Suffolk 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 Suffolk 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, including in courthouses across Boston and Suffolk County. Our office is at 900 Cummings Center in Beverly.

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?

Suffolk County is Boston, Chelsea, Revere and Winthrop. Criminal cases in Boston start in one of the eight divisions of the Boston Municipal Court (BMC), depending on the neighborhood. Chelsea and Revere cases go to Chelsea District Court, and Winthrop cases go to the BMC's East Boston Division. Find your area below. Where the court name is a link, that page has directions, what to expect, and what to do before your first court date.

BMC Central Division

24 New Chardon Street, Boston

Serves downtown Boston, Back Bay, Beacon Hill, Chinatown, the North End, the West End and the South End through Massachusetts Avenue.

BMC Brighton Division

52 Academy Hill Road, Brighton

Serves Allston and Brighton.

BMC Charlestown Division

3 City Square, Charlestown

Serves Charlestown.

BMC Dorchester Division

510 Washington Street, Dorchester

Serves Dorchester.

BMC East Boston Division

37 Meridian Street, East Boston

Serves East Boston, Winthrop, Logan Airport and the Sumner and Callahan Tunnels.

BMC Roxbury Division

85 Warren Street, Roxbury

Serves Roxbury and the Fenway.

BMC South Boston Division

535 East Broadway, South Boston

Serves South Boston.

BMC West Roxbury Division

Sits at 445 Arborway, Jamaica Plain

Serves Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain, Roslindale, West Roxbury, and parts of Mattapan and Mission Hill.

Chelsea District Court

120 Broadway, Chelsea

Serves Chelsea and Revere.

Check the address before you go. The West Roxbury Division sits at 445 Arborway in Jamaica Plain, and the Central Division is in the Edward W. Brooke Courthouse on New Chardon Street.

Charged with OUI in Boston? Read about OUI defense in Boston.

Suffolk County Superior Court

The most serious charges start in the Boston Municipal Court or Chelsea District Court and then move to Superior Court. Suffolk County Superior Court serves Boston, Chelsea, Revere and Winthrop. It sits at the Suffolk County Courthouse, 3 Pemberton Square, in Boston.

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.

Veterans Treatment Court

Boston's Veterans Treatment Court sits at the Central Division of the Boston Municipal Court. It is a treatment-focused session for people with a history of military service, working with the VA and community providers. If your case is in another division, transferring it to Central may be an option. Learn how we represent veterans.

Juvenile Cases

When a young person is charged, the case goes to the Juvenile Court. The Suffolk County Juvenile Court sits in Boston, Chelsea, Dorchester and West Roxbury, and the neighborhood or city where the case arises decides which one. 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 Suffolk 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.

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"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.

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