Facing Criminal Charges in Massachusetts? Our Defense Attorney Is Ready to Fight for You
If you’re being investigated or charged with a crime in Boston, Salem, or anywhere in Suffolk, Essex, Middlesex, or Norfolk County, you need a criminal defense law firm that takes your case seriously. At the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson, we provide strategic, aggressive, and experienced legal representation tailored to your unique case. With a former prosecutor on our team, we know how the system works—and we know how to fight it. Whether you’re facing a minor charge or a serious felony, our criminal defense attorneys are ready to protect your rights from day one.
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, Chelsea, Lynn, and Salem, as well as in Brookline, Newton, and Cambridge. 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 Boston 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, and Norfolk Counties, with courtroom presence and local knowledge that gives you an advantage.
Why Choose the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson?
Your choice of defense attorney might significantly impact the outcome of your case. You want someone who not only understands Massachusetts criminal law but also how to challenge the evidence and navigate local court systems. At the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson, we offer experience, insight, and a focused commitment to every client. Our law firm takes an aggressive but measured approach to criminal defense, working closely with you to create a personalized legal strategy. Here’s why individuals across Massachusetts trust us to defend their freedom:
- Experience on Both Sides of the Courtroom: With a former prosecutor on our team, we understand how cases are built—and how to break them down.
- Aggressive Criminal Defense Attorney: We don’t sit back and wait. We take initiative in investigating your case and developing a strong defense.
- Focused on Massachusetts Law: As a Massachusetts defense attorney, our law firm has a deep understanding of local courts, judges, and procedures.
- Client-Centered Approach: We understand that this is likely one of the most challenging times of your life. We listen, we explain, and we fight—with you and for you.
Criminal Charges We Handle
Below are the types of charges we handle across Massachusetts. Each type of crime comes with its own legal risks and consequences under Massachusetts General Laws, which we use as our framework for building a strong defense.
White-Collar Crime
White-collar crimes are non-violent offenses involving financial deception or fraud. These charges can include anything from identity fraud to embezzlement and are prosecuted under laws such as M.G.L. c. 266, which outlines offenses involving property and business fraud. White-collar charges can lead to serious penalties, including imprisonment, heavy fines, and long-term damage to your professional reputation.
If you’re facing investigation or formal charges in Boston, Charlestown, Revere, Chelsea, Salem, Swampscott, or nearby cities for a white-collar offense, it’s important to have an aggressive criminal defense attorney who understands how to challenge financial records, audit trails, and prosecutorial tactics. Our team knows how these cases are built and how to dismantle them.
Theft and Property Crime
Theft and property crimes involve the unauthorized taking or destruction of property and can range from shoplifting to arson. These charges fall under M.G.L. c. 266, similar to many white-collar offenses, but usually relate to physical rather than financial property.
Penalties can range from restitution and probation to long-term prison time, depending on the value of the property and whether force was involved. Our Boston criminal defense law firm takes your case personally and builds customized defense strategies, including contesting the value of property or challenging ownership claims.
Drug Crime
Massachusetts law under M.G.L. c. 94C governs drug-related offenses, which include possession, distribution, manufacturing, and trafficking of controlled substances. Drug crimes are taken seriously by prosecutors, especially when they involve larger quantities or take place near schools or public housing.
Whether you’re facing a first-time possession charge or a complex trafficking allegation, you need a Boston criminal defense attorney who can contest searches, fight improper police procedures, and push back against unreliable lab results. We aggressively defend drug cases in both Suffolk, Essex, Middlesex, and Norfolk County courts and beyond.
Motor Vehicle Offenses
Motor vehicle offenses in Massachusetts can result in heavy fines, license suspensions, or even jail time. These include charges such as driving with a suspended license, reckless driving, leaving the scene of an accident, and vehicular homicide—outlined under M.G.L. c. 90.
These cases can affect not only your freedom but also your job and insurance status. Our aggressive criminal defense attorneys know how to navigate local court systems and challenge procedural missteps. If you’ve been charged with a traffic-related criminal offense in Newton, Lynn, Brighton, or Brookline, we’re ready to help.
Assault and Violent Crime
Violent crimes, including assault and battery, are prosecuted aggressively under M.G.L. c. 265. These charges can lead to significant prison sentences, especially if weapons are involved or the victim suffers serious injury.
A conviction can follow you for life. That’s why our Massachusetts defense attorneys don’t just negotiate plea deals—we work to get charges reduced or dismissed whenever possible. Our law firm fights these charges across Suffolk, Essex, Middlesex, and Norfolk counties.
Sexual Offenses
Sex-related charges, from indecent assault to statutory offenses, are among the most serious in Massachusetts and carry severe consequences under M.G.L. c. 265 and c. 272. In addition to prison, you may face sex offender registration and restrictions on where you can live or work.
Our criminal defense law firm takes a meticulous and strategic approach to defending these cases, including challenging the credibility of evidence and protecting client privacy. These cases require discretion and a courtroom-tested strategy, especially in high-stakes jurisdictions like Boston and Salem.
Firearms Charges
Firearms offenses in Massachusetts are governed by M.G.L. c. 140 and c. 269. Even a simple possession without a valid license can lead to mandatory minimum sentences. Charges become more serious when firearms are connected to other crimes or if the weapon is unregistered.
Our Boston defense attorneys understand the state’s strict gun laws and how prosecutors build their cases. We challenge the legality of searches, the validity of warrants, and technical errors in registration or licensing.
Public Order Offenses
Public order crimes include offenses such as disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, or disturbing the peace—usually charged under M.G.L. c. 272. While sometimes treated as misdemeanors, these charges can escalate quickly, especially if they involve police officers or public disruption.
Even minor charges can affect your record, job prospects, and reputation. Suppose you’ve been charged in Chelsea, Brighton, Boston, Newton, Salem, Beverly, Swampscott, or surrounding cities. In that case, our aggressive criminal defense attorneys will challenge the legality of the arrest and push for dismissal where appropriate.
Juvenile Crime
Juvenile crimes in Massachusetts are handled differently from adult cases, but the consequences can still be life-changing. Governed under M.G.L. c. 119, juvenile offenses may include charges such as larceny, assault, drug possession, or school-related incidents. While the focus of the juvenile justice system is rehabilitation rather than punishment, these cases can still lead to detention, probation, and a permanent juvenile record that may affect future opportunities.
At the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson, we understand how critical it is to protect a young person’s future. We work closely with families to challenge the evidence, pursue diversion or rehabilitation programs, and keep the child’s record as clear as possible. Our defense attorneys fight aggressively in juvenile court to safeguard both immediate rights and long-term opportunities.
We Serve Clients Across Massachusetts
Our criminal defense law firm represents individuals with cases throughout Boston and all eight divisions of the Boston Municipal Court (BMC). We also appear regularly in Chelsea District Court, which serves parts of Suffolk County.
Beyond Suffolk County, we provide legal defense in nearby areas, such as but not limited to:
Whether your case is in Greater Boston or surrounding cities and towns, our experienced attorneys are prepared to defend you in both district and superior courts across the region.
Let’s Build a Strategy—Starting Today
At the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson, we take every case seriously. Whether you’ve been charged in Boston, Chelsea, Lynn, Salem, or elsewhere in Massachusetts, we’re ready to listen, evaluate your case, and work toward the best possible outcome.
Contact us now to set up a strategy session with an experienced criminal defense attorney. In your case, early action can make all the difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do after being charged with a crime in Massachusetts?
Keep quiet and get in touch with an experienced criminal defence attorney right away. The Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson can guide you through each step.
Can I be charged with a crime if the police didn’t read me my rights?
Possibly, but any statement made without being properly advised of your rights may be inadmissible. We evaluate whether your constitutional rights were violated.
Do I need a attorney if I plan to plead guilty?
Yes. A Massachusetts defense attorney can negotiate for reduced charges, alternatives to jail time, or diversion programs—especially for first-time offenders.
What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor in Massachusetts?
A felony is a crime punishable by state prison time. A misdemeanor typically carries jail time or fines, but not state prison. It is important to take both carefully because they can affect your life.
How do I expunge or seal my criminal record?
You could be able to seal or expunge your record under Massachusetts law, depending on how your case turns out and how much time has passed. We can advise you on the process.