Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in New Bedford

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency contact number for the New Bedford Police Department is 508-991-6350.

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

  You can get a copy of an accident report in-person at the New Bedford Police Department Headquarters. You can also receive a copy online at https://policereports.lexisnexis.com.

• Does a New Bedford driver have the constitutional right to speak to a lawyer before they take a field sobriety test?

  A driver who is pulled over by New Bedford police on suspicion of drunk driving does not have a constitutional right to speak to an attorney before taking a field sobriety test. They may ask for an attorney, but it is not a matter of right. The constitutional right to speak to an attorney arises only when the driver has been placed in custody or formally arrested. Prior to an arrest, the driver can refuse a field sobriety test. But when they are already in custody, the law requires them to submit to a police officer's request for a chemical test.

• Does New Bedford have a high rate of drug-related crimes?

  According to the statistics provided by the local police department, New Bedford has a high incidence of drug-related crimes, accounting for more than half of all offenses committed in the area. Most crimes in New Bedford take place in retail establishments in the northeast part of the city.

• What must be proven to convict a person accused of drug crimes in New Bedford?

  In order to convict someone of a drug crime in New Bedford, the Commonwealth must prove that the substance in question is a controlled substance, that the defendant possessed some perceptible amount of that substance, and that the defendant did so intentionally. Drug trafficking is the possession of drugs with the intent to distribute them, and it is the most serious of all drug-related offenses.

• Can a person be charged with a crime if they acted in self-defense in New Bedford?

  Yes. A person defending himself in New Bedford can be accused of a crime if the force used is considered excessive. If the incident results in homicide, it won't be considered a crime if a proper exercise of self-defense is proven. A proper exercise of self-defense involves a person having a reasonable belief that they are in immediate danger of being seriously injured or killed.

• What are the consequences of not appearing in court in New Bedford?

  Individuals who fail to appear for a scheduled court appearance in New Bedford or elsewhere in Massachusetts may be charged with contempt of court. A warrant for the person's arrest will also be issued. If a police officer scans a person's license plate and discovers they have a warrant for failing to appear in court, they will be detained and arrested.

• 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.