Criminal Defense
Massachusetts Criminal Defense Attorney Serving Lowell, Middlesex County, and Essex County
When you've just been arrested or charged, the decisions you make in the next 48 hours carry real consequences. We practice criminal defense across Lowell District Court, Middlesex County Superior Court, Essex County Superior Court, and courts throughout the region — and we're ready to move quickly on your behalf.
A charge is not a conviction. A conviction is not the end. But neither outcome is inevitable — and how your case is handled from the moment charges are filed shapes everything that follows.
At the Law Offices of Anthony G. Puopolo, our criminal defense practice covers the full range of charges our clients face in Massachusetts — from OUI and drug offenses to gun charges, domestic violence allegations, and criminal appeals. Attorney Anthony Puopolo is licensed in both Massachusetts and New Hampshire state and federal courts. Attorney Gabrielle recently secured a dismissal on a major gun charge — the kind of result that comes from knowing how to build a defense, not just manage a plea.
The cost of going without a defense attorney almost always exceeds the cost of hiring one. A criminal conviction in Massachusetts can mean license suspension, incarceration, loss of professional licensing, immigration consequences, and a permanent record that follows you for decades. This is not the moment to wait and see.
What's at Stake in a Massachusetts Criminal Case
Massachusetts criminal proceedings move fast. Arraignment is typically scheduled within one to two business days of an arrest. OUI defendants have a 30-day window to request a license reinstatement hearing — a deadline that passes without notice if no attorney is involved. Evidence can be challenged, suppressed, or lost in the early days of a case. The procedural timeline doesn't pause while you figure out your next step.
We also defend with the long view in mind. Massachusetts law allows sealing and expungement of certain criminal records under specific conditions. Charges that are dismissed, not pursued, or resolved favorably may be eligible. Our defense strategy is built for the case in front of you and the record that follows it.
Criminal Defense Practice Areas
Every case we take involves a real person facing consequences that can reshape their life. Below are the areas where we concentrate our criminal defense work — each handled with the same attention to procedural detail and long-term outcome.
OUI Defense
An OUI charge in Massachusetts triggers two separate proceedings: a criminal case and a Registry of Motor Vehicles action. Both require a response, and both carry independent consequences. We handle the full scope of OUI defense, from breathalyzer refusal cases to first offense and subsequent offense charges.
Drug Crimes
Drug charges in Massachusetts range from simple possession to trafficking, and the penalties scale accordingly. We examine every aspect of how evidence was obtained, how charges were filed, and whether your rights were respected at every stage of the process.
Gun Charges
Massachusetts has some of the strictest firearms laws in the country, and a gun charge can carry mandatory minimum sentences that leave little room for error. Attorney Gabrielle recently secured a full dismissal on a major gun charge — and that experience informs how we approach every firearms case we take.
Domestic Violence & Restraining Orders
Domestic violence charges and 209A restraining orders often arise in the same moment — and each carries consequences that extend well beyond the courtroom. We represent both those charged with domestic violence and those navigating the intersection of criminal allegations and family court proceedings.
Criminal Appeals
A verdict is not always the final word. If you were convicted and believe errors occurred in your trial — in the admission of evidence, jury instructions, or the conduct of the proceedings — a criminal appeal may be a path worth pursuing.
Two Offices. Two Counties. Ready When You Need Us.
Our Lowell office puts us inside Middlesex County — steps from Lowell District Court and positioned for Woburn and Marlborough matters. Our North Andover office covers Essex County, including Salem District Court, Lawrence District Court, and Newburyport. If your case crosses into southern New Hampshire, Attorney Puopolo is licensed to practice in New Hampshire state and federal courts as well.
We also serve clients in Lowell, Salem, Woburn, North Andover, Lawrence, and Marlborough — the courts where criminal charges in this region are most often heard.
Questions We Hear After an Arrest in Massachusetts
What should I do immediately after an arrest in Massachusetts?
Contact a criminal defense attorney before speaking with police, making any statements, or agreeing to any searches. You have the right to remain silent and the right to counsel — exercise both. The first 48 hours of a criminal case often determine what options remain available to you, and statements made without an attorney present can significantly limit your defense.
Do I have to take a breathalyzer test in Massachusetts?
No. Massachusetts is an implied consent state, but you have the right to refuse a breathalyzer test. Refusal carries an automatic license suspension — typically 180 days for a first offense — but it also means the prosecution has no chemical test result to introduce at trial. Whether refusal is the right choice depends on the specific circumstances of your stop, and it's a decision worth understanding before you're in that situation.
What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, a misdemeanor is generally defined as an offense punishable by up to 2.5 years in a House of Correction, while a felony carries a potential sentence of more than 2.5 years in state prison. The distinction matters for sentencing, record sealing eligibility, professional licensing consequences, and immigration status. Some charges can be filed as either, depending on how the prosecution proceeds.
How long does a criminal case take in Massachusetts?
It depends on the charge, the court, and how the case resolves. A misdemeanor resolved at the district court level may conclude in a few months. A felony proceeding in Superior Court can take a year or longer, particularly if the case goes to trial. We keep our clients informed at every stage — you will never be left wondering where your case stands.
Ready When You Are
The Sooner You Call, the More We Can Do
Panic is understandable. What happens next is where we come in. If you or someone you know has been arrested or charged in Massachusetts, reach out now. Our team is ready to move.