CRIMINAL LAW

Reach out to the Most Reputed Criminal Law Firm in  Bristol, Norfolk, & Plymouth Counties, Massachusetts TodaY

When faced with criminal charges, the stakes are incredibly high, and having the right legal representation can be the difference between preserving your freedom or facing life-altering consequences. At the Law Office of Michael P Carroll PC, our criminal law practice is built on a foundation of strong commitment to our clients and an in-depth understanding of the intricacies of the criminal justice system. 


Our chief attorney, Mr. Michael P. Carroll, provides comprehensive and aggressive defense strategies for a wide range of offenses, from misdemeanors like petty theft or disorderly conduct to felonies like assault, drug possession, or white-collar crimes. We strive to gain a significant advantage before the trial even begins.

We dissect your case with a laser focus, scrutinizing police reports for inconsistencies and potential violations. Our careful analysis extends to witness statements and physical evidence, looking for opportunities to suppress illegally obtained information. If we believe the police violated your constitutional rights during a search or arrest, we can file a motion to suppress any evidence obtained illegally. This can significantly weaken the prosecution's case if key evidence is excluded. 

If the case reaches the trial stage, our team will help you build a compelling narrative that presents a clear and consistent story that is consistent with the defendant's version of events. We will make sure our narrative highlights all the mitigating factors. 


Connect with us today for more information.

Criminal Defense Practice Areas

Misdemeanors: These are considered less serious offenses, resulting in heavy fines and jail time. We defend against a variety of misdemeanors, including:

  • Petty Theft: Stealing property with a value below a statutory threshold (varies by state). 
  • Disorderly Conduct: Public behavior that disrupts peace and order. We assess the specific circumstances, considering the potential violation of your First Amendment rights (freedom of speech and assembly) and the severity of the disruption.
  • Domestic Violence: We understand the sensitive nature of these cases and strive to protect your rights while prioritizing your safety.

Felonies: These more serious offenses typically result in prison time, fines, and long-term consequences. We have extensive experience defending against a range of felonies, including:

  • Assault & Battery: Intentionally causing physical harm or offensive touching. 
  • Drug Possession: Possession of controlled substances. 
  • White-Collar Crimes: Non-violent financial crimes like embezzlement, fraud, or money laundering.

 Sex Crimes

 Our attorneys have extensive experience handling cases involving rape, sexual assault, possession of child pornography, and other related offenses. Our firm will assist you throughout the whole process, from investigations to trials and appeals.

 Juvenile Delinquency

We represent minors accused of delinquent acts, aiming for diversion programs or alternative sentencing options whenever possible.

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CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

If you need a lawyer Michael Carroll is the way to go. Knowledgeable, and professional can't think of anyone else better. If ever need lawyer again he's who I will call!

Mike S.

Grateful for Mike’s help! He is professional, supportive, and responded quickly to my questions. The legal system can be overwhelming and Mike helped me make sense of it. He is not only knowledgeable and experienced, but also friendly and easy to talk to. He charged a very fair price for the value of his services. I highly recommend.

Colleen C.

He listened to me and was by my side through the whole process. The road was hard at times but the outcome of my divorce was better than I expected.

Sylvia S.

Mike is a great attorney with superb negotiating skills. Mike is the go-to person any time I need to run a case by him for his opinion. Mike has a great knowledge of the defense side of a case having been a BI adjuster for many years.

Jeffrey L.

Expertly helped very quickly (with time constraints) and efficiently with great professionalism and affability. Would absolutely recommend his services.

Dante B.

Most excellent lawyer- very hard worker-easy to talk to -always looks out for my better behalf. totally happy !

Steve L.

The Criminal Justice Process: What to Expect

Arrest and Booking

If law enforcement has probable cause to believe that a crime has been committed, they may place you under arrest. This can occur on the spot if an officer witnesses a crime or after an investigation leads to an arrest warrant. Once arrested, you will be taken to a police station or detention center for booking, where officers will record your personal details, take fingerprints, and, in some cases, collect a mugshot. You may also be required to undergo a background check and provide additional information. Depending on the nature of the charges, you may be held in custody until your initial court appearance or released on bail.

Arraignment

The arraignment is your first appearance in court. During this proceeding, the charges against you will be formally read, and you will have the opportunity to enter a plea—either guilty, not guilty, or no contest. If you plead guilty or no contest, the case moves directly to sentencing. However, if you plead not guilty, your attorney can argue for bail or pretrial release. The judge will then set future court dates for pretrial hearings and possible trial proceedings.

Pre-Trial Motions and Plea Bargaining

During the pre-trial phase, your attorney may file various motions to strengthen your defense, such as a motion to suppress evidence (if it was obtained unlawfully) or a motion to dismiss charges (if legal grounds exist). This phase is also where plea bargaining occurs. Your lawyer and the prosecution may negotiate a reduced sentence or lesser charges in exchange for a guilty plea, potentially avoiding the risks of a full trial.

Trial

If no plea agreement is reached, the case proceeds to trial. Depending on the charges, you may have a jury trial (where a group of impartial jurors decides the outcome) or a bench trial (where a judge alone determines the verdict). Both the prosecution and defense will present evidence, witness testimonies, and legal arguments. After both sides have made their case, the jury or judge will deliberate and render a verdict—either guilty or not guilty.

Sentencing and Appeals

If convicted, the court will hold a sentencing hearing where the judge determines the penalties based on the severity of the offense, prior criminal history, and other factors. Sentences may include fines, probation, community service, or incarceration. However, a conviction does not always mean the end of the road—your attorney may file an appeal to challenge the verdict or request a sentence reduction based on legal errors or new evidence.

Common Defense Strategies in Criminal Cases

  • Lack of Evidence – If the prosecution cannot prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, the charges may be dismissed.
  • Self-Defense – In violent crime cases, proving self-defense or defense of another person can justify your actions.
  • Illegal Search and Seizure – If law enforcement violated your Fourth Amendment rights, evidence obtained unlawfully may be inadmissible in court.
  • Mistaken Identity – Witness misidentification is a common issue in criminal cases. We work to prove that you were wrongly accused.
  • Violation of Constitutional Rights – If your rights were violated at any stage (e.g., coerced confessions, denial of legal counsel), your charges may be challenged.

Reach Out to Us Today!

The criminal justice system is a complex web of laws, procedures, and potential pitfalls. One wrong step can have life-altering consequences. Our knowledge extends beyond legalese – we look for Miranda rights violations, analyze witness inconsistencies, and leverage pre-trial motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence. Our team speaks the language of forensic accounting to build a strong defense. With us on your side, you can rest assured that your case will receive the attention and expertise it deserves.


Connect with us today for a preliminary consultation. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • What types of criminal law cases do you handle?

    We specialize in a wide range of criminal law cases, including DUI defense, assault, theft, drug offenses, and domestic violence cases in Attleboro, MA.

  • Do you provide legal representation for first-time offenders?

    Yes, we offer legal guidance and representation tailored to first-time offenders to help navigate the complexities of the criminal justice system.

  • Can you assist with restraining orders in Massachusetts?

    Absolutely. We have extensive experience helping clients with restraining orders and harassment prevention orders.

  • What should I do if I’ve been arrested?

    Remain calm, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact the Law Office of Michael P Carroll PC immediately for legal assistance.

  • Do you represent clients in clerk magistrate hearings?

    Yes, we provide skilled representation in clerk magistrate hearings to help prevent formal charges from being filed.

  • What areas do you serve?

    We serve clients in Attleboro and throughout Bristol, Norfolk, Plymouth, and Barnstable counties in Massachusetts.

  • Can you help with DUI/DWI charges?

    Yes, we offer comprehensive legal defense for DUI/DWI charges, including challenging field sobriety tests and breathalyzer results.

  • How can I prepare for a probable cause hearing?

    Our legal team will thoroughly review your case, gather evidence, and develop a strong strategy to advocate for your rights during a probable cause hearing.

  • Do you offer free consultations for criminal law cases?

    Yes, we provide free initial consultations to discuss your case and explain how we can help.

  • How much does it cost to hire a criminal defense attorney?

    Costs vary based on the complexity of the case, but we offer transparent pricing and will provide an estimate during your consultation.

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