Being Accused is Traumatic. We Understand.
We Get You Safely Through the Storm.
When you call or use the chat on our website, a real person responds — not an AI bot — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Defending good people who have a really bad day.
Ernest Stone has been defending clients in Somerville District Court for more than 30 years. We know this courthouse, we know its procedures and players.
If you or someone you care about has been charged with a crime in Somerville or Medford, Somerville District Court is where your case will be heard, and we are ready to help. Serious felony cases from Somerville District Court are sometimes moved to Middlesex Superior Court in Woburn, and we handle those cases there too.
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You can review examples of our case results here.
Facing an OUI charge specifically in Somerville or Medford? See our dedicated Somerville OUI Defense page for penalties, defenses, and license consequences.
Somerville District Court is accessible by Bus 90 and Bus 92 of the MBTA.
There is a free parking lot located behind the courthouse.
Massachusetts has 62 district courts, each responsible for criminal cases arising within a defined geographic area. Somerville District Court serves Somerville and Medford. 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.
If you served in the military, the Middlesex County Veterans Treatment Court sits at Framingham District Court, and a case from Somerville District Court may be able to transfer there. Learn how we represent veterans.
For the other courts in the county, including Superior Court in Woburn and Lowell, see our guide to Middlesex County courts.
Somerville is the most densely populated municipality in New England, sitting close to Tufts University as well as Harvard and MIT just across the Cambridge line. The court's docket includes college-age matters such as fake ID charges and minor in possession of alcohol near Davis Square and Tufts.
Students should never speak with campus police, Tufts police, or probation officers about a pending matter without an attorney present.
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
"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
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.
For some examples of cases we have handled, go here
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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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.
Contact our team today for a free consultation. We are available 24/7.
