Facing Public Order Charges in Massachusetts? Our Defense Attorney Is Ready to Fight for You
If you’ve been charged with a public order offense in Massachusetts, it’s critical to work with a skilled and experienced defense attorney. The Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson is a criminal defense law firm with offices located in both Boston and Salem, providing aggressive representation across Suffolk, Essex, Middlesex, and Norfolk Counties. With a team that includes a former prosecutor, our attorneys offer informed and strategic defense to individuals charged with offenses such as Disorderly Conduct, Disturbing the Peace, and more. We take every case personally and are ready to stand by your side at every stage of the criminal process.
Your Massachusetts Defense Attorney for Public Order Offenses
Public order offenses may not always seem serious at first glance, but they can carry lasting legal and personal consequences. From jail time and fines to a permanent mark on your criminal record, these charges can affect your employment, housing, and reputation. Whether you’ve been arrested for Public Intoxication in Boston or charged with Resisting Arrest in Salem, our criminal defense attorneys bring practical courtroom knowledge and an aggressive strategy to every case. At the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson, we tailor our legal approach to your specific situation and fight to protect your future.
Public Order Offenses We Handle in Massachusetts
Public Order offenses often involve allegations of disruptive, indecent, or uncooperative behavior in public spaces. While these charges may seem minor at first, they can carry lasting consequences such as a criminal record, fines, or even jail time. According to Massachusetts law, many of these offenses fall under broad or subjective interpretations, making experienced legal representation essential. Our Massachusetts criminal defense attorneys are skilled in evaluating the details of your case and building strategic defenses tailored to local courts in Suffolk, Essex, Middlesex, and Norfolk Counties.
Disorderly Conduct
Under Massachusetts General Laws c. 272, § 53, Disorderly Conduct is considered a criminal offense that includes actions like fighting, creating hazardous conditions, or making unreasonable noise in public. A conviction can result in fines or even jail time for repeat offenses. Our criminal defense law firm understands how to challenge the evidence and question whether the conduct truly met the legal standard. With deep knowledge of the law and courtroom procedures, our Massachusetts defense attorneys work to get charges reduced or dismissed whenever possible.
Disturbing the Peace
As outlined in Massachusetts General Laws c. 272, § 53, Disturbing the Peace involves engaging in behavior that disrupts the public or causes annoyance to others, such as loud yelling or confrontational behavior in public spaces. These cases often rely heavily on subjective witness accounts or police interpretation. Our aggressive criminal defense attorneys assess every detail to dispute the allegations and protect your record. If you’ve been charged in Boston, Salem, or a nearby city, we’re ready to take immediate action.
Public Intoxication
While Massachusetts does not criminalize simple public intoxication, being intoxicated in public while also posing a danger to yourself or others could lead to a Disorderly Conduct charge under M.G.L. c. 272, § 53. Law enforcement may also detain you temporarily under civil protective custody. Our criminal defense attorneys understand the nuances of this charge and how to argue for your release or dismissal. If you were arrested while impaired in public, it’s vital to contact our criminal defense law firm immediately.
Indecent Exposure
According to M.G.L. c. 272, § 53, Indecent Exposure is the intentional exposure of one’s genitals in public, and it is a misdemeanor offense in Massachusetts. While it might seem like a minor charge, a conviction can have damaging effects on your reputation and may even impact employment opportunities. Our defense attorneys analyze the facts to determine whether the alleged exposure meets the legal criteria. We take swift and effective steps to defend your rights throughout the legal process.
Resisting Arrest
Under M.G.L. c. 268, § 32B, Resisting Arrest involves knowingly preventing or attempting to prevent a law enforcement officer from making an arrest. This includes physical resistance or even running away. A conviction can result in jail time or fines, and it often accompanies another underlying charge. Our aggressive criminal defense attorneys focus on whether the arrest was lawful and whether the force used was justified. Our law firm is committed to challenging improper police conduct and upholding your rights.
Obstructing Justice
Obstructing Justice is a broad legal term that can encompass interfering with investigations, destroying evidence, or intimidating witnesses, and while it does not have a single statute, various actions fall under laws like M.G.L. c. 268, §§ 13B and 13E. These charges carry serious penalties and often accompany other felonies. Our attorneys are experienced in navigating complex cases involving obstruction and use a proactive defense strategy. From document review to courtroom defense, we’re here to protect your freedom.
Witness Intimidation
Under M.G.L. c. 268, § 13B, it is a criminal offense to attempt to influence, threaten, or harm a witness or someone involved in a legal proceeding. This includes verbal threats, coercion, or attempts to stop someone from testifying. Witness Intimidation is a serious felony charge that can result in prison time. At our criminal defense law firm, we carefully review the allegations and circumstances to challenge the intent and validity of the claims. We work to disprove the accusations and minimize the impact on your future.
Areas We Serve Across Massachusetts
Our offices in Boston and Salem allow us to provide convenient, localized representation throughout Suffolk and Essex Counties. We frequently represent clients in Brighton, West Roxbury, Chelsea, Lynn, Swampscott, Peabody, and Saugus. In addition, we defend individuals in Cambridge, Somerville, Newton in Middlesex County, and Brookline, Dedham, Quincy in Norfolk County. If you’ve been charged with a Public Order offense in any of these areas, our attorneys are prepared to act quickly and protect your rights.
Contact a Massachusetts Defense Attorney Today
The Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson serves clients throughout Suffolk, Essex, Middlesex, and Norfolk Counties from our offices in Boston and Salem. We offer personalized, strategic representation for individuals charged with Public Order offenses such as Disorderly Conduct, Public Intoxication, Indecent Exposure, Resisting Arrest, and more. We understand the impact these charges can have on your life and future—and we’re here to help. Contact us now to set up a strategy session with an aggressive criminal defense attorney ready to fight for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered Disorderly Conduct in Massachusetts?
Disorderly Conduct can include fighting, unreasonable noise, or disruptive behavior in public, as defined under M.G.L. c. 272, § 53.
Can I be arrested for being drunk in public in Massachusetts?
While public intoxication alone is not a criminal offense, if you’re considered a danger or cause a disturbance, you could be charged with Disorderly Conduct or placed in protective custody.
What are the penalties for Witness Intimidation?
Witness Intimidation is a felony under M.G.L. c. 268, § 13B and may result in imprisonment or fines depending on the severity of the offense.
Is Resisting Arrest a standalone charge?
Yes, under M.G.L. c. 268, § 32B, Resisting Arrest can be charged on its own, even if the original arrest was for a minor offense.
How can a defense attorney help with Disturbing the Peace charges?
A criminal defense attorney can review the facts, challenge witness testimony, and work to get the charges dismissed or reduced based on a lack of evidence or legal justification.