Charged With a Crime in Charlestown, MA? Our Criminal Defense Attorneys Are Ready to Protect Your Rights
If you are facing criminal charges in Charlestown, MA, the situation can feel overwhelming. The consequences of a conviction—fines, jail time, probation, or a permanent record—can impact your career, family, and future opportunities. With offices conveniently located in Boston and Salem, our aggressive Charlestown criminal defense lawyers bring both courtroom experience and insider knowledge as a former prosecutor to every case. At the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson, we provide strong defense representation for individuals accused of crimes in the BMC-Charlestown Division and throughout Suffolk County.
Our top-rated criminal defense law firm in Massachusetts defends individuals charged with 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 understand how the criminal justice system works in the Commonwealth, and we take every case personally, guiding you through each step of the legal process.
Why Choose a Charlestown Criminal Defense Lawyer?
When you are accused of a crime, choosing the right defense attorney can make a major difference in your outcome. Massachusetts law is detailed and complex, and even a first offense can lead to serious consequences if not handled correctly. Having a Charlestown Criminal Defense Attorney who knows the local courts, such as the BMC-Charlestown Division, ensures that your defense is tailored to both state laws and local practices.
At the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson, we focus on protecting your rights, challenging the prosecution’s evidence, and exploring every possible avenue for a favorable outcome. We are known for aggressive courtroom representation and a dedication to building a strong legal strategy for each client. Whether your case involves a misdemeanor or a serious felony, we are committed to standing by your side.
Crimes We Handle in Charlestown, MA
Below are some of the major categories of charges we defend against. Each type of case comes with its own laws and penalties under Massachusetts law, which makes it essential to have a Massachusetts defense attorney who understands how to build a defense around these charges.
Theft and Property Crime
Theft and property crimes include larceny, burglary, shoplifting, and vandalism. Under Mass. Gen. Laws c. 266, penalties vary depending on the value of the property and whether force was involved. Even relatively minor theft charges can carry long-lasting consequences, including a criminal record that impacts employment.
Our Charlestown Criminal Defense Attorneys know how to challenge the evidence in these cases, from questioning eyewitness testimony to disputing property valuations. We aim to minimize the impact of these charges and fight for the best possible resolution.
Assault and violent crime
Assault and violent crimes cover a range of offenses, from assault and battery to more serious charges like armed assault. Massachusetts defines these offenses under Mass. Gen. Laws c. 265. These crimes often carry severe penalties, including mandatory jail time for certain convictions.
Our Massachusetts defense attorneys understand that many assault cases involve complicated circumstances such as self-defense or mistaken identity. We are committed to ensuring that all factors are presented in court and that you are not unfairly judged by incomplete evidence.
Motor vehicle offenses
Motor vehicle offenses can range from OUI/DUI to operating without a license or reckless driving. These are governed by Mass. Gen. Laws c. 90. Convictions can lead to license suspension, fines, increased insurance costs, and possible jail time.
Having an aggressive Charlestown criminal defense attorney can make a significant difference in preserving your driving privileges and avoiding harsh penalties. We are prepared to fight these charges in court and seek outcomes that protect your freedom and mobility.
Firearms charges
Massachusetts has some of the strictest gun laws in the country under Mass. Gen. Laws c. 140. Offenses can include unlawful possession, carrying without a license, or improper storage. Convictions often result in mandatory minimum sentences.
Our Charlestown Criminal Defense Attorneys have significant experience defending against firearms charges. We work to identify constitutional issues such as unlawful searches or improper police procedures, giving you the strongest possible defense.
Public order offenses
Public order offenses can include disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace, or resisting arrest. These are often prosecuted under Mass. Gen. Laws c. 272. While they may appear minor, they can still result in criminal records that affect future opportunities.
At our top-rated criminal defense law firm in Massachusetts, we know how to fight these cases effectively. We seek to protect your record and minimize the impact of these charges on your life.
Sexual offenses
Sexual offenses are some of the most serious charges a person can face in Massachusetts. Governed under Mass. Gen. Laws c. 265, they carry penalties that may include long prison sentences and mandatory sex offender registration.
Being accused of such an offense can have devastating personal and professional consequences. Our firm provides discreet, strategic, and thorough defense representation to protect your rights and ensure your voice is heard throughout the legal process.
White-collar crime
White-collar crime generally refers to financially motivated offenses such as fraud, embezzlement, or forgery. In Massachusetts, laws like Mass. Gen. Laws c. 266 cover many forms of deceptive financial activity. Convictions can result in fines, restitution, probation, and even prison, depending on the scale of the alleged offense.
Our firm provides experienced representation for individuals accused of these offenses, ensuring that your side of the story is fully heard. Because white-collar charges often involve financial records, electronic evidence, and business dealings, it is important to have a defense team with experience handling complex cases.
Drug crime
Drug charges in Massachusetts are taken seriously, whether for possession, distribution, or trafficking. The Controlled Substances Act (Mass. Gen. Laws c. 94C) outlines penalties based on the type of drug and the quantity involved. Consequences can include mandatory minimum sentences for certain offenses.
Our defense team is well-versed in handling drug-related cases in the BMC-Charlestown Division and beyond. We carefully review whether police followed proper procedures during searches, arrests, and evidence handling. By challenging unlawful searches or weak evidence, we work to protect your rights and build a strong defense.
Why Work With Our Top-Rated Criminal Defense Law Firm in Massachusetts?
The Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson is committed to defending individuals in Charlestown, MA, and throughout the Greater Boston area. We are known for aggressive courtroom representation, strategic defense planning, and personal dedication to every client. Our knowledge of both state laws and the BMC-Charlestown Division court system gives us the tools to fight effectively for your rights.
When you choose our firm, you get a legal team that takes your case seriously and works tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome.
Contact a Charlestown Criminal Defense attorney Today
If you are facing criminal charges in Charlestown, MA, it is important to act quickly. The earlier you involve an experienced criminal defense attorney, the more options you may have for protecting your rights and building a strong case. At the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson, we are ready to stand with you in the BMC-Charlestown Division and throughout Suffolk County. Contact us now to set up a strategy session and take the first step in defending your future.