Framingham Criminal Defense Practice Areas and Legal Definitions

Massachusetts laws and procedures related to criminal defense are complicated and require a skilled criminal defense lawyer to properly navigate through the process. Criminal defense Attorney Stephen E. Dawley fights for the rights of alleged criminal offenders in the city of Framingham and in the greater Boston area. He delivers personalized attention to his clients by keeping case information detailed and accessible and provides criminal defense legal solutions related to the following matters:

Criminal Defense:

Individuals found to violate a criminal law whether through their own admission of guilt or through the determination of a jury are subject to fines, imprisonment, probation and community service, among other penalties. The outcome of any criminal case depends upon the facts surrounding the crime charged, the strength of the evidence, the legal validity of law enforcement and courtroom procedure and the goals and strategy of the government and defense. Framingham criminal defense Attorney Stephen E. Dawley will navigate you through this complicated legal process.

DUI:

“DUI” stands for Driving Under The Influence and occurs when someone is operating, or is in actual physical control, of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or other controlled substance, to the extent that their mental faculties are impaired and/or their Blood Alcohol Content is above the legal limit. Even for a first offense, penalties can include license suspension, substantial fines, community service, mandatory attendance at a state or DMV approved alcohol program, mandatory overnight incarceration and the required installation (at the offender’s expense) of a car ignition locking device. In addition, a DUI conviction stays on a DMV record for at least 7 years; it typically results in higher insurance premiums, and an offender may become ineligible for credit. Plus, a DUI could also jeopardize your employment opportunities.

However, if someone was injured as a result of the drunken driving accident, it is possible the defendant will be charged with a felony (and if the victim dies, the driver may be charged with vehicular manslaughter). Further, a DUI conviction will likely be raised to a felony if it is the driver's fourth DUI offense or the driver has had a prior felony DUI offense within 10 years of the new charge. For more information, please contact Boston DUI lawyer Stephen E. Dawley.

Drug Crimes:

Over the past few decades, the government has amassed armies of law enforcement personnel whose sole purpose is to pursue, arrest and prosecute violations of the nation's drug laws. Those laws have become more and more severe with offenders frequently receiving sentences with very long mandatory minimum prison terms. The severity has also extended to drug forfeiture laws, which the government uses to seize bank accounts, houses, cars, boats and other property, even when it cannot prove beyond a reasonable doubt that a crime has been committed.

Attorney Stephen E. Dawley has many years of experience in state and federal courts representing clients in all types of drug cases. He treats each drug case individually, finding the right solution to serve the needs of the client. Some cases may require him to perform legal research and investigation to challenge the government's tactics in pursuing the client and invading his or her private life. In others, he will have to negotiate a plea bargain. In still others, he will prepare for and go to trial. Most cases call for a combination of some or all of these tactics.

Domestic Abuse:

Domestic violence or abuse is any physical, emotional, sexual or other violence that takes place between people who may be married or not married; heterosexual, gay or lesbian; or living together, separated or dating. Domestic abuse can be criminal and includes physical assault: hitting, pushing and shoving, etc.; sexual abuse: unwanted or forced sexual activity; and stalking. For more information, please contact Framingham domestic violence Attorney Stephen E. Dawley.

If you or someone you know in Framingham, or within the area surrounding Boston, needs the legal counsel or assistance of an experienced criminal defense lawyer, please contact Stephen E. Dawley today, at (866) 626-3180, or complete the contact form provided on this site to begin your free consultation.