-examine witnesses, and challenge the prosecution's evidence to ensure a fair trial.
Advocacy for Rights and Fair Treatment: We advocate for our clients' constitutional rights, ensuring due process, fair treatment, protection from unlawful searches and seizures, and the right to remain silent.
Preparation for Trial: We meticulously prepare our clients for trial, advising on courtroom etiquette, potential questions, and how to present themselves in a way that can positively impact the case.
Appeals and Post-Conviction Relief: If necessary, we may pursue appeals or post-conviction relief to challenge the verdict or sentence, seeking a more favorable outcome for their clients.

In summary, our experienced Essex County criminal defense lawyers at Aprodu Conley are essential legal advocates who protect the rights and interests of individuals accused of criminal offenses, aiming for a fair and just resolution throughout the legal process.

Accessible, Appreciative, & Attentive

We appreciate the opportunity to help clients during times of need and turmoil. We treat each case as if it was our own and are always happy to guide our clients.
Passionate, Prudent & Professional

Being passionate about the law and helping our clients allows us to work prudently, and professionally to achieve your goals.
Compassionate, Capable, & Conscientous

When you are facing a legal issue, we will be there with you every step of the way. We will fight for you and we will advocate for you.
Objective, Organized, & Open-Minded

We always look at the big picture to help you make the right decisions about your case. We are always learning and are never too proud to take the actions necessary to effectuate our clients' goals.