Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Worcester, MA

FAQs

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

  508-799-8466 is the non-emergency contact number of the Worcester Police Department.

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

  You can obtain a copy of a police report at no cost through Worcester's Public Records Portal, https://worcesterma.govqa.us/WEBAPP/_rs/(S(axxyowhovholda0ifcpmcy2z))/supporthome.aspx. However, this may only be used to ask for a copy of an already-written police report about a previous occurrence. You should contact 508-799-8606 to make a new report or to ask for police help in Worcester.

• What are the most common crimes in Worcester?

  Worcester's most frequent criminal offenses include drug and narcotic crimes, battery and assault, burglary, theft and robbery, sexual offenses, and driving under the influence. Restrictive order violations, domestic violence and spouse abuse, and illegal searches and evidence seizures are other typical criminal offenses in Worcester.

• When should you contact a criminal defense attorney in Worcester?

  You should contact a criminal defense lawyer in Worcester as soon as you find out that the police or another investigating agency is looking into you or if you feel you have committed a crime. A lawyer can interfere with the police and either arrange for your surrender or prevent your arrest at a time and in a way that causes the least amount of shame. Having legal representation may also prevent the authorities from questioning you.

• What should you do if you are detained in Worcester for a crime?

  Being kind and cooperative is the first thing you should do if you are being held in Worcester for a crime. Fighting, struggling, or arguing won't improve the situation. Moreover, it is extremely uncommon for someone to be able to persuade an officer to halt an arrest. The next thing that you should do is make a quick call to a criminal defense attorney.

• What characteristics should you seek in a criminal defense attorney in Worcester?

  It is advisable to work with a criminal defense lawyer who has handled cases similar to yours in Worcester. Verify if they have won cases comparable to yours and have a successful track record working with other people facing similar criminal charges. Additionally, you should pick a local criminal defense attorney since they are familiar with the local judicial system.

• What are the possible results of a criminal charge in Worcester?

  When a Worcester resident is charged with a misdemeanor, it is sometimes possible to have their charge dismissed at a hearing with the clerk magistrate. Other cases may result in a Continuance Without a Finding decision. In this type of resolution, the offender chooses not to enter a plea, but instead consents to probation for a set time (typically one year).

• 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.