Somerville is a city in northwest Massachusetts with a dense population of about 81,045 over 4.12 square miles as of the 2020 Census. It is considered safer than about 37% of other United States cities. The chances of becoming a victim of violent crime are 1 in 522. The most common violent crimes are assault, while the most common of property crimes, which are more frequently committed than violent crimes, is theft, which is charged as larceny. If prosecutors have charged you with a sex crime, violent crime, property crime, or another offense, you should call an experienced Somerville criminal defense lawyer, such as Murat Erkan and Ryan P. Sullivan, who are former prosecutors who bear insights into how prosecutors think when strategizing how best to defend clients’ cases.
Together, our criminal defense attorneys have more than 40 years of criminal law experience, handling cases in district and superior courts across the state. Our firm’s approach ensures you are never relying on just one lawyer—you gain the strength of a defense team that knows how to anticipate the prosecution’s strategy and counter it effectively.
Crimes are classified as infractions, misdemeanors, and felonies depending on the severity of the offense at issue. The categorization of the crime determines the penalties. You can face a term of years, including life, in state prison if you are convicted of a felony. When a crime can’t be punished by a term in state prison or could result in a year or less in a house of correction, it is regarded as a misdemeanor.
You can face serious consequences for a criminal conviction even if you have no record. Penalties in criminal cases can be harsh and affect you for the rest of your life, impacting your ability to secure employment and housing. Criminal records are public in Massachusetts. The outcome of your case in Somerville can depend on having a seasoned and effective criminal defense attorney with a good reputation to advocate for your rights and fight for the best possible outcome.
Our firm also understands the collateral consequences of criminal charges. Beyond fines and jail time, a conviction may lead to immigration issues, driver’s license suspensions, loss of professional licenses, and restrictions on housing or financial aid. That is why we craft strategies that look beyond the courtroom, ensuring you understand every possible consequence and every option available to protect your future.
In Somerville, a violent crime includes any act criminalized because the defendant used physical force, weapons, or verbal threats of violence. In some cases, when violence is involved in another case, such as a sex crime or drug crime, a judge may be authorized to enhance your sentence. When you have a prior conviction for a violent crime or serious drug offense, you could be classified as a career criminal under the Massachusetts Armed Career Criminal Statute and face enhanced punishment. Whether this is your first charge or a subsequent offense in Somerville, our criminal defense lawyers can fiercely advocate on your behalf to get the charges dropped.
We know how prosecutors frame violent crime cases to push for maximum punishment. Our attorneys counter this by challenging police reports, questioning witness credibility, and exposing flaws in forensic evidence. Every detail matters, from the way a weapon was handled to the words allegedly spoken during an arrest. Our aggressive approach ensures no aspect of the prosecution’s case goes unchallenged.
Even being accused of a sex crime can conjure significant stress and result in social repercussions within your community. It is imperative to retain a criminal defense attorney even before you are charged if you are being investigated for a sex crime in Somerville. If you are convicted, you may not only face incarceration and fines, but you can also be required to register with the Sex Offender Registry Board (SORB), which compiles a comprehensive list of sex offenders in the state and makes this information available to the public.
At Erkan & Sullivan, P.C., we recognize the life-altering stigma attached to these accusations. Our team works discreetly and strategically to limit exposure, challenge unreliable evidence such as faulty digital forensics, and ensure that your rights are not violated during investigations or interrogations. Protecting your reputation is as critical as defending your freedom, and we treat both with equal importance.
Theft is one of the most common property crimes in Massachusetts; it is charged as larceny. If the property in question is worth $1200 or more, or was a firearm or vehicle, you can be charged with a felony. You could face misdemeanor charges if the property involved is less than $250. Regardless of the type of charge, an experienced criminal defense lawyer, like the ones at Erkan & Sullivan, P.C., can work closely with you to determine and leverage the most effective defense strategy for your case in Somerville.
We regularly defend clients against larceny, shoplifting, robbery, burglary, and white-collar theft allegations. Our attorneys know how to negotiate reduced charges, contest unlawful searches, and highlight weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence. Whether the allegation involves property, money, or firearms, we fight to safeguard your record and your livelihood.
Operating a car under the influence of alcohol or drugs and even simple possession of drugs such as heroin or cocaine can be a serious charge, particularly if you have prior convictions. Among other potential defenses in Somerville operating under the influence (OUI) cases, our criminal defense attorneys may raise violations of your legal rights in connection with search and seizure, the right not to incriminate yourself, or procedural errors in lab testing; establishing these violations may allow us to get evidence important to the prosecution’s case excluded.
In Massachusetts, OUI charges carry mandatory penalties, including license suspensions that can last up to a lifetime. Our lawyers examine breathalyzer results, field sobriety tests, and lab reports for errors that could dismantle the case against you. If necessary, we also pursue alternative sentencing or treatment-based resolutions designed to protect your record while addressing underlying issues.
Whether you were charged with a sex crime or a violent crime, you should call a trustworthy Somerville criminal defense lawyer. Our attorneys have more than 40 years of experience. We will investigate every angle of your case in order to provide you with the best defense possible. Call us today at (978) 579-3048 or get in touch through our online form to schedule your consultation.
At Erkan & Sullivan, P.C., we combine small-firm accessibility with large-firm resources. Every case we accept is treated with urgency and precision. From district to superior court trials, our lawyers bring relentless preparation and fearless advocacy to your defense. Do not wait for the prosecutors to gain the upper hand—contact us today and put a seasoned defense team on your side.
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