Violent Crime Attorney in Boston

Support, Guidance & Strong Violent Crime Defense in Boston

When you face accusations of a violent offense in Boston, you need clear legal guidance and an aggressive strategy. At Degiacomo & Mikhlin, P.C., our team understands the impact these charges carry in Massachusetts and puts legal experience to work from the first conversation. 

Every client receives trusted advice, open communication, and a plan grounded in the complexities of local laws. If you are searching for a violent crime defense lawyer in Boston, quick action helps protect your future and your reputation.

Our attorneys have experience in Boston courts, so they help you make informed choices—whether you need to respond to police inquiries, prepare for court, or navigate complex hearing schedules. Throughout Suffolk County, cases often move quickly, so having steady support can make each step less overwhelming.

When your freedom and future are on the line, you need a powerful defense. They are a trusted violent crime attorney in Boston that provides free consultations to help you understand your legal options. Get the legal support you need by calling (617) 941-3666 or visiting their website.

Key Offenses & Legal Elements: How Massachusetts Defines Violent Crimes

Massachusetts law defines a violent crime as an offense involving the use or threatened use of force against another person. These crimes are primarily outlined in Chapter 265 of the Massachusetts General Laws. The prosecution's success hinges on its ability to prove specific legal elements for each charge beyond a reasonable doubt. 

A skilled Boston violent crime defense lawyer will meticulously challenge the state's evidence to expose any deficiencies in its case.

• Assault and Battery: This charge requires the state to prove that a person intentionally and without justification touched another person without their consent. An intentional touch, even a slight one, can be enough.
• Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon: This is a more serious offense. It adds the element of a "dangerous weapon" to the standard assault and battery charge. A weapon can be inherently dangerous, like a gun or knife, or it can be a common object, like a pen or a rock, used in a way that makes it dangerous. The state does not need to prove that an injury occurred, only that the touching was done with a dangerous weapon. A conviction can lead to a felony charge and a lengthy prison sentence.
• Robbery: This crime is defined as the taking of personal property from another person by force or a threat of force. It is distinct from larceny because of the use of force. It becomes "armed robbery" when a firearm or other dangerous weapon is used during the crime, resulting in significantly harsher penalties.
• Manslaughter: This is the unlawful killing of another person without malice. The state must prove the killing was either voluntary, occurring in the heat of a sudden passion, or involuntary, resulting from wanton or reckless conduct.

Their firm's extensive experience as a violent crime attorney in Boston allows them to swiftly identify which elements the prosecution will focus on, giving their clients a crucial head start in building a defense.

The Burden of Proof and Common Defense Strategies

In any criminal case, the burden of proof rests entirely on the prosecution. They must prove every element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt, a standard that is a cornerstone of the American legal system. 

As former prosecutors, James G. DeGiacomo and Sergey Mikhlin have an intimate understanding of this burden and can anticipate the state's tactics. A top-tier Boston violent crime defense lawyer will use this knowledge to systematically dismantle the prosecution’s case.

Common defense strategies include:

• Self-Defense: This is a powerful defense in Massachusetts. They can argue that their client’s actions were justified because they reasonably believed they were in imminent danger of bodily harm and used no more force than was necessary to protect themselves. Massachusetts law requires a person to retreat from an altercation if it is safe to do so before using deadly force, except when in their own home.
• Alibi: This defense provides evidence that their client was not at the scene of the crime when it occurred. It can be a highly effective defense that completely undermines the prosecution's case.
• Mistaken Identity: Eyewitness testimony can be unreliable, especially in high-stress situations. They will challenge the methods used by law enforcement to obtain an identification and can expose flaws that cast doubt on the witness’s credibility.
• Lack of Intent: For many violent crimes, the prosecution must prove that the defendant had the necessary criminal intent. They can argue that the alleged action was an accident or a mistake, not a deliberate act to cause harm.

Navigating the Criminal Justice Process in Massachusetts

The legal process for a violent crime in Massachusetts is a complex journey that requires skilled representation from the very beginning. DeGiacomo & Mikhlin, P.C. will serve as your guides, protecting your rights and ensuring you are prepared for every stage.

1. Arrest and Booking: The process begins with an arrest. The most important step to take is to remain silent and not speak to law enforcement without an attorney present.
2. Arraignment: This is the first court appearance, where a not guilty plea is entered. At this hearing, a judge will also set bail. Their firm will be present to argue for your release on personal recognizance or for the lowest possible bail.
3. Discovery: This is a critical pre-trial phase where the prosecution must provide their legal team with all of the evidence they plan to use in court. Their firm will meticulously review this evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and forensic analysis, to build a powerful defense.
4. Motions and Hearings: Their firm will file pre-trial motions to challenge illegally obtained evidence or to dismiss the case based on legal deficiencies. As a Boston violent crime defense lawyer, they understand how to use these motions to gain a strategic advantage.
5. Plea Negotiations or Trial: Throughout the process, their firm will engage in negotiations with the prosecutor to explore the possibility of a plea to a lesser offense. However, they are always prepared to take their clients' case to trial and fight for a not guilty verdict if it is in their best interest.

Their firm's experience on both sides of the courtroom gives them a unique ability to anticipate the state’s strategy at every stage of the process.

Why Choose Our Violent Crime Defense Lawyers in Boston

Because we handle violent crime defense in Boston every day, our strategies draw from real results and firsthand courtroom experience. As former prosecutors, we know both sides of the legal system—giving clients unique insight as we manage the details of each case. 

• Former Prosecutors: Our attorneys previously worked as Massachusetts prosecutors and now use that background to anticipate strategies, evaluate evidence, and craft a defense that addresses real and immediate risks in violent crime cases.
• Local Experience: Familiarity with Boston courts, Suffolk County judges, and state law shapes every step. You receive honest answers and region-specific guidance about timelines, court procedures, and outcomes unique to Massachusetts violent crime defense.
• 24/7 Availability: Legal issues can arise at any hour. Our team at Degiacomo & Mikhlin, P.C. answers urgent calls whenever help is needed—because support should never be out of reach.
• Clear Client Communication: Clients stay informed and get answers quickly, so they always know what their next steps are and what to expect from their violent crime lawyer in Boston.

The Defense Process with a Violent Crime Lawyer in Boston

Understanding how violent crime defense unfolds in Boston makes the journey less uncertain. Every client receives a clear road map of what to expect from the first call to the conclusion of the case.

1. Initial Consultation: The process starts with a confidential conversation, where our team listens, gathers critical information, and addresses immediate questions about your violent crime case in Boston.
2. Legal Evaluation: Attorneys review charges, discuss risks and options based on Massachusetts statutes, and outline steps grounded in practical knowledge of Boston-area courts and judges.
3. Defense Planning: Preparation can mean reviewing police reports, seeking independent investigators, or discussing options with prosecutors. We file legal motions to address evidence or challenge excessive charges when necessary.
4. Representation at Every Court Phase: Our Boston violent crime defense lawyers support you at arraignment, pretrial hearings, and during trial if required—always advocating for your best interests at every stage.
5. Ongoing Client Updates: You receive frequent, honest updates and easy-to-follow explanations so you always know your case status and next steps throughout your violent crime defense in Boston.

Boston’s main court locations, such as Suffolk County Courthouse or Boston Municipal Court, often handle high volumes. We factor in potential delays, court schedules, and local procedural quirks to keep your case on track. Familiarity with these environments streamlines communication and reduces stress. Legal teams who regularly defend violent crime cases in Boston know how to anticipate the flow of local hearings and keep you prepared for each step. Our approach always puts your needs first within the realities of Boston’s busy court system.

Contact a Violent Crime Defense Lawyer in Boston Today

Quick action can shape your future if you are facing violent crime charges in Boston. Call (617) 941-3666 to schedule a private consultation. You receive straight answers, trusted local insight, and guidance through every step of the process. Our team draws on experience from both the defense and prosecution side in Massachusetts, helping you move forward with greater confidence. 

Start building your defense today with the support of a violent crime attorney in Boston you can trust—Contact us today.