Criminal Defense
If you have been accused of, investigated for, or formally charged with a crime, you need a strong advocate. Mountain Dearborn can help. We bring passion and purpose to protecting your rights. Representing individuals accused of misdemeanors and felonies, we fearlessly advocate for your rights and strive to obtain the most favorable outcome for you.
We thoroughly investigate your case to uncover any applicable substantive or procedural defenses, identify relevant evidence and witnesses, and present the most favorable case possible to the prosecution, the judge, and the jury. We are always prepared to try your case and will vigorously hold the prosecution accountable to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
If you have been arrested or charged with a crime, it is important to seek legal advice immediately. Please call our office at 508-459-7269 or complete our contact form to get in touch and set up an appointment.
Assault and Battery
Not all conflicts become violent, but there are all too many situations when disagreements or verbal disputes can rapidly accelerate to the level of assault and battery between the parties. Drug or alcohol consumption is often a factor. The potential punishment can be severe, especially if the case involves a family member, a weapon, or an alleged assault of a police officer. If you have been charged with assault and battery, or if you think you might be charged, it’s important to speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible to learn about your rights and potential defenses.
Clerk-Magistrate Hearings
We represent clients in clerk-magistrate or “show cause” hearings in criminal courts. These hearings are the first step in many criminal cases. Instead of arresting the suspect accused of a crime, the police fill out an application asking the court to issue a criminal complaint. These applications are decided not by a judge, but by a clerk-magistrate. The show cause hearing provides an opportunity to prevent the police from filing a criminal case against you. Experienced legal representation is critical. We develop a strategic approach to your show-cause hearing and make the best arguments possible to try to prevent issuance of a complaint.
Drug Crimes
Drug crimes can have serious consequences, but a better outcome is often possible with the help of an experienced attorney. We represent clients in cases involving allegations of possession, distribution, trafficking, and possession with intent to distribute various types of drugs. There are many different ways to defend drug crimes, including motions to dismiss, motions to suppress evidence, and favorable plea agreements.
Operating/Driving Under the Influence
We defend individuals against allegations of operating/driving under the influence (OUI/DUI). An OUI/DUI conviction can result in severe consequences, including prison time and driver’s license suspension, even for a first offense, and steeper penalties if you have prior OUI/DUI offenses on your record.
For cases that can be resolved before trial, you need an experienced attorney who knows the enhancements and penalties under the law, in order to avoid unnecessary consequences. If the case cannot be resolved before trial, we will take it to trial. Not all cases can be won, but we have tried numerous OUI/DUI cases and obtained verdicts of not guilty.
Restraining Orders
If you receive notice that someone seeks a restraining order against you or has already obtained one, you face serious criminal and civil consequences. You likely will have a very short timeframe in which to respond in your own defense. In fact, a judge can enter the restraining order without your being present or even aware of the request. If the order is issued, it goes into effect immediately, and you must abide by it once you receive it. If you don’t you face fines and possible jail time. A court hearing will usually be scheduled 10 days after the order is issued. This is when both you and the plaintiff can argue why the order should or should not be extended. We can represent you at the hearing to attempt to dissuade the judge from issuing the order against you.
Sealing/Expunging Criminal Records
Having a criminal record can adversely impact your ability to obtain employment, find housing, and meet other needs. An arrest for a minor offense, even where there is no conviction, creates a criminal record. The same goes for cases that are not prosecuted, that result in not guilty verdicts after trial, or that are continued without a finding. One solution is to have your criminal record sealed or expunged. Please contact us if you have questions about your criminal record, and we can advise you on whether an attempt to seal or expunge your record makes sense and is likely to succeed.
Theft Offenses
In Massachusetts, the degree of seriousness for a theft offense depends on the amount stolen and prior convictions. A conviction for any type of theft offense— including shoplifting, grand larceny, or forgery—may adversely affect your future, especially regarding employment. Few employers will hire someone whose theft conviction shows up in a background check. If you are charged with a theft offense, you need an experienced attorney who knows what the government is required to prove and what approaches work best in negotiations with prosecutors. As a former prosecutor, Ryan Donahue knows not only how the government will try to prove its case, but also what types of defense and plea agreements are available.