Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Lynn, MA

FAQs

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

  To reach the Lynn Police Department, call 781-595-2000.

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

  To obtain a police report from the Lynn Police Department, reach out to the Records Office at 781-595-2000.

• What happens if you fail to attend a court date in Lynn?

  Individuals who fail to appear in court will be issued what is called a default warrant which is something they get notified of within 30 days. It's good to know that it doesn't matter if the individual has received this notification or not—as soon as the warrant enters the court, police are now free to arrest this individual in Lynn.

• Apart from guns, what are considered dangerous weapons that could get you in legal trouble in Lynn?

  Here are other weapons that are considered dangerous and/or illegal in Lynn:

  • Ballistic knives (knives with blades that could be ejected)
  • Kung Fu sticks
  • Blowguns
  • Sawed-off shotguns
  • Machine guns

  Anyone caught with these weapons outside of their home or place of business will be sentenced to a mandatory jail time of 18 months, with the exception of possession of sawed-off shotguns and machine guns, as that carries a life sentence.

• How important is it to acquire the help of a criminal defense attorney in Lynn when you're being investigated for a federal crime?

  It is very important to hire an attorney in Lynn, especially if it's the federal government that's investigating you. There are times when the federal investigator disappears for a while, which can lead anybody to think that the charges have been dismissed. This is what happens when the investigator is in the midst of extensive evidence collection to build a case against an individual. This is the best time to have an attorney working to clear your name.

• What can you do if your driver's license has been suspended in Lynn because you were labeled an "immediate threat?"

  You have 30 days to go to the Registry of Motor Vehicles to request a hearing. Be informed that this is a walk-in type of visitation and does not require setting an appointment. Do not forget to hire a criminal defense attorney in Lynn to present your case at the RMV. In case you get denied, you have 14 days to go to the Board of Appeals on Motor Vehicle Liability Policies and Bonds to make an appeal.

• What options do you have if law enforcement conducted an unlawful search of your property in Lynn?

  Get a criminal defense attorney in Lynn who can then file on your behalf a Motion to Suppress which renders any piece of evidence seized or collected without a search warrant or probable cause ineffective against you in court. Most of the time, without this evidence that was unlawfully acquired, the prosecution is unable to proceed with the case.

• 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.