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Defense Lawyers You Can Trust

If you have been charged with a crime, having a skilled defense attorney by your side from the earliest moments of your case is crucial. At Erkan & Sullivan, P.C., our Lowell criminal defense lawyers bring decades of combined experience and a fierce commitment to protecting your rights. We do not just represent you, we aggressively fight for you at every stage of your case. 

With established relationships throughout the legal system, deep knowledge of Massachusetts criminal law, and a vast network of resources, our attorneys are uniquely positioned to advise you on specific, viable legal options for your case and guide you through the court process.

Erkan & Sullivan is a partnership of two battle-hardened attorneys, Murat Erkan and Ryan Sullivan. They have a combined experience of over forty-two years in criminal law. Both attorneys began their careers as prosecutors in some of the busiest courts in the Commonwealth, including Lawrence, Lowell and Lynn. They then built on that foundation to become two of the most formidable and respected attorneys in Massachusetts. Now joined in one firm, they are unrivaled; a force to be reckoned with. They are known for their uniquely relentless defense strategies and the kindness, humanity and compassion they show to their clients.

40+

years of experience

Testimonials
100+

5 Star Reviews

Commonly Charged Criminal Offenses

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Drug Crimes

From possession to trafficking, we provide comprehensive defense strategies.

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DUI/OUI Defense

We aggressively defend clients against charges of driving under the influence.

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Violent Crimes

Our firm is known for its unrivaled defense in violent crime cases. We advocate for individuals facing serious charges, including:

Assault, Battery, Homicide, Kidnapping, Armed assault, Home invasion, Domestic violence, Attempted murder

If you are being charged with a violent crime in Lowell, it is crucial that you take the matter seriously and enlist the help of a well-respected criminal defense attorney.

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Sex Offenses

We provide client-centered and compassionate defense to our clients facing rape, indecent assault and battery, lewd and lascivious conduct, open and gross lewdness, indecent exposure, and sex trafficking cases.

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Clerk’s Hearings and Magistrate Hearings

Our firm can leverage our skill, experience and reputation to prevent criminal charges from being issued against you during a clerk’s hearing.

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Restraining Orders and Harassment Prevention Orders

We provide expert legal representation for individuals seeking or defending against restraining and harassment prevention orders, ensuring your rights are protected and your case is handled with the utmost professionalism and care.

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Guns, Firearms & Weapons Charges

We offer experienced legal defense for gun and weapons charges, providing aggressive representation to protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome for your case.

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Theft and Property Crimes

Our firm provides a highly effective defense in cases involving shoplifting, burglary, and larceny.

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White-Collar Crimes

Our team is positioned to secure the best possible outcome in cases involving embezzlement, fraud, and other financial crimes.

The John Joseph Moakley United States Courthouse in Boston, Massachusetts

Federal Crimes

Our firm is uniquely positioned to provide a formidable defense to complex federal charges, including drug trafficking, immigration offenses, and white-collar crimes.

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Motions for New Trial, Wrongful Convictions, and Appeals

Our firm has an unrivaled reputation for helping people get the second chance they deserve after receiving incorrect or bad advice from past lawyers or otherwise being treated unfairly in past cases.

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Motor Vehicle Offenses

Our firm can provide you with expert guidance to achieve a successful resolution of for any and all driving, boating, or other motor vehicle offenses.

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Sealing and Expungement

Our lawyers can help you seal, erase, or expunge all or part of your qualifying criminal records.

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Investigations

If you believe you or a loved one may be under investigation, call our team. Our attorneys can often prevent charges from being issued or mitigate any that do, potentially eliminating the catastrophic consequences that often accompany the criminal process.

Massachusetts DMV

Suspensions, Violations & ID Fraud Defense

We strive to provide expert legal defense for license suspensions, breathalyzer and interlock violations, hardship and Cinderella licenses, and ID fraud, ensuring your rights are protected and your driving privileges are swiftly restored.

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Arson

We defend individuals against arson charges, leveraging advanced training and experience in fire investigation to challenge circumstantial and expert evidence, and protect against wrongful convictions.

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School Suspensions and Disciplinary Proceedings

We defend students in school disciplinary proceedings, ensuring your child’s future is protected by advocating for fair treatment and effective resolutions to suspension, expulsion, or other disciplinary actions.

To learn more about how we can create a defense for your specific case, schedule a consultation with our legal team today.

Success Stories from Our Clients

We treat our clients like family and take their cases personally. Getting a good result—and knowing we made a difference—is what Erkan & Sullivan, P.C. is all about.

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Peter C
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Ryan Sullivan was a guardian angel during one of the most stressful times of my life. From the moment I hired him, he got right to work and made me feel like family, not just another case. Ryan and his entire staff were professional, knowledgeable, responsive, and genuinely cared about helping me through a difficult situation. If you’re looking for a criminal defense attorney who will fight for you and treat you with respect, I highly recommend Ryan Sullivan and his team. Honestly, if a group of raccoons got arrested for running an organized trash-can theft ring, I’m pretty sure Ryan would be the first attorney they’d call. That’s how much confidence I have in him.
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Ozzz
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A law firm with wonderful people. They are very kind! Ms. Shah always answered my questions and my case was handled with great care. Mr. Murat Erkan is a true expert. It was wonderful to be able to talk to him.
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Oguzhan profile picture
Oguzhan
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Mr. Murat Erkan had a crucial criminal case, which would have affected my life, dismissed before it even appeared before the judge. He arrived in court confident and well-prepared. When the hearing began, Murat Erkan impressively clarified the situation without anyone else even needing to ask a question. I'd even say he's a magician. I'd also like to thank Ms. Felicia and Ms. Shah.
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yogendra patel profile picture
yogendra patel
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They filed a motion and argued it in front of a judge in Lowell, fighting hard to get my case resolved before it even went In the end I got pretrial probation for one year, which means I can keep working at my job and supporting my two sons without a conviction on my record.
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miguel urena
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I am so thankful for Attorney Murat Erkan, Ryan Sullivan and their team especially their new associate Felicia Gordon. I was very scared when I was charged with a serious theft case. I am a permanent resident from the Dominican Republic, and I was afraid this case could hurt my immigration status and separate me from my family. Attorney Erkan took my case seriously from the beginning. He did not just accept what the company and the prosecutor were saying. He looked closely at the evidence, the value of the property, the interpreter issue, and everything that was wrong with the case. He explained things to me in a way I could understand and always made me feel respected. In the end, my felony charge was reduced to a small misdemeanor. I did not have to pay restitution, I received unsupervised probation, and most important, my immigration consequences were avoided. This case was one of the scariest things I have ever gone through, but Attorney Erkan fought for me and helped me protect my life in this country. I would recommend him to anyone who needs a criminal defense lawyer who really cares and knows what he is doing.
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Juan Diaz profile picture
Juan Diaz
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Mr. Sullivan did a marvelous job defending my case in the court in the City of Lowell. He went above and beyond to win my case against injustice which is fairly prevalent against single Dad's. Stand up for your rights victims of ex spousal injustice!
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Oguz Tanis profile picture
Oguz Tanis
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I highly recommend this law firm. They handled my case with professionalism, dedication, and excellent communication from start to finish. They explained every step of the process, answered all of my questions, and worked hard to achieve the best possible outcome for my case. I am truly grateful for their support and expertise during a very difficult time. If you need an attorney who genuinely cares about their clients and delivers outstanding results, I would not hesitate to recommend them. Thank you again for everything you did for me.
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José
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He did it! I’m so glad he was with me. Not only did he find every posible reason why the case should be dismissed, and then argue his case convincingly, but l think he was able to get through to the judge’s humanity, so that she see me with consideration as a fellow human being. She did, and she gave me a break 🙏🏼 This was worth every penny, I highly recommend Erkan & Sullivan 👍🏼
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Bianca Munro profile picture
Bianca Munro
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While Murat and Ryan most regularly help defendants, they were instrumental in helping us address a delicate matter as plaintiffs. Ryan responded to my request immediately -- within two hours of my call, and that same day we had a plan in place. When Ryan was unavailable for a court hearing, Murat stepped in to help. His humor and razor sharp intellect helped us emotionally cope and strategically settle the matter. After spending over a decade at the District Attorney's office listening to testimony after testimony, Murat developed the ability to zero-in on a lie with laser pointer focus -- it was amazing to see this superpower in action. Thank you so much.

Misdemeanor vs. Felony Offenses

Crimes are either categorized as misdemeanors or felonies in Massachusetts. 

A felony is any crime punishable by a state prison sentence, while a misdemeanor is any crime that is not punishable by state prison time but can carry up to two and a half years in the House of Corrections. Felonies can result in sentences ranging from a few years to life in state prison, in addition to financial penalties. Examples of felonies include:

A misdemeanor is any crime not punishable by state prison time. Misdemeanors are usually handled by District or Municipal Court. Examples include petty theft, vandalism, and disorderly conduct.

Our criminal defense attorneys in Lowell can help if you are facing criminal charges. You need a lawyer who understands how to counter the significant power and resources prosecutors bring to the table. We will stand resolutely by your side to protect your rights, ensure a fair trial, and advocate relentlessly for your best interests.

We understand the intricacies of the law and will ensure your rights are upheld throughout the process, from initial questioning to trial. Prosecutors may be experienced and strategic, but so are we. 

Our first step is to seek a dismissal or acquittal whenever possible. Make no mistake – the criminal defense lawyer you hire is the single most important factor in determining whether you win or lose your case. But in cases where dismissal or acquittal are unavailable outcomes, we will negotiate aggressively for reduced charges or alternative solutions, like a plea bargain, to mitigate your charges.

The Erkan & Sullivan, P.C. team

Why Choose Erkan & Sullivan?

Exclusive Focus on Criminal Defense

Unlike other firms that handle multiple types of cases, we focus solely on criminal defense to provide specialized and expert representation. We handle all manner of criminal cases and have extensive experience helping non-citizen clients remain in the country.

Local Expertise

With deep roots in both Essex and Middlesex counties – especially the busy Lowell District Court and Lawrence District Court — and extensive experience throughout Massachusetts, we understand the local legal landscape.

Aggressive Advocacy

We are known for our relentless defense tactics and have a proven track record of achieving favorable outcomes for our clients.

Personalized Attention

At Erkan & Sullivan, every client is treated with the utmost respect and receives personalized legal strategies tailored to their unique situation.

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Building a Defense Against a Criminal Charge

Our criminal defense attorneys in Lowell know the criminal justice system inside and out, including relevant legal principles, procedures, and local court practices. We can build a defense that is not only legally sound but also tailored to your specific situation. We will ensure your constitutional rights are respected throughout the legal process, from arrest to trial and beyond, safeguarding you from potential violations.

Our lawyers will dig into every detail, challenge the evidence, question the witnesses, and push back against anything that threatens your rights. Through it all, we keep you informed, prepared, and supported, so you never feel like you are going through this alone.

Contact Us Today!

Meet Our Team

Come meet our team. From our focused, collaborative approach, to our accessible and friendly staff, give yourself the peace of mind of knowing that you are protected.

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Talk With a Lowell Criminal Defense Attorney Today

At Erkan & Sullivan, P.C., we are dedicated to providing top-tier criminal defense representation to our clients. Our firm is exclusively focused on criminal defense, ensuring that our clients receive the most knowledgeable, ethical, and effective representation possible.

If you or a loved one is facing state or federal criminal charges, do not hesitate to contact our Lowell criminal defense lawyers. During your consultation, we could discuss your case and provide you with the guidance you need during this challenging time.

Call us today at (978) 474-0054 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation and become one of the well-represented members of the Erkan & Sullivan family.

Proven Results

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Domestic Assault Resulting in Strangulation and Suffocation Dismissed

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The Firm in the Press
She Was Killed by the Same Man Who Murdered Her Mother 23 Years Earlier
A&E
September 8, 2026
The Clancy jury continues to deliberate
NPR
September 1, 2026
DA faces challenge over withheld police misconduct evidence
Mass Lawyers Weekly
August 28, 2026
Murder trial for Duxbury mom begins. Defense expected to focus on postpartum depression
WBUR
July 20, 2026
Attorneys: Clancy insanity defense faces steep odds at trial
Mass Lawyers Weekly
July 13, 2026