NOTE: Labels in bold are required.
Pre-Charge Representation in Boston, Massachusetts
You are entitled to a lawyer before an arrest. Pre-charge legal representation is not just smart — it may make all the difference. If you fear — or know for certain — that you are under investigation by law enforcement, seek competent legal help.
My name is Joseph M. Griffin, Jr. and I am a Boston criminal defense lawyer with 10-plus years of criminal law experience. I am available on short notice to provide pre-charge legal representation to individuals in Massachusetts who are under investigation or otherwise suspect that a criminal charge is likely.
"If I could give one piece of advice to anyone accused of a crime, it would be this: 'don't wait until it's too late. Speak with an attorney before you do anything drastic, like waive important constitutional rights'" — Boston criminal defense attorney Joseph M. Griffin, Jr.
Who Should Consider Pre-Charge Representation
Many who suspect or know they are targets of police investigations or "persons of interest" consider pre-charge legal representation. Many later regret waiting until a police officer knocks on their door or shows up at their workplace. Many people are inexperienced and don't know what to do when it comes to decisions like these. I often consult with people in this situation.
Some of the most common circumstances in which the question of pre-charge legal representation arises are:
- An employee discovers that his company is conducting an internal financial audit and worries about being accused of embezzlement.
- A driver leaves the scene of a car accident.
- Police officers inform an individual that he is being accused of sexual assault.
- An individual receives a target letter from the FBI.
- A police detective phones a car accident victim to say that the police suspect insurance fraud.
- An individual receives a subpoena to appear before the grand jury.
- Parents receive information from the police or the school that their child is suspected of delinquent behavior.
Advantages of Pre-Charge Representation
A criminal defense lawyer can do many things to ease your worries and begin the process of developing a defense on your behalf:
- Get information from law enforcement regarding the accusations against you
- Be present during police interviews to protect your Miranda rights
- Advise you on the process of testifying before a grand jury or giving an interview or statement
- Start an independent investigation into the allegations against you
