The Law Office of Jillise McDonough serves clients throughout Massachusetts from our Boston office

Any involvement in our criminal justice system is scary, confusing and overwhelming – whether you or a loved one is being investigated for criminal activity, or has been arrested, summonsed to court, or convicted of a crime.  The best way to protect yourself is to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney.  Who you hire is one of the most important decisions you can make.  You need someone who will not only fight for you in the courtroom, but also someone who will take the time to listen to your concerns and explain all of your options.  You need an experienced attorney who will conduct a thorough investigation into the charges, and recognize the holes in the government’s case so that its allegations aren’t the only version of events presented in court.

Learn more here.

What to do if you are arrested…

You have the absolute right to remain silent.  Do not answer any questions, even if you think it will help to explain yourself.  Ask for an attorney immediately, and do not make any statements or sign anything without consulting with a lawyer.  You have a right to make one phone call; do not make any statements relating to the incident as the police may have the capability of listening to your phone call.

If you were convicted…

After a conviction, you are likely feeling scared, disappointed and frustrated.  The first thing you should do is file a Notice of Appeal.  You have thirty-days to file a Notice of Appeal, so do that immediately even if you are unsure as to whether you want to appeal.  You can always withdraw your appeal later.

If you received a summons…

If you receive a summons to testify, you may need an attorney to ensure your rights are protected.  Even if you did not do anything wrong, it may not be in your best interests to testify.  You may have a privilege available so that you cannot be forced to testify, such as a Fifth Amendment or marital privilege.