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 the Central Division for more than 30 years. We know this courthouse, we know its procedures and players. We know what it takes to get the best results for people facing criminal charges here.
If you or someone you care about has been charged with a crime in downtown Boston, Chinatown, the North End, the West End, Beacon Hill, or the South End, the Central Division is where your case will be heard, and we are ready to help. Serious felony cases from the Central Division are sometimes moved to Suffolk Superior Court, where we have a successful trial record.
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You can review examples of our case results here.
Facing an OUI charge specifically in Boston? See our dedicated Boston OUI Defense page for penalties, defenses, and license consequences.
The Central Division is accessible via the Red Line to Park Street or Charles/MGH, the Blue Line to Bowdoin, or the Orange Line to Haymarket.
There is no public parking available at this courthouse. Paid parking is available in nearby lots, garages, and metered street spaces.
If you are coming to court for the first time, here is what to expect when you arrive.
Get to the building by 8:30. You will need some time to go through intake at the Probation Department before your case is called. The Edward W. Brooke Courthouse also houses the Probate and Family Court, the Housing Court, the Juvenile Court, and the Registry of Deeds, so it is a very large building and it can get busy.
Go in the front doors and through the metal detectors. A short hallway opens into a large atrium, with the elevators on your right. There is a video screen in the atrium where you can look up your case and find out which courtroom to go to.
The first session courtroom is Courtroom 14, on the fifth floor. Courtrooms 1 through 9 and A and B are on the fourth floor, Courtrooms 10 through 18 and C and D are on the fifth floor, and Courtrooms 19 through 21 are on the sixth floor.
For an arraignment, check in at the Probation Department on the second floor. 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 court uses it to run a background check and open your file. If you are here for a clerk magistrate hearing, check in at the Office of the Clerk-Magistrate for Criminal Business on the sixth floor rather than probation.
There is no free parking at the courthouse, but there are several paid lots in the Merrimac Street and Portland Street area.
Arraignments typically begin at 9:00 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 us, we will be there with you from the moment you arrive.
The Boston Municipal Court Department has 30 judges across eight divisions serving the City of Boston. The Central Division, housed in the Edward W. Brooke Courthouse at 24 New Chardon Street, is the busiest of the eight and serves downtown Boston, Chinatown, the North End, the West End, Beacon Hill, and the South End through Massachusetts Avenue.
If you served in the military, the Boston Veterans Treatment Court meets right here at the Central Division. Learn how we represent veterans.
Suffolk Superior Court is at 3 Pemberton Square in Boston. Our guide to Suffolk County courts covers every Boston Municipal Court division and Chelsea District Court.
This division handles the overwhelming majority of criminal cases from start to finish, including arraignments, bail hearings, pretrial conferences, motions, and trials.
The Central Division's docket runs from the Financial District and the theater and nightlife blocks near Downtown Crossing and Faneuil Hall, where a night out can end in an OUI or a fake identification charge, to cases arising near Boston Common and TD Garden.
It also draws cases connected to Suffolk University and Emerson College, and to the downtown hospitals, Massachusetts General Hospital, Tufts Medical Center, and Boston Medical Center, where a charge can carry professional-license consequences on top of the criminal case itself.
Chinatown here is the only surviving historic Chinatown in New England, and the division also serves Government Center. A large daytime office-worker population contrasts with a smaller residential base.
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.
