Practice Areas
Why You Need the Top Lawyers
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What We Are Expert At
Legal Practice Areas
What We Are Expert At
Legal Practice Areas
Divorce & Separation
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Grandparent Rights
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Child Custody
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Domestic Violence
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Marriage/Civil Unions
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Adoption & Surrogacy
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Property Settlements
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Juvenile Delinquency
A delinquency complaint in Massachusetts is a formal criminal charge initiated against a juvenile. It marks the beginning of legal proceedings against them. This could be for a variety of offenses. Children between the ages of 12 and 18 charged with committing a crime go to Juvenile Court. The only exception is murder.
Youthful Offender
A youthful offender case in Massachusetts is generally a more serious felony – like a firearm charge or violent offense – committed by a child between the ages of 14 and 18. The case remains in Juvenile Court, but the judge has broader sentencing options, including a sentence of incarceration in an adult facility.
Criminal Defense
A criminal case in Massachusetts is a formal criminal charge initiated against a person aged 18 and over. Misdemeanors and some felonies are charged in District Court. More serious felonies go to Superior Court.
Steps in the Court Process
Pre-Arraignment
The court process typically starts with a clerk magistrate’s hearing. This is an administrative proceeding conducted by a clerk-magistrate to determine whether there is probable cause to issue a delinquency (i.e. criminal) complaint against a person who has not been arrested. The hearing represents an opportunity for the person against whom a complaint has been made to be heard personally or by counsel in opposition to the issuance of the complaint. Even if the complaint issues, there are multiple ways to address the case such as through a diversion program.
Arraignment
An arraignment is a court hearing where the juvenile is formally charged with a crime and asked to enter a plea. It typically involves the reading of the charges in court and entering a plea of not delinquent (i.e. not guilty). The judge can set bail, conditions of release, or even order detention.
Pretrial Hearing
At the Pretrial Hearing, the court addresses discovery. Discovery is information the parties intend to present at trial. It could be videos, photos, forensic testing and so on. The prosecution is obligated to provide everything in its possession relating to the case, the witnesses, and so on.
Compliance & Election Hearing
The Compliance & Election Hearing has two parts. The first part is compliance – the judge ensures that all discovery has been provided, and issues resolved. This means the case is ready for trial. The second part is election – the juvenile informs the court how he intends to proceed. This typically means a trial or plea.
Motions
Motion are requests for the court to take an action on a certain topic. It could be dismissing the case, excluding evidence, and so on. A motion hearing can happen at any time prior to trial.
Trial
A trial is a formal legal proceeding where the prosecution and juvenile present evidence and arguments to a judge or jury to determine the juvenile’s guilt or innocence. It involves opening statements, witness testimonies, cross-examinations, and closing arguments, culminating in a verdict.
Plea
A plea is when a juvenile formally admits to committing the crime they are charged with. By pleading delinquent (i.e. guilty), the juvenile waives his right to a trial, and the court proceeds directly to sentencing.
We Look At The Law Differently
Why Anderson Law, LLC?
I do one thing: defend kids
It's important to turn to a specialist when your child faces legal challenges. If your child is facing criminal charges, you don't want just any attorney—you need someone with the knowledge and experience that comes from specializing in juvenile defense.
Experience
I’ve handled every type of case in Juvenile Court, from minor misdemeanors like Trespassing and Disorderly Conduct to serious felonies like Attempted Murder and Rape. I seek out challenging cases and formidable obstacles because I have confidence in my knowledge, preparation, and ability to execute in court.
Transparent Fees
My fee is based on your unique case. After learning more about your situation, I will quote you a fee that covers every scenario – from pre-arraignment diversion to trial.
Juvenile Delinquency
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Benjamin Richardson
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Domestic Violence, Child Abduction
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Gloria Rose
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Marriage, Civil Unions & Divorce
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Walter Myers
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