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 Dorchester 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 Dorchester, the Dorchester Division is where your case will be heard, and we are ready to help. Serious felony cases from the Dorchester Division are sometimes moved to Suffolk Superior Court, where we have a successful trial record.
.jpg)
You can review examples of our case results here.
The Dorchester Division is reachable via nearby MBTA subway, bus, and commuter rail routes. We recommend checking the MBTA's Trip Planner for current routes.
There is no public parking available at this courthouse. Limited parking is available on the streets in the vicinity.
The Boston Municipal Court Department has 30 judges across eight divisions serving the City of Boston. The Dorchester Division, at 510 Washington Street, serves Dorchester, the city's largest neighborhood. This division handles the overwhelming majority of criminal cases from start to finish, including arraignments, bail hearings, pretrial conferences, motions, and trials.
If you served in the military, the Boston Veterans Treatment Court sits at the Central Division of the Boston Municipal Court, and a case from the Dorchester Division may be able to transfer there. Learn how we represent veterans.
For the other Boston Municipal Court divisions, Chelsea District Court, and Suffolk Superior Court at 3 Pemberton Square, see our Suffolk County criminal defense attorney page.
The courthouse also houses an Adult Drug Court program, an alternative track for eligible defendants dealing with substance use issues.
The Dorchester Division's docket draws cases connected to the University of Massachusetts Boston at Columbia Point, the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library, and Carney Hospital.
Dorchester is Boston's largest neighborhood by both area and population, and its most diverse, with significant Black, Cape Verdean, Vietnamese, Irish, Caribbean, and Hispanic communities concentrated across distinct commercial areas like Fields Corner, Uphams Corner, Codman Square, and Ashmont. It is served by the Red Line, the Fairmount Line, and the Mattapan Trolley.
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
.jpg)
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.
