Facing Federal Charges in Massachusetts? Our Criminal Defense Law Firm Is Prepared to Defend You
If you are under investigation or have been charged with a federal crime in Massachusetts, the stakes could not be higher. The Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson is a criminal defense law firm with offices in Boston and Salem, committed to providing aggressive legal representation. Our team includes a former prosecutor and experienced defense attorneys who understand how federal cases are investigated and prosecuted. We represent individuals throughout Suffolk, Essex, Middlesex, and Norfolk Counties, including areas like Boston, Brighton, West Roxbury, Chelsea, Salem, Lynn, Swampscott, Peabody, Saugus, Cambridge, Somerville, Newton, Brookline, Dedham, or Quincy, and more.
Federal charges are complex and carry severe penalties, including long prison sentences, asset forfeiture, and a permanent criminal record. Our Massachusetts defense attorneys bring a focused and knowledgeable approach to each case. Whether you’ve been charged with Drug trafficking, Money laundering, Extortion, or other serious federal crimes, we take your case personally and tailor a legal strategy that puts your best interests first. Contact us now to set up a strategy session and start protecting your future.
Common Federal Crimes We Handle
We focus on defending individuals charged with serious federal and state crimes throughout Eastern Massachusetts. Our team has experience handling complex legal issues and building strong, strategic defenses for each case. Whether you are facing an investigation or have already been charged, we work to protect your rights at every stage. We are well-versed in Massachusetts criminal statutes and relevant federal laws. Our goal is to reduce penalties, challenge the evidence, and guide you through the legal process with clarity.
Drug Trafficking, Money Laundering, Extortion, Firearms & Weapons Offenses
Our criminal defense law firm defends individuals against a wide range of federal offenses. Each of these crimes falls under specific federal statutes and carries significant penalties. A conviction may result in mandatory minimum sentences, hefty fines, and the loss of certain civil rights. Our Massachusetts defense attorneys provide proactive and aggressive representation to fight these charges.
Drug Trafficking
Drug trafficking is prosecuted aggressively under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 94C and federal laws, particularly 21 U.S. Code § 841. It involves the manufacturing, distribution, or possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Federal drug trafficking charges often involve agencies like the DEA and carry mandatory minimum sentences depending on the type and quantity of drugs involved. The Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson offers knowledgeable representation to challenge the prosecution’s evidence and protect your rights. If you’re facing drug trafficking charges, our criminal defense law firm is ready to act fast.
Money Laundering
Money laundering is addressed under 18 U.S. Code § 1956 and often accompanies other financial crimes. It involves disguising the origins of money obtained from criminal activity. This charge can result from even indirect association with illicit funds and is aggressively pursued in federal court. Our criminal defense attorneys understand the complex paper trails federal prosecutors use and work to dismantle their cases. Let us build a strategic defense to protect your finances and your freedom.
Extortion
Extortion under 18 U.S. Code § 1951, also known as the Hobbs Act, includes the use of threats, force, or coercion to obtain money or property. Federal extortion charges are serious and often involve electronic communications or alleged ties to organized criminal activity. Convictions can result in long federal prison terms and significant personal and professional consequences. The Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson takes a hard-hitting approach in exposing weaknesses in federal investigations. We help clients fight back against overly aggressive prosecution tactics.
Firearms & Weapons Offenses
Firearms and weapons offenses are prosecuted under 18 U.S. Code § 922 and Chapter 140 of Massachusetts law. These charges can arise from alleged unlawful possession, trafficking, or use of firearms in connection with other crimes. Federal sentencing enhancements may apply if a weapon is involved in a drug crime or violent offense. Our criminal defense attorneys carefully examine the facts to determine whether your constitutional rights were violated. If you’ve been charged with a weapons offense, contact us to begin building a solid legal defense.
Sex Crimes, Violent Crimes, and Search & Seizure Issues
Federal charges for sex and violent crimes are often aggressively prosecuted and carry life-altering consequences. Our criminal defense attorneys apply thorough legal analysis and litigation skills to fight these accusations. From unlawful searches to improperly collected digital evidence, we scrutinize every detail of the case. We also defend clients when their Fourth Amendment rights have been violated.
Sex Crimes
Federal sex crime charges may fall under statutes such as 18 U.S. Code §§ 2251–2260, dealing with exploitation, transportation, or coercion. These cases can involve computer forensics, social media, and international investigations. Penalties may include lengthy prison terms, mandatory sex offender registration, and loss of employment. Our Massachusetts defense attorneys know how to handle sensitive and complex evidence. If you’re facing federal sex crime charges, our law firm brings unwavering commitment to your defense.
Violent Crimes
Federal violent crimes, including robbery, assault, or murder, may fall under multiple federal statutes, including 18 U.S. Code § 924(c) when firearms are involved. These offenses often trigger harsh penalties and prosecutorial scrutiny. Defending such cases requires deep experience in federal trial practice and a strong grasp of constitutional protections. At the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson, our attorneys are not intimidated by aggressive federal prosecutors. We fight hard to defend your freedom and hold the government to its burden of proof.
Search & Seizure Issues
Unlawful search and seizure violations are governed by the Fourth Amendment and interpreted through case law and Rule 41 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. Evidence obtained through unlawful searches may be suppressed, significantly weakening the prosecution’s case. Our defense attorneys carefully review all search warrants, surveillance, and investigative methods used against our clients. If your rights were violated, we will move quickly to exclude illegally obtained evidence.
Why Choose the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson
Our team understands the importance of detailed case preparation and courtroom experience. We take the time to know your case, explain your rights, and develop a clear legal strategy. With experience from both sides of the courtroom—including a former prosecutor on our team—we have insight into how the prosecution operates, giving us an advantage when building your defense.
We are not a volume-driven law office; we focus on select cases to ensure personalized attention. Our reputation as a trusted criminal defense law firm stems from our results and commitment to our clients. Whether you’re facing a first-time charge or a complex federal indictment, we work aggressively and strategically to pursue the best outcome.
A Trusted Criminal Defense Law Firm Serving Boston, Salem, and Surrounding Communities
Our criminal defense law firm represents individuals facing a wide range of criminal charges throughout Massachusetts. We regularly appear in courts in Boston, Brighton, West Roxbury, Chelsea, Salem, Lynn, Swampscott, Peabody, Saugus, Cambridge, Somerville, Newton, Brookline, Dedham, or Quincy. We’re known for our focused, strategic approach to criminal defense—and our ability to challenge evidence and build strong cases. When you’re charged with a crime, your future, your freedom, and your reputation are at stake. That’s why our Massachusetts defense attorneys treat every case with the urgency and seriousness it deserves.
We defend against charges including white-collar crime, drug crime, theft and property crime, assault and violent offenses, motor vehicle-related offenses, sexual offenses, firearms charges, and public order violations. We serve clients across Suffolk, Essex, Middlesex, or Norfolk Counties, with courtroom presence and local knowledge that gives you an advantage.
Areas We Serve in Massachusetts
The Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson serves clients across Eastern Massachusetts. From our offices in Boston and Salem, we provide accessible legal services to residents in:
- Suffolk County – Boston, Brighton, Chelsea, West Roxbury
- Essex County – Salem, Lynn, Swampscott, Peabody, Saugus
- Middlesex County – Cambridge, Somerville, Newton
- Norfolk County – Brookline, Dedham, Quincy
Our criminal defense attorneys understand the local court systems and the strategies used by prosecutors across these counties. Whether your case is in federal district court in Boston or a preliminary matter in a local court, we’re ready to help you navigate the process from start to finish.
Contact Us Today to Set Up a Strategy Session
Don’t wait to get experienced legal help. If you’re facing charges for white-collar crime, drug crime, theft and property crime, assault and violent offenses, motor vehicle-related offenses, sexual offenses, firearms charges, and public order violations, or you believe your rights were violated in a search & seizure, reach out to our team now. Our offices in Boston and Salem are ready to serve clients across Eastern Massachusetts.
Let our criminal defense attorneys help you understand your rights and plan a defense strategy that makes sense for your case. Contact us today to schedule a strategy session and take the first step toward protecting your future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between federal and state criminal charges?
Federal charges are prosecuted by U.S. attorneys and involve violations of federal law, such as drug trafficking across state lines. State charges are handled by district attorneys and involve violations of Massachusetts state laws. Our defense attorneys handle both types of cases.
Can I be charged in both state and federal court?
Yes. In some cases, especially for serious crimes like drug trafficking or firearms offenses, both state and federal prosecutors may file charges. This is known as dual sovereignty, and it requires a defense attorney experienced in both courts.
If I think a search violated my rights, what should I do?
Contact the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson immediately. If the search was conducted without a warrant or probable cause, we may be able to file a motion to suppress the evidence under both federal and Massachusetts constitutional protections.
How serious is a federal drug charge in Massachusetts?
Federal drug charges are extremely serious and often carry mandatory minimum prison sentences. The outcome depends on the type and amount of the drug, your criminal record, and whether firearms or other aggravating factors are involved.
How soon should I speak with a defense attorney after being charged?
Immediately. The sooner you are involved with the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson, the sooner we can begin protecting your rights, analyzing the evidence, and developing a legal strategy. Early intervention can significantly affect the direction of your case.