Beverly Criminal Defense:
Your Local Firm at the Cummings Center

Being Accused is Traumatic. We Understand.

We Get You Safely Through the Storm.

Defending good people who have a really bad day.

Calm seas after the storm of a criminal charge.

Beverly - Criminal Defense at Salem District Court

If you have been charged with a crime in Beverly, your case will be heard at Salem District Court.

Ernest Stone has been defending Beverly clients at Salem District Court for more than 30 years.

Our firm is based in Beverly, at 900 Cummings Center, Suite 321-U.
This is our home court.

Salem's J. Michael Ruane Judicial Center

Clerk's Office: (978) 744 1167
Court Address: 56 Federal St, Salem, MA 01970
Jurisdictions: Beverly, Danvers, Manchester by the Sea, Middleton, and Salem
taking notes at a consultation

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.

  • Clerk's Office Email: cmsalemdc@jud.state.ma.us
  • Probation Department: (978)744-2056
  • Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  • Public Wi-Fi available. Wheelchair accessible. MassRelay: Dial 711.

Getting to the Courthouse

By MBTA

Salem District Court is accessible via the Newburyport/Rockport commuter rail line.

Get off at Salem Station — the courthouse is approximately a five-minute walk.

Bus routes serving the courthouse:
Express Bus 450, Bus 451, Express Bus 455, Bus 456, Express Bus 459, and Bus 465.

Parking

There is no free parking at the courthouse. Paid options within easy walking distance include:

  • Museum Place Garage — New Liberty Street, Salem (not time-restricted; best for longer court days)
  • Church Street surface lot — Church Street, Salem (nottime-restricted)
  • MBTA Commuter Rail Station parking garage — northernend of downtown Salem (not time-restricted)
  • On-street metered parking — surrounding streets; metersare typically 2 or 4 hours, which may not cover a full court day

For current rates and locations: salemma.gov/parking
or (978) 745-8120.

Criminal Defense at Salem District Court

Ernest Stone has been defending clients in Salem District Court for more than 30 years.

We know this courthouse. We know its procedures and its players. And we know what it takes to get the best result for people facing criminal charges here.

If you or someone you care about has been charged with a crime in Beverly, Salem, Danvers, Manchester by the Sea, or Middleton, Salem District Court is where your case will be heard — and we are ready to help.

About Salem District Court and the Ruane Judicial Center

Massachusetts has 62 district courts, each responsible for criminal cases arising within a defined geographic area. Salem District Court — formally known as the First District Court of Essex County — serves Beverly, Danvers, Manchester by the Sea, Middleton, and Salem. It is located inside the J. Michael Ruane Judicial Center at 56 Federal Street in Salem.

District court is where the overwhelming majority of criminal cases are handled from start to finish, including arraignments, bail hearings, pretrial conferences, motions, and trials.

More serious felonies are indicted and transferred to the Essex County Superior Court, which also sits at 56 Federal Street.

Juvenile matters for Beverly, Danvers, Lynnfield, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Peabody, and Salem are handled by the Essex County Juvenile Court, also at 56 Federal Street.

All three courts are in the same building.

Your First Day at Court:
Step-by-Step

If you are coming to court for the first time here is exactly what to do when you arrive:

Get to the building by 8:30. You will need some time to go through intake at the Probation Department.

Go through the main doors to the security checkpoint.

Go through the metal detectors and then to the left at the end of the hallway. Down the left hallway, past the stairs, you will find the Probation Department.

Tell the person at the counter that you are there for an arraignment intake. They will ask for your contact information, date of birth, and residential and employment information. This is standard. The probation officer at the desk will tell you exactly where to go next.

After your intake, go into the First Session in Courtroom A at the other end of the hallway and wait for your arraignment to be called.

Arraignments typically begin at 9:00-9:30 a.m. Sometimes you may have to wait a bit longer for paperwork to be prepared before your case is called.

Your name will be called when it is your turn.

If you have retained H. Ernest Stone, Attorney PC, we will be there with you from the moment you arrive.

Your Next Steps If You’ve Been Arrested

Do not discuss your case with anyone except your attorney.

Contact a criminal defense attorney immediately so your rights are protected from the start.

Do not talk to police without your lawyer present—you have the right to remain silent.

Preserve any evidence such as texts, emails, photos, or videos.

Write down everything you remember
about what happened while it’s still fresh.

CALL NOW

PROVEN EXPERIENCE

• Nearly 30 years defending good people in Massachusetts criminal cases

• Extensive and Successful Trial Experience: OUIs to Life Felonies

• Expert at negotiating great outcomes

• Extensive relationships with prosecutors, judges, and court personnel in Salem District Court

• Deep understanding of local court procedures and how cases are handled in this specific jurisdiction

COMPREHENSIVE DEFENSE

• High-touch communication

• Support for those with little or no experience with the criminal system

• Trauma-informed and have built a vetted network of professionals to help with underlying factors such as trauma, substance abuse, mental illness, and social circumstances

• We put together treatment plans that get cases resolved

"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

See More Reviews

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.

Helping hand photo

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

See More Reviews
taking notes at a consultation

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

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
taking notes at a consultation

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.

Beverly Criminal Defense:
Your Local Firm at the Cummings Center

Being Accused is Traumatic. We Understand.

We Get You Safely Through the Storm.

Defending good people who have a really bad day.

Calm seas after the storm of a criminal charge.

Beverly - Criminal Defense at Salem District Court

If you have been charged with a crime in Beverly, your case will be heard at Salem District Court.

Ernest Stone has been defending Beverly clients at Salem District Court for more than 30 years.

Our firm is based in Beverly, at 900 Cummings Center, Suite 321-U.
This is our home court.

Salem's J. Michael Ruane Judicial Center

Clerk's Office: (978) 744 1167
Court Address: 56 Federal St, Salem, MA 01970
Jurisdictions: Beverly, Danvers, Manchester by the Sea, Middleton, and Salem
taking notes at a consultation

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.

  • Clerk's Office Email: cmsalemdc@jud.state.ma.us
  • Probation Department: (978)744-2056
  • Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  • Public Wi-Fi available. Wheelchair accessible. MassRelay: Dial 711.

Getting to the Courthouse

By MBTA

Salem District Court is accessible via the Newburyport/Rockport commuter rail line.

Get off at Salem Station — the courthouse is approximately a five-minute walk.

Bus routes serving the courthouse:
Express Bus 450, Bus 451, Express Bus 455, Bus 456, Express Bus 459, and Bus 465.

Parking

There is no free parking at the courthouse. Paid options within easy walking distance include:

  • Museum Place Garage — New Liberty Street, Salem (not time-restricted; best for longer court days)
  • Church Street surface lot — Church Street, Salem (nottime-restricted)
  • MBTA Commuter Rail Station parking garage — northernend of downtown Salem (not time-restricted)
  • On-street metered parking — surrounding streets; metersare typically 2 or 4 hours, which may not cover a full court day

For current rates and locations: salemma.gov/parking
or (978) 745-8120.

Criminal Defense at Salem District Court

Ernest Stone has been defending clients in Salem District Court for more than 30 years.

We know this courthouse. We know its procedures and its players. And we know what it takes to get the best result for people facing criminal charges here.

If you or someone you care about has been charged with a crime in Beverly, Salem, Danvers, Manchester by the Sea, or Middleton, Salem District Court is where your case will be heard — and we are ready to help.

About Salem District Court and the Ruane Judicial Center

Massachusetts has 62 district courts, each responsible for criminal cases arising within a defined geographic area. Salem District Court — formally known as the First District Court of Essex County — serves Beverly, Danvers, Manchester by the Sea, Middleton, and Salem. It is located inside the J. Michael Ruane Judicial Center at 56 Federal Street in Salem.

District court is where the overwhelming majority of criminal cases are handled from start to finish, including arraignments, bail hearings, pretrial conferences, motions, and trials.

More serious felonies are indicted and transferred to the Essex County Superior Court, which also sits at 56 Federal Street.

Juvenile matters for Beverly, Danvers, Lynnfield, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Peabody, and Salem are handled by the Essex County Juvenile Court, also at 56 Federal Street.

All three courts are in the same building.

Your First Day at Court:
Step-by-Step

If you are coming to court for the first time here is exactly what to do when you arrive:

Get to the building by 8:30. You will need some time to go through intake at the Probation Department.

Go through the main doors to the security checkpoint.

Go through the metal detectors and then to the left at the end of the hallway. Down the left hallway, past the stairs, you will find the Probation Department.

Tell the person at the counter that you are there for an arraignment intake. They will ask for your contact information, date of birth, and residential and employment information. This is standard. The probation officer at the desk will tell you exactly where to go next.

After your intake, go into the First Session in Courtroom A at the other end of the hallway and wait for your arraignment to be called.

Arraignments typically begin at 9:00-9:30 a.m. Sometimes you may have to wait a bit longer for paperwork to be prepared before your case is called.

Your name will be called when it is your turn.

If you have retained H. Ernest Stone, Attorney PC, we will be there with you from the moment you arrive.

Your Next Steps If You’ve Been Arrested

Do not discuss your case with anyone except your attorney.

Contact a criminal defense attorney immediately so your rights are protected from the start.

Do not talk to police without your lawyer present—you have the right to remain silent.

Preserve any evidence such as texts, emails, photos, or videos.

Write down everything you remember
about what happened while it’s still fresh.

CALL NOW

PROVEN EXPERIENCE

• Nearly 30 years defending good people in Massachusetts criminal cases

• Extensive and Successful Trial Experience: OUIs to Life Felonies

• Expert at negotiating great outcomes

• Extensive relationships with prosecutors, judges, and court personnel in Salem District Court

• Deep understanding of local court procedures and how cases are handled in this specific jurisdiction

COMPREHENSIVE DEFENSE

• High-touch communication

• Support for those with little or no experience with the criminal system

• Trauma-informed and have built a vetted network of professionals to help with underlying factors such as trauma, substance abuse, mental illness, and social circumstances

• We put together treatment plans that get cases resolved

"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

See More Reviews

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.

Helping hand photo

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

See More Reviews
taking notes at a consultation

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

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
taking notes at a consultation

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.