Boston Criminal Defense Attorney: Your Future Deserves a Fearless Defense
At The Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson, we are your trusted Boston criminal defense attorneys, dedicated to protecting your rights and guiding you through challenging legal situations in Suffolk County.
We understand how stressful and overwhelming it can be to face criminal charges. Our experienced team works tirelessly to ensure you receive fair treatment and the best possible outcome. With personalized attention and an unyielding commitment to your future, we stand by your side every step of the way.

About Boston, Massachusetts
Boston, the capital of Massachusetts, is one of the nation’s most historic cities. Founded in 1630, it played a crucial role in the American Revolution, including iconic events like the Boston Tea Party and the Battle of Bunker Hill. Today, Boston is a vibrant hub for education, culture, and law, with the Boston Municipal Court Central District (BMC Central) at its core.
Navigating Boston’s legal system requires deep knowledge of its history and the workings of its courts. From criminal defense to family and immigration cases, understanding the city’s unique judicial landscape is vital for effective legal representation.
About Boston Municipal Court (BMC)
The Boston Municipal Court Department provides legal services to both the City of Boston and the Town of Winthrop. It handles a range of criminal and civil cases, operating with a strong commitment to justice, fairness, and respect for all individuals involved.
This court system includes 30 judges distributed across eight divisions, which are located in Brighton, Central Boston, Charlestown, Dorchester, East Boston, Roxbury, South Boston, and West Roxbury. In addition to overseeing local legal matters, the Boston Municipal Court also has the authority to hear appeals from certain state agency decisions, including those related to unemployment benefits and firearm licensing.
Defending Criminal Charges in Boston Courts: Our Deep Local Knowledge
Navigating Boston’s legal system requires specialized knowledge of its history and the complex workings of its courts. Our intimate understanding of the Suffolk County court system gives our clients a distinct legal advantage, ensuring every defense is strategically prepared for the specific judge, prosecutor, and local judicial environment.

Real Procedural Experience in Suffolk County
Our Boston criminal defense attorneys bring more than 25 years of combined experience practicing law, with genuine procedural familiarity in Suffolk County courts. We regularly argue motions and handle trials in Boston-area judicial venues, allowing us to understand the practical distinctions that can affect how a case is prosecuted. This courtroom experience informs our defense strategies, particularly when evaluating police conduct, evidentiary issues, and prosecutorial decisions within the Suffolk County legal system.
Central Division BMC
Cases Handled: Misdemeanors, minor criminal offenses, small claims, and traffic infractions.
Service Area: This division handles most initial appearances and cases for Chinatown, North End, South End, West End, and Beacon Hill.
Our Focus: Our goal here is often to prevent formal charges at a Clerk Magistrate Hearing or secure a favorable outcome through negotiation, avoiding higher court proceedings.
Address
Edward W. Brooke Courthouse, 24 New Chardon St., Boston, MA 02114
Parking Address
There are metered lots as well as paid parking garages available to the public.
Superior Court
Cases Handled: More serious criminal cases, substantial civil matters, and jury trials (Felonies).
Service Area: This court serves all cities and towns of Suffolk County.
Our Focus: Our experienced litigators provide strong, aggressive representation at this level, where the stakes are highest, meticulously preparing for trial advocacy.
Suffolk County Superior Court Address
Suffolk County Courthouse, 3 Pemberton Square, Boston, MA 02108
Parking Address
There are private parking garages near the courthouse.

Probate and Family Court
Cases Handled: Family matters such as divorce, child custody, support issues, and estate concerns.
Service Area: Serves all cities and towns in Suffolk County.
Our Focus: We provide compassionate support while advocating tirelessly to protect your best interests.
Main Address
Edward W. Brooke Courthouse, 24 New Chardon St., P.O. Box 9663, Boston, MA 02114
Satellite Office
Chelsea District Court, 120 Broadway, Chelsea, MA 02150
Parking
Parking is available at your own expense in the vicinity of the courthouses, or via the Passport App for the Chelsea location.
Juvenile Court
Cases involving minors, delinquency charges, care and protection cases, and youthful offender matters are managed by the Suffolk County Juvenile Court at Edward W. Brooke Courthouse in Boston. This court serves Brighton, Charlestown, Roxbury, and South Boston for delinquency, harassment, and criminal cases. Our firm provides dedicated advocacy for juveniles, guiding families through these complex legal proceedings with care and determination.
Suffolk Juvenile Court Address
Edward W. Brooke Courthouse, 24 New Chardon St., P.O. Box 9663, Boston, MA 02114
Parking Address
Parking is available at your own expense in the vicinity of the courthouse.
Our Comprehensive Legal Services
We handle complex cases with a strategic approach tailored to your unique situation, providing aggressive defense against a full range of criminal charges across Boston and Suffolk County:
Criminal Defense
If you’re facing criminal charges in Massachusetts, you need an experienced defense attorney to protect your rights and fight for the best outcome. We handle misdemeanors, gun charges, Driving Under the Influence (DUI/OUI), drug offenses, theft, larceny, domestic violence, dangerousness hearings, youthful offenders, domestic violence, assault and battery, felonies, and complex cases with a strategic approach tailored to your situation.
Gun Rights and LTC
Massachusetts has some of the strictest gun laws in the country, and issues with your License to Carry (LTC) or firearms charges can have serious consequences. We help clients navigate LTC applications, denials, revocations, suspensions, and firearm-related offenses to safeguard their rights.
Clerk Magistrate Hearing
A Clerk Magistrate Hearing is your first opportunity to prevent criminal charges before they’re filed. We work to resolve matters at this early stage whenever possible, potentially saving you from formal court proceedings. We provide strong representation to challenge complaints, present evidence, and protect your record.
Restraining Order
Whether you need protection through a restraining order or are defending against one, we provide experienced legal advocacy. We handle 209A abuse prevention orders and 258E harassment prevention orders to uphold your rights.
Family Law and Divorce
Family law and divorce matters can be emotionally and legally complex. We assist with divorce, child custody, support, alimony, and other family law issues, ensuring a fair resolution for you and your loved ones.
Immigration and Deportation
Facing immigration challenges or deportation proceedings can be overwhelming. We assist with Adjustment of Status (AOS) for those seeking lawful permanent residency without leaving the U.S., as well as defending against removal and helping with visas, green cards, and citizenship applications.
Why Boston Defendants Choose Matthew W. Peterson: Proof of Success
The Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson is known for its determination. We’re ready to take your case to trial if needed, fighting tirelessly for the best possible outcome. Choosing our team of criminal defense attorneys can make all the difference. Here’s why our clients in the Boston area trust us for their legal needs.
Our office is conveniently located in Suffolk County. We have an in-depth understanding of local courts, including BMC Central and the Suffolk Superior Court, which allows us to effectively navigate your LTC issues, criminal defense, family law, clerk magistrate hearings, and restraining order cases with confidence and expertise.
Whether you’re facing criminal charges, dealing with LTC issues, needing assistance with family law matters, attending a clerk magistrate hearing, seeking a restraining order, or navigating complex immigration issues in Suffolk County, we offer personalized legal strategies designed to defend your rights.
Our defense is built on meticulous case investigation. We leverage extensive trial experience in local courts to secure favorable outcomes. Our law firm has achieved positive results for many Boston-area clients, including dismissals and reductions in charges.
We believe that access to high-quality legal representation shouldn’t be limited by financial concerns. We offer flexible payment options, including installment plans and credit card payments, to make legal defense more affordable.
Stay informed every step of the way. Whether by text, email, Zoom, or in-person, we give clear, straightforward guidance so you can confidently navigate your legal situation and understand each step along the way.
Our Legal Process and How We Work
Our extensive experience with Suffolk County’s legal system gives us an edge when defending clients. Our skilled Boston criminal defense lawyers are here to support you every step of the way. Here’s how we assist our clients. Contact us now!
We give our clients a comprehensive overview of their legal issues, gathering essential information to understand their unique situation.
After the initial discussion, we create a tailored strategic plan outlining how we aim to achieve the customer’s objectives.
Once the agreement is in place, we begin representing you, furnishing expert legal guidance and devoted advocacy throughout your case.
Locations We Represent in Suffolk County
Other Counties We Represent
Get The Legal Help You Deserve
No matter the challenge, the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson is here to provide you with strong, aggressive, and reliable legal representation. If you need an experienced Boston criminal defense attorney for your legal battles, send us a message today for an exclusive strategy session or call us at our Boston office, 617-295-7500, or our Salem office, 978-607-0034.


