Criminal Defense

We take court-appointed cases, private cases for Trials, Plea Negotiations, Drug Cases, Misdemeanors & Felonies, Gun Cases, Restraining Orders, Vacating Convictions, and Appeals.

The criminal justice system is designed to keep law and order in check. It is an intricate system meant to prosecute individuals for crimes committed against others and property. If you find yourself on the wrong end of the law, it can be a frightening and dreadful experience with damaging consequences. A criminal charge can bring about a myriad of repercussions. In addition to a criminal conviction, steep fines, jail time, and probation, you could also be subject to collateral consequences, such as loss of employment, housing, and voting rights. Indeed, the consequences that result from a criminal offense can be quite detrimental. If you have been accused of a crime, it is highly recommended to contact a criminal defense lawyer for expert legal advice.

• Do Most People Assume They Will be Convicted in a Drug- Related Case?
• Should I Hire an Attorney Even if I Plan on Pleading Guilty to Drug-Related Charges?
• What Are The Most Common Types Of Criminal Defense Cases You Handle?
• What Happens After Someone Bonds Out Of Jail After An Arrest?

At the Patrick Long Law Firm, we are committed to protecting our clients’ rights and helping them fight the charges that are brought against them. We know that a criminal conviction can devastate your life as well as that of your family. For this reason, our team of professionals and criminal defense lawyers will diligently work on your case to achieve a favorable outcome.

The Patrick Long Law Firm serves clients in Dorchester, MA, and surrounding areas.

• What Exactly Is the Clerk Magistrate Hearing?
• What Is Probable Cause at a Clerk Magistrate Hearing?
• What Happens If We Win at the Hearing?
• I Should Have Gotten a Clerk Magistrate Hearing. I Missed My Hearing, and Now I Have a Summons for Arraignment. Is There Anything That Can Be Done?

DUI/DWI Defense

In Massachusetts it’s actually OUI—operating under the influence. That distinction is important, because many activities other than driving still qualify as “operating” a motor vehicle. Operation is any action that makes use of any mechanical or electrical device that alone or in sequence with other devices could set the vehicle in motion. In effect, putting the key in the ignition, even just to turn on the heat or the lights, is OUI.

• How Is A DUI/DWI Defined Under Massachusetts State Law?
• What Happens After Someone Is Pulled Over On Suspicion Of Being Impaired?

Misdemeanor & Felony Offenses

In Massachusetts, criminal offenses are classified as either a misdemeanor or a felony. Misdemeanor offenses are less serious than felonies. But make no mistake, misdemeanors are accompanied by stiff penalties set by state laws and statutes. A misdemeanors attorney who is familiar with the law in Dorchester, MA can help explain the penalties that pertain to different offenses.

Unlike most states, Massachusetts does not group misdemeanors into separate classes, such as degrees. Instead, the penalties for misdemeanor crimes are defined by the offense in question. If a crime is not punishable by state prison, it is a misdemeanor. In other words, misdemeanor crimes are not served in state prison, they are served in a county jail or correctional facility. For example, an assault and battery offense that did not cause an injury carries a fine of up to $1,000 and/or 30 months in jail, not state prison. The same applies to a reckless driving offense, which can result in a maximum fine of $200 and/or two weeks to two years in jail.

• How Does Massachusetts State Law Define Assault & Battery Charges?
• What Possible Defenses Are Used In Assault Cases?

If you have been charged with a misdemeanor offense, it is advised to talk to a misdemeanors attorney who represents clients in Dorchester, MA about your specific charge. A knowledgeable misdemeanors attorney will be able to advise on how to best move forward with your case.

Just like misdemeanor offenses, felonies are not grouped into separate classes or degrees. Felonies are determined by whether the crime committed is punishable by a state prison sentence. As such, a person convicted of a felony serves their time in state prison versus a county jail or corrections facility. There are instances, however, in which an individual can be sentenced to a county jail or correctional facility for a felony. For example, a judge presiding over an assault and battery with injury case can impose a maximum term of 30 months with a fine of up to $5,000, instead of sentencing the defendant to state prison with an indeterminate term.

If you have been charged with a felony offense, an experienced criminal defense lawyer can provide invaluable assistance in defending your case. Contact our criminal defense lawyer at the Patrick Long Law Firm today for a comprehensive case evaluation.

• How Does Massachusetts Define Domestic Violence? What Are The Criteria?
• I Was Arrested On Charges Related To Domestic Violence In Suffolk County. What Exactly Am I Being Charged With?
• What Evidence Is Helpful To My Criminal Defense Attorney In My Domestic Violence Related Case?
• What Are The Potential Penalties Or Sentencing Guidelines For A Conviction Of A Domestic Violence Related Charge In Massachusetts?

Drug Cases

Drug cases in Massachusetts are complex. The law varies when it comes to sentencing individuals involved with possession, distribution, and/or the sale of drugs. Moreover, a drug charge is based on the type of drug in possession. If you have been charged with a drug offense, a skilled drug cases attorney in Dorchester, MA can assess your particular case and build a strong defense that yields agreeable results.

• What Are The Most Common Drug Offense Cases That You Handle?
• What Is The General Timeline Of A Drug Related Case In Massachusetts?

Drug possession laws can be confusing. Not all drugs are treated equally. Possession of one class of drugs will result in different charges compared to the possession of another type of drug in another class. For instance, possession of marijuana charges will differ from possession of heroin. Drugs or controlled substances are assigned classes that range from Class A to Class E. Class A substances are the most dangerous and carry the heaviest penalties. Class E is the least harmful, and the penalties are less stringent. When it comes to drug cases, it is wise to consult with a drug cases attorney who is well-versed in the law and who is adept at representing these cases.

• I Was Arrested Weeks Ago, But Not Charged Yet. What’s Going On?
• What Exactly Is A Plea Bargain?
• Can A Defendant Plead Guilty If They Aren’t?

Gun Cases

Gun and firearm offenses are considered extremely serious in Massachusetts. A gun or firearm violation is heavily prosecuted, and if convicted, you could face a minimum mandatory sentence of 18 months, plus other adverse ramifications. If you have been charged with a gun violation, it is imperative to enlist a gun cases attorney with proven experience in this area of law. Contact our proficient gun cases attorney today to find out how we can help mitigate your charges.

• Massachusetts Has An Expungement Provision For Decriminalized Marijuana Offenses. Do You Take Those Types Of Cases?
• Can I Get A Hardship License For A First Offense OUI Or DUI Charge In Massachusetts?
• What Are The License Consequences Of A First Offense OUI Or DUI Charge?
• Do You Have The Option To Refuse A Breath Or Blood Test In An OUI Or DUI Case Or Investigation In Massachusetts? What Are The Consequences If You Refuse?