Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Cambridge, MA

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Cambridge, Massachusetts?

  617-349-3300 is the non-emergency contact number of the Cambridge Police Department.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Cambridge, Massachusetts?

  The Cambridge Police Department provides different options to obtain a police report. One can request it electronically by filling out the Application for Public Records form and emailing it to records@cambridgepolice.org or by downloading and filling out the printable version of the form and sending it to the department via mail. In-person requests can also be made at the Records Unit during office hours. Appointments can be made online or by contacting the department.

  Application for Public Records form: https://www.cambridgema.gov/~/media/Files/policedepartment/Forms/applicatforpublicrecordwithnofeestemplate.pdf

  Mailing address:

  Cambridge Police Department Records Unit 125 Sixth St. Cambridge, MA 02142

• What are some possible defenses to criminal charges in Cambridge?

  Possible defenses to criminal charges in Cambridge include the defense of accident, mistaken identity, self-defense, entrapment, duress, intoxication with alcohol or drugs, lack of criminal responsibility (insanity), and mental impairment short of insanity. The evidence required for each defense varies. For example, an alibi defense may require the identification and address of witnesses, whereas an entrapment defense may require evidence that the police coerced the defendant into committing the offense.

• What should you do if you have been charged with a crime in Cambridge?

  If you have been charged with a crime, it is essential to speak with a criminal defense lawyer in Cambridge as soon as possible. Do not speak with law enforcement or other authorities until you have consulted with an attorney. Your lawyer can help protect your rights and guide you through the legal process.

• Can any criminal record be expunged or sealed in Cambridge?

  No. Expunging or sealing criminal records in Cambridge is not possible for all types of criminal records. Records that are kept by the probation department or the clerk's magistrate office, along with vacated abuse prevention orders, are some examples of records that cannot be expunged or sealed.

• How long will it take to clear your criminal record in Cambridge?

  Depending on the nature of the crime, it takes a certain amount of time to clear a criminal record in Cambridge. The sealing process allows certain criminal records to be sealed to prevent access to them through general records. If a case has been dismissed, the record may be sealed immediately after the dismissal. Misdemeanor offenses can be sealed after five years, while felonies require a ten-year waiting period. A person must wait 15 years before petitioning for the sealing of a sexual offense, and certain offenses cannot be sealed.

• Can the police refuse a detainee's access to a telephone in Cambridge?

  No, the police cannot legally refuse a detainee's access to a telephone in Cambridge. Under Massachusetts law, a detainee has the right to use a telephone to reach family, friends, or a criminal defense attorney. The police are obligated to inform the detainee of this right upon arrival at the police station, the detainee must be informed of this right. If the police deny a defendant the right to use a telephone, any evidence gained as a result of that denial may be suppressed in court.

• What does a criminal defense lawyer do?

  Criminal defense attorneys provide help to those facing misdemeanor or felony criminal charges. The attorney will research the circumstances surrounding the charge and investigate the case on behalf of the client. This may involve talking to police, interviewing witnesses, determining a plea, and assessing possible sentences. With this information, the defense attorney can negotiate plea deals or navigate a court case on behalf of the client. In some cases, the attorney may get a case dismissed entirely, a reduction in bail or jail time, or probation or community service instead of prison.

• How do I know if I need a criminal attorney?

  Any criminal charge that could result in a prison sentence requires the help of a criminal defense lawyer. This applies to both misdemeanor and felony charges, including:

  Misdemeanors

  • Petty theft
  • Public intoxication
  • Simple assault
  • Disorderly conduct
  • Vandalism
  • Reckless driving

  Felonies

  • Murder
  • Rape
  • Kidnapping
  • Aggravated assault
  • Specific types of fraud
  • Possession of certain types of drugs

• What steps should I take after being charged with a crime?

  The first thing to do after being charged with a crime is to contact a criminal defense attorney. It is best to hire a defense attorney as soon as possible after being released from arrest, and before an arraignment takes place. The attorney will explain charges in detail, and possible consequences, to help you decide whether a plea deal or a jury trial is the best option. Most attorneys offer free consultations to discuss the circumstances of a criminal case and how they're able to assist. Speaking with a number of defense attorneys before hiring one can increase the likelihood of finding the right fit, and getting the best defense possible.

• What if I can’t afford a criminal defense lawyer?

  All Americans are afforded the right to hire an attorney to act as a defense in a legal case. However, not everyone can afford one. If an attorney isn’t in a defendant’s budget, and the defendant’s income meets designated state or local thresholds, the court system will provide a public defender. This attorney usually works on cases pro bono or without any fees paid by the defendant. Many public defenders have a high caseload, which can limit the amount of time they are able to devote to each case. In most situations, hiring a dedicated criminal defense lawyer ensures the best outcome. This is particularly true in more serious felony cases that can result in a significant prison sentence without the involvement of a skilled, experienced defense attorney.

• Why hire a criminal defense attorney?

  Working with a criminal defense attorney is the best way to minimize the ramifications of committing or being accused of a crime. Criminal attorneys thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding a case to prove innocence or inspire reasonable doubt in a jury. Criminal defense lawyers also are better prepared to negotiate with the prosecutors. Due to the high cost and logistics involved with taking a case to trial, many prosecutors are willing to reduce sentences in exchange for avoiding a jury trial. An experienced criminal attorney understands what would be a reasonable deal for a specific criminal charge, and will negotiate it on behalf of the defendant.

• Are legal fees for criminal defense tax deductible?

  Whether legal fees from a criminal case can be deducted on a tax return depends on the circumstances. If criminal charges pertain to activities related to a trade or business, attorney fees can be deducted on a business tax return, as they are considered an expense associated with the normal course of business. However, personal legal fees cannot be deducted.