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I Just Got Arrested in Massachusetts- What do I do?

Boston Criminal Defense Attorney

Arrested in Massachusetts

I JUST GOT ARRESTED IN MASSACHUSETTS: WHAT DO I DO?

If you were arrested in Massachusetts, you will receive paperwork upon your release telling you when and where to appear to be arraigned on the criminal charges against you. (For more serious charges, you may not be released the same day- see below). The arraignment usually takes place on the next business day after the arrest, and this is the beginning of the formal criminal proceedings against you. While having an attorney is helpful to ensure that everything runs smoothly, all available paperwork related to your defense is gathered, and the prosecutor does not offer you a premature and unfair plea, you are not required to have an attorney at the arraignment. The most important thing to remember is to plead “Not Guilty” and to never say anything relating to the facts of your case. In most cases, if you do not have a lawyer at the arraignment, don’t panic! When your name is called in court, just tell the judge that you would like time to find and hire your own lawyer. That way, you have plenty of time to find a skilled Massachusetts criminal defense lawyer to help analyze your case and explain your options, whether you decide to work out a deal or fight the case. In certain cases, however, having a lawyer at the arraignment may prove to be invaluable, such as when a deal can be struck in an OUI/DUI/DWI case that may allow you to get back on the road in just a few days.

If you are facing more serious criminal charges in Massachusetts, a subsequent offense for operating under the influence, or if you were arrested for any new offense while you already have an open criminal case, it is VERY important tocontact a criminal defense attorney before the day of arraignment. The prosecution may be seeking to hold you on a high cash bail or remand (no bail) if they believe the facts and circumstances warrant such a request. Alternatively, they may try to have you held for up to 60 days if you were arrested while you already have an open criminal case, or for up to 90 days if they can convince the Court that you are a danger to yourself, another person, or the community. It is critical that you speak with a highly skilled criminal defense attorney before arraignment to avoid facing pre-trial incarceration.

I HAVE SUCCESSFULLYARGUED BAIL IN HUNDREDS OF MASSACHUSETTS CRIMINAL CASES. I am available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for your free initial phone consultation on any Massachusetts criminal charge. Please do not hesitate to call my office– your freedom is too important.

Urbelis Law, LLC

50 Milk St 16th Floor
Boston, MA 02109
Phone: (617) 830-2188

Client Reviews

"Ben Urbelis recently represented me in an OUI case in which I had crashed my car. I honestly did not believe I had any chance of beating it, but fortunately for me Ben was outstanding and all charges were dropped. In my first hearing he was calm, assertive and straight to the point. I was extremely...

MC

"When I found myself charged with my 3rd DUI I was certain without a doubt that I was facing 6 months to 2 1/2 years in state prison. I can’t believe you were able to guide me calmly through the whole nerve wracking process, never sugar coating anything, staying honest and always keeping me informed...

JL

"I want to personally thank Ben and his wonderful a staff at Urbelis Law for what an outstanding job they did for my son and his friends! Ben went above and beyond for them, with a successful outcome. I would highly recommend Ben to anyone that would need his services, he was wonderful!"

Gina

"Huge thank you to not only my friend, but my lawyer,Ben Urbelis..I presented him with a case that at first was a bit tricky on paper... but we worked hard together and got all information we needed to prove i was innocent! He knew from the get go a year ago that he was gonna smash this case, and he...

PB

"Thank you for your excellent representation in this matter. Coming from out of town, it wasreassuringto have an attorney who was so well organized and on top of the process. It was very clear that the judge was not only familiar with you, but had a great deal of respect for you in the courtroom. I...

RC

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