Charged With a Crime in Peabody, MA? A Criminal Defense Attorney You Can Trust
Being charged with a crime in Peabody, MA, can be stressful and overwhelming. The choices you make early in the process can have a major impact on the outcome of your case. At the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson, our Peabody criminal defense lawyers are here to guide you through every stage of the criminal justice process. With offices in Boston and Salem, our team defends clients in Peabody District Court and throughout Essex County, providing aggressive legal representation rooted in knowledge and experience.
Our law firm is recognized as a top-rated criminal defense law firm in Massachusetts. We focus on building strong strategies tailored to your case, whether you are charged with a misdemeanor or a serious felony. We understand how the other side thinks, and we use that insight to protect your rights. We take every case personally because we know your future, reputation, and freedom are at stake.

Why Choose a Peabody Criminal Defense Lawyer From The Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson?
Selecting the right defense attorney can make the difference between a favorable outcome and a conviction. The Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson has earned a strong reputation in Massachusetts for handling high-stakes cases with skill and determination. Our attorneys defend individuals in Peabody District Court and other courts in Essex County, always to minimize the impact of criminal charges.
We combine aggressive courtroom advocacy with personalized legal strategies. This means that when you work with us, your case is not treated as just another file. We take the time to understand your unique situation and develop a plan that protects your rights under Massachusetts law.
Crimes We Handle in Peabody District Court
At our firm, we defend a wide range of charges. Each case requires careful preparation, legal knowledge, and strategic defense in court. Below are the main areas we handle for clients in Peabody, MA, and throughout Essex County.

Drug Crime
Massachusetts law has strict rules regarding drug possession, distribution, or trafficking. These offenses are covered under the Controlled Substances Act, Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 94C. A conviction can result in prison time, license suspension, and a lasting criminal record.
Our top-rated criminal defense law firm in Massachusetts has represented clients facing drug charges in Peabody District Court and across Essex County. We understand how law enforcement investigates drug crimes and use that knowledge to expose weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
White-Collar Crime
White-collar crimes generally involve financial or business-related misconduct such as fraud, embezzlement, or forgery. Under Massachusetts law, many of these offenses fall under Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 266, which governs crimes against property, including fraud and false pretenses. Convictions for these offenses can lead to steep fines, restitution, and potential imprisonment.
If you are facing allegations of white-collar crime, you need an aggressive criminal defense attorney who understands both the courtroom process and the complex financial details often involved. The Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson has the experience to protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome.
Public Order Offenses
Public order offenses include charges such as disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace, or resisting arrest. These offenses are outlined in Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 272. While some may be considered minor, they can still lead to fines, probation, or jail time.
We treat these cases with the seriousness they deserve. Our attorneys work to prevent a conviction from impacting your record, especially if this is your first interaction with the criminal justice system.
Assault and Violent Crime
Assault and violent crimes are taken very seriously by Massachusetts courts. Under Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 265, offenses such as assault, battery, domestic violence, and armed robbery carry severe penalties. These cases often move quickly, and the prosecution pushes aggressively for convictions.
Our attorneys have experience handling these sensitive cases in Peabody District Court. We understand the weight of these charges and are committed to providing aggressive courtroom defense to protect your rights.
Motor Vehicle Offenses
Motor vehicle offenses can range from OUI/DUI to operating without a license or reckless driving. These charges are outlined under Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90, which governs motor vehicles and traffic laws. Penalties may include fines, license suspension, probation, or even jail time.
When your driving record and freedom are at stake, you need an experienced Massachusetts defense attorney who can protect your rights. Our team is ready to help you navigate the legal process and fight for a resolution that minimizes the impact on your future.
Theft and Property Crime
Theft and property crimes are among the most common charges in Peabody District Court. These offenses are outlined in Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 266 and include larceny, burglary, shoplifting, and vandalismg. Penalties can range from fines to significant jail time, depending on the value of the property and the circumstances of the case.
Our firm takes these cases seriously because even a minor theft conviction can harm your record and future opportunities. We are ready to challenge the evidence, question the process, and build a defense that protects your reputation.
Firearms Charges
Massachusetts has some of the strictest gun laws in the country. Firearms charges fall under Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 269, § 10, which governs unlawful possession, carrying without a license, or improper storage, and related offenses. These charges can lead to mandatory minimum sentences.
Our firearms defense attorneys are skilled in handling firearms cases and protecting Second Amendment rights under Massachusetts law. We are ready to defend your freedom in Peabody District Court.
Sexual Offenses
Sexual offenses are among the most serious charges in Massachusetts, governed by Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 265, §§ 22-24C. A conviction can carry long prison terms, lifetime sex offender registration, and permanent damage to your reputation.
At the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson, we defend individuals facing these life-altering accusations. We carefully examine the facts, challenge the evidence, and fight for your rights every step of the way.
Defending Clients in Peabody District Court and Beyond
The Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson regularly represents clients in Peabody District Court and throughout Essex County. We understand how local courts operate, the procedures judges follow, and how prosecutors build their cases. This local knowledge gives us an advantage when preparing our defense.
Whether your case is heard in Peabody District Court or escalated to a higher court, our firm stands ready to defend you. We believe in aggressive representation backed by careful preparation and dedication to protecting your rights.
Contact a Peabody Criminal Defense attorney Today
If you or someone you care about is facing criminal charges in Peabody, MA, it is important to take action quickly. The Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson is a top-rated criminal defense law firm in Massachusetts with experience representing clients in Peabody District Court and throughout Essex County. We take every case seriously and build defense strategies tailored to your circumstances. Contact us now to set up a strategy session so we can begin protecting your rights and fighting for your future.