Essex County Criminal Defense Attorney

Being Accused is Traumatic. We Understand.

We Get You Safely Through the Storm.

Defending good people who have a really bad day.

Defending People in Every Court in Essex County

Being charged with a crime is frightening. You may not know which court you'll be in, what happens on your first day there, or who to call. We can help with all of it.

Ernest Stone has defended people in Massachusetts courts for more than 30 years. Our office is at 900 Cummings Center in Beverly, and Essex County is home.

We know these courthouses, and we know how hard it is to walk into one for the first time.

Call us at 978-969-2890. We answer 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and consultations are free if you have a pending charge.

Ernest Stone, Essex County criminal defense attorney

Which Court Will My Case Be In?

Each city and town in Essex County is served by one District Court. Find your town below, then open the court page for directions, what to expect, and what to do before your first court date.

Salem District Court

56 Federal Street, Salem

Serves Beverly, Danvers, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Middleton and Salem.

Lynn District Court

580 Essex Street, Lynn

Serves Lynn, Marblehead, Nahant, Saugus and Swampscott.

Peabody District Court

1 Lowell Street, Peabody

Serves Lynnfield and Peabody.

Lawrence District Court

2 Appleton Street, Lawrence

Serves Andover, Lawrence, Methuen and North Andover.

Haverhill District Court

45 Ginty Boulevard, Haverhill

Serves Boxford, Bradford, Georgetown, Groveland and Haverhill.

Newburyport District Court

188 State Street, Newburyport

Serves Amesbury, Merrimac, Newbury, Newburyport, Rowley, Salisbury and West Newbury.

Ipswich District Court

Sits at 188 State Street, Newburyport

Serves Hamilton, Ipswich, Topsfield and Wenham.

Gloucester District Court

197 Main Street, Gloucester

Serves Essex, Gloucester and Rockport.

Live in Beverly? See our Beverly page. Beverly cases are heard at Salem District Court.

Charged with OUI? Read about OUI defense in Salem, Lynn, Peabody, Lawrence, Haverhill, Newburyport, Ipswich, and Gloucester.

Essex County Superior Court

The most serious charges start in District Court and then move to Superior Court. Essex County Superior Court serves every city and town in the county. Criminal cases in Superior Court start in Salem. The court sits in three places:

Salem

56 Federal Street, Salem

Criminal cases start here. Same building as Salem District Court.

Lawrence

43 Appleton Way, Lawrence

Newburyport

145 High Street, Newburyport

A Superior Court case is a different experience from a District Court case, and the stakes are higher. We handle cases in both courts, and we'll explain what that difference means for you. Learn more on our pages about murder and homicide, sex crimes, violent crimes and the criminal court process.

Juvenile Cases

When a young person is charged, the case goes to the Juvenile Court. The Essex County Juvenile Court has sessions in several communities, including Lynn and Lawrence. Parents are going through this too, and we talk with families as well as with the young person. See our juvenile defense page.

The Cases We Handle in Essex County

We defend people facing every kind of criminal charge. Much of our work is in sex crimes, including rape charges and indecent assault and battery; OUI, from first offense to second, third and fourth offense; domestic assault and battery; and serious felony cases in Superior Court.

We also handle drug charges, theft and larceny, gun charges, motor vehicle offenses and record sealing.

Have a court date coming up? Read A First Timer's Guide to Massachusetts Criminal Court to see what the day will look like, and call us before you go.

Your Next Steps If You’ve Been Arrested

If you have just been arrested, released, or received a summons, take a breath. Here is what you need to do right now.

● Don't talk to police without a lawyer present -- you have the right to remain silent and you should use it

● Don't discuss your case with anyone except your attorney

● Don't contact any alleged victims or witnesses

● Preserve any evidence that might help your defense: photos, text messages, surveillance footage, witness contact information

● Write down everything you remember about what happened while it is still fresh

● Don't post anything about your case on social media

● Follow all court orders and conditions of release exactly

● Contact an experienced Massachusetts criminal defense attorney as soon as possible

Our Approach: Comprehensive
Criminal Defense

Our Comprehensive Criminal Defense approach means we view you not as a legal problem, but as a whole individual living a unique and valued life. We focus on addressing the underlying issues that may have contributed to your legal situation, with the goal of helping you make lasting positive changes.

Get Help Now

"I knew the moment I spoke to Ernie on the phone he was the real deal... 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."

- C.A

"Attorney Stone understands that every client or potential client that he comes across is going through one of the most difficult periods a person will encounter in life... and he makes it part of his job to make sure you feel supported, calm, and confident throughout the process."

- G.C

"Ernie Stone did such an amazing job in helping me out with my case... I truly felt so comfortable working with him... He went above and beyond, and I could not be more grateful... I would recommend Attorney Stone to anyone."

- M.K

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For some examples of cases we have handled, go here

Handling Serious Criminal Charges

We have won acquittals or obtained reduced charges or sentences in many types of criminal cases, including:

Ernie was invaluable in realizing a successful outcome to my case. He made the whole process straightforward and relaxed and his advice and assistance was concise and reassuring. I would absolutely hire him again if needed as he worked diligently to ensure a positive conclusion. Highly recommended!

- N.H

Ernie is an incredible lawyer and a wonderful mentor. I would highly recommend him and trust his advice and expertise.

- J.C

An attorney and a team who really cares about their clients. He did his absolute best in the court room and I got my case dropped thanks to him. I recommend to anyone looking for the best lawyer in town! Positive Quality, Professionalism.

- J.B

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What to Expect With Our Team

Immediate Response: Our phones are answered 24/7 by a real person. When you call, someone will actually answer.

Confidential Discussion: Everything you tell us is protected by attorney-client privilege, even before you formally hire us. You can speak freely about your situation.

No Pressure: A free consultation means exactly that: free, with no obligation. We’ll listen to your situation, answer your questions, and explain how we can help.

Clear Next Steps: If you decide to hire us, we’ll explain our fee structure clearly and work with you on payment arrangements that fit your situation.

Immediate Protection: Once you retain us, we begin working on your case immediately: preserving evidence, investigating facts, and protecting your rights.

Get Your Free Consultation

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