Massachusetts Criminal Defense

We Get You Safely Through the Storm

Save your career. Preserve your family. Secure your freedom.

Being Accused is Traumatic.
We Understand.

We know our clients need not only the best courtroom defense, but also emotional support to get through what is a scary and foreign process.

The foundations of our representation are:

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A goal to make lasting, positive change in our clients' lives

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Exceptional personal support and communication

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The highest quality legal and courtroom representation developed over 27 years of criminal defense experience

“I would absolutely recommend Ernie to anyone. ”
He was more than just my lawyer. He was my guardian angel during a very scary and desperate time in my life. He walked with me every step of the way and looked out for my best interest at every twist and turn. He stayed available seven days a week and within moments of my reaching out to him. I will be indebted to him forever. I knew I was in safe hands even though my matter kept me in constant fear. He gave me the courage to keep pushing forward and spent countless hours cheerleading me through an unspeakable experience.

Diane

Former Client

"Attorney Stone was excellent."
He was extremely knowledgeable and knew his way around the Diversion Program and the Court. He gave us all the information and potential results upfront. He explained the entire process to us from start to finish and he mapped out a plan of action that resulted in a favorable outcome for my child. I would recommend Attorney Stone 100 percent. Thanks to him my child has no criminal record.

Lisa

Parent

"I knew Ernie was the real deal."
I knew the moment I spoke to Ernie on the phone he was the real deal. He made us feel at ease during a very stressful time and fought for us. We won our case because of his perseverance and professionalism. He’s just a really good person who’s in your corner fighting for you. Thanks Ernie you’re the best!!!!

Cheryl

Former Client

"I can't say enough about Ernie and his team. "
They helped our family navigate a very delicate and complicated legal situation. We couldn't be more pleased with the outcome. And Ernie's down-to-earth demeanor helped us feel like we were being listened to and never being talked down to. I would highly recommend Ernie, as I am certain he would do his absolute best to achieve a best-case-scenario outcome for every single one of his clients.

R. Hall

Former Client

"Much love and appreciation to this group"
Although my experience with this group was brief I would recommend them to anyone. From the first call I knew this was the right choice. Ernie kept my best interests in mind when representing me with results better than expected! I can’t thank them enough. Special shout-out to Joanne who is truly the nicest person. Their whole vibe was homely like family. Much love and appreciation to this group... even the 4 legged nugget running around their office.

A. Ram

Former Client

"I was in good hands..."
Before working with Ernie I was very unaware of how my future would be and felt alone in my case; that all changed once I had Ernie Stone as my lawyer. Very professional, very reassuring, very caring and helpful with any questions you may have. I can definitely say that there was always a smile on their faces and made me feel welcomed and well taken care of. I had no doubt in mind that I was in good hands and that I was going to be alright.

Raydelis J.

Former Client

Our Approach: Comprehensive Criminal Defense in Massachusetts

We view each client not just as a set of legal problems, but as a whole individual living a unique and valued life. In addition to providing the highest quality legal defense services, we also focus on addressing the myriad issues that might have contributed to the client's legal problems, with the aim of helping to make lasting positive changes in the client’s life. We call this approach Comprehensive Criminal Defense.

The Components of Comprehensive Criminal Defense: 

Legal Representation

The highest level of legal services and courtroom advocacy based on decades of experience.

Multi-Disciplinary Collaboration

An interconnected team of professionals as needed in each case, including investigators, subject matter experts, counselors and therapists, and others to work collaboratively.

Proactive Problem Solving

Anticipating potential future legal issues by addressing the root causes, thereby preventing their recurrence.

Community Engagement

We seek to participate actively in the community to create supportive environments for our clients.

Integration With Other Professionals

A network of vetted professionals we can offer our clients to assist with issues such as mental health, addiction, trauma, and noncriminal legal issues such as divorce, child custody and visitation, financial crises, employment problems, and other matters.

We Are Different.

1. Greater Perspective.
We see the current legal matter in the context of our clients’ lives, needs, and experiences and their goals for the future. Traditionally, most defense lawyers will say their role is to navigate the legal system on behalf of the client and to “protect his rights.” The focus is only on the immediate legal matter at hand. We think that is absolutely necessary, but no longer enough.

2. Collaborative Network.
Comprehensive criminal defense brings an extended and vetted network of top-shelf professionals into the case, facilitating a richer and more personalized defense strategy.

3. Broad Personal Support.
We provide for our clients not just legal defense but emotional and other support through the case, and often beyond. We love to see our clients make lasting, positive changes in their lives.

We have won acquittals or arranged reduced charges or sentencing for many types of criminal cases, including:

• Homicide

• Violent Crimes

• Serious Sex Crimes

• DUI/OUI/DWI Defense

• Assault

• Domestic Violence

• Drug Crimes

• Negligent Operation Of A Motor Vehicle

• Hit And Run/Leaving The Scene

• Insurance Fraud

• Larceny

• Embezzlement

• Weapons Charges

• Juvenile Crimes

Take a look at a few of
our successes

K.B. - Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon
Our client was charged with assault and battery with a pellet gun. The incident was captured on video, and there were several witnesses to the event. We were able to demonstrate to the prosecutor and judge that our client suffers from severe PTSD as well as other mental health disorders stemming from his abusive early childhood. We demonstrated how those diagnoses contributed to his conduct under the special circumstances of his case and showed how he is now receiving appropriate and effective treatment. The very serious charge was resolved with a CWOF so that our client will not have a felony conviction on his record.
C.B.- Attempt to Disarm a Police Officer
Our client was charged with assaulting a police officer and trying to take away his gun. Our client suffers from a rare neurological disorder. She lives in another state. She was visiting family on the North Shore, and the local police were called by a third party to check on her well-being. When the officer came to the house, our client lunged at him, and there was a struggle. The police officer involved was very vocal about the danger to his life this event created. As a result, the District Attorney’s office indicted our client and prosecuted vigorously. After teaching the prosecutor and judge about our client’s rare illness and the physical and emotional effects it has on her, we were able to arrive at an agreement that eliminated all felony charges and kept her out of jail. She was able to complete a term of probation at home, and felony convictions do not limit her future.
A.A. - Indecent Assault and Battery on a Child
Our client was accused by his step-daughter of sexually assaulting her several years in the past. Our client and her mother had since divorced, and the mother moved to Missouri. The stepdaughter now lived with her father in Massachusetts. She made the allegations at the same time her mother was seeking increased financial support from our client. We took the case to trial. At trial, the stepdaughter testified about the alleged sexual assault. Attorney Stone cross-examined the now young woman about inconsistencies between her testimony and statements she had made earlier to the police and also about parts of her story that just didn’t make sense. The jury returned a verdict of Not Guilty.
K.H.- Assault and Battery on a Health Care Provider
Our client was charged with assaulting a nurse at a local hospital and attempting to stab him. We showed at trial that our client had severe PTSD stemming from a sexual assault as a young girl and that the circumstances of the incident at the hospital closely mirrored the circumstances of her rape as a young girl. With the help of our forensic psychologist, we went to trial, and our client was found “Not Criminally Responsible” or not guilty by reason of mental illness. Our client still checks in with us now and then to update us on how well she is doing.
W.G. - OUI 3rd Offense
Our client was charged with Operating Under the Influence of Liquor, 3rd Offense. When leaving a restaurant parking lot, our client collided with a car carrying a young family. A 3rd offense OUI carries a mandatory five-month jail sentence. We were able to convince the prosecutors to reduce the charge to a second offense, which allowed our client to resolve the case with a probation sentence and no jail time.
A.B. - Indecent Assault and Battery, Assault, and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon
Our client worked at a factory and was accused by a coworker of sexually assaulting her and holding a box cutter to her throat in a closet. We were able to gather evidence that the accuser was lying about the assault so that she could obtain a special immigration visa available to victims of sexual violence. We presented the evidence to the prosecutor, who confronted the accuser with it. The accuser decided not to testify against our client, and the case was dismissed. If convicted, our client surely would have gone to prison and then would have been summarily deported.

Frequently
Asked Questions

If you or a loved one are facing criminal charges, you may have questions. To see a full list of frequently asked questions, click the button below.

What are my rights after a criminal accusation?
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After a criminal accusation in Massachusetts, you have several rights protected by the Constitution. These include the right to remain silent, the right to legal representation, the right to a fair trial, the right to confront witnesses, and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. It is crucial to exercise these rights and consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney to ensure they are protected throughout the legal process.

How long do I have to hire an attorney after getting arrested on criminal charges?
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If you have been arrested on criminal charges in Massachusetts, it is important to hire an attorney as soon as possible. While there is no specific deadline, it is advisable to seek legal representation promptly to protect your rights and build a strong defense strategy. The early involvement of an attorney can be critical in gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and navigating the complexities of the criminal justice system.

How might mental health affect my criminal case?
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Mental health can have an impact on a criminal case in various ways. If you have a mental health condition, it may be relevant to your defense. Your attorney can explore potential defenses, such as diminished capacity, insanity, or mental incompetence. Additionally, mental health issues can be considered during sentencing to advocate for alternative sentencing options or treatment programs instead of incarceration. It is crucial to disclose any mental health concerns to your attorney so that they can develop an appropriate defense strategy tailored to your circumstances.

How might addiction affect my criminal case?
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Addiction can also have an impact on a criminal case. If addiction played a role in the alleged criminal activity, it may be relevant to your defense. Your attorney can explore defenses such as diminished capacity, lack of intent, or the influence of addiction on your behavior. Additionally, addiction can be considered during sentencing to advocate for rehabilitative programs rather than punitive measures. It is important to be open and honest with your attorney about any addiction issues you may be facing so that they can provide the best possible legal representation.

Contact us today to get a free consultation

Contact our team today to get started on your case. Contact us through our website or call (978) 969 2890. We are available 24/7 and want to help you through this time in your life.