Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Springfield, MA

The non-emergency number for the Springfield Police Department is 413-787-6300.

The Records Bureau of the Springfield Police Department maintains incident reports, criminal records, and accident reports. You may contact the records access officer by calling 413-787-6085 or visiting Room 210 of the office at 36 Court Street.

In Massachusetts, where Springfield is located, the statute of limitations for most felonies and misdemeanors is six years. However, not all criminal offenses have statutes of limitations. Given the gravity of acts such as murder, crimes involving minors, and crimes involving people with intellectual disabilities, the law recognizes that justice must be served regardless of the passage of time.

Several factors determine the amount and type of bail for a criminal offense in Springfield. The bail magistrate will consider:

• if the accused person's release poses a threat to society or specific individuals
• whether they have pending cases
• whether they are on parole or probation
• if they have the possibility of fleeing the country to avoid a court appearance
• whether they have a respectable job and a local family

Yes. Only when you or another person is in immediate danger from an aggressor and using force is the only reasonable course of action is it legal to defend yourself. Being provoked or challenged to a fight does not qualify as self-defense nor threats that are fictitious or far away. In Springfield, you must be in immediate danger or hurt before you can assert self-defense.

Plea bargains are a common feature of criminal defense cases in Springfield. You must cooperate with the prosecutor and admit guilt in exchange for less serious accusations. Up to 90% of criminal cases are settled through these agreements. Although they make it easier for the prosecution to secure convictions, they still carry the risk of you serving jail time or incurring hefty fines. You can get assistance weighing your options before accepting an offer by speaking with a lawyer.

NeighborhoodScout's crime map identifies the following Springfield neighborhoods and areas as having the lowest crime rates:

• Tinkham Road / Penncastle Street
• Greenleaf Park
• Forest Park Southeast, East Forest Park, Forest Park Northeast, and Forest Park North
• Boston Post Road / Boston Road
• Sumner Avenue / Allen Street
• Indian Orchard South
• Liberty Heights