Sudbury Criminal Defense Attorney

When accused of a crime or facing criminal charges, it is crucial to get an experienced Sudbury criminal defense lawyer.  Attorney Chris Spring is a former criminal prosecutor who knows both sides of the Massachusetts criminal court system and is prepared to help you reach the best possible outcome in any criminal matter.  Call Spring & Spring at (617) 513-9444 to speak with Attorney Spring today.

Attorney Spring, owner of Spring & Spring, is:

• Aggressive and commanding in defending his clients;
• Experienced in both superior and district courts throughout Massachusetts; and
• Available to his clients nights, weekends, and holidays.

Your freedom, rights, and reputation matter, so call Attorney Chris Spring to schedule a free consultation now.

Can a Sudbury Criminal Defense Attorney Help Me?

You may not need a criminal defense attorney for a parking ticket or a traffic light violation, but criminal charges are another matter altogether.  The criminal court system and the criminal process are unfamiliar to most people, and it is difficult to navigate without the help of a professional.

An experienced Sudbury criminal defense attorney, like Attorney Chris Spring, can use his years of practice, passion for the law, and diligence to your benefit.  Attorney Spring can also:

• Dedicate the time and attention needed to your case;
• Move your case more efficiently through the court system;
• Help you avoid a conviction, hefty fines, and court costs;
• Find any weaknesses in the prosecutor’s case;
• Submit all your court paperwork in a correct and timely manner;
  
• Be your confidential advisor at all times during your case; and
• Argue your case in front of a jury at trial.

When you hire Attorney Spring, he will work with you personally.  You will not be handed off to an associate attorney or legal assistant.  Learn more about your criminal charges.  Meet with Attorney Chris Spring and start planning your best defense.

Bail and Conditions of Release

At the arraignment (the initial court appearance), the judge announces the charges and enters a plea of not guilty on behalf of the defendant.  At that time, the judge asks the prosecutor if the Commonwealth requests a cash bail, conditional release, or detention.

Massachusetts generally releases defendants on personal recognizance unless there are specific reasons to hold them on cash bail.  Cash bail is a means to ensure a defendant will return to court.  If a defendant posts cash bail and then fails to appear in court, the bail will be forfeited.  

The entire cash bail amount is returned to a defendant if he or she attends all court dates. A defendant can appeal the amount of the cash bail to a superior court judge who has the power to change the amount.  Massachusetts has no bail bond system, as in some other states.

Judges often impose conditions of release in domestic violence, drug, and repeat OUI cases.  Examples of conditions of release include restrictions on driving, no-contact orders, and drug testing. 

There are times when the Commonwealth requests a dangerousness hearing to determine if a defendant should be held without bail.  During a dangerousness hearing, the prosecutor must prove by clear and convincing evidence that there are no conditions of release that would assure the safety of the community or the alleged victim.

Prior Bad Acts

Often defendants worry about the effect of past criminal charges and convictions on their current case.  Generally, prosecutors cannot use evidence of prior bad acts to show a defendant possesses bad character or is likely to commit a crime.  However, a prosecutor can introduce evidence of prior bad acts to a jury when attempting to establish the following: 

• A pattern of conduct or behavior;
• A motive behind a behavior; and
• Lack of an accident.

Prosecutors sometimes use evidence of prior bad acts to demonstrate a pattern of abuse and weaken a defendant’s case.  However, evidence of prior bad acts can also work against an alleged victim.  If an alleged victim has a pattern of violent behavior or a history of violence, a defendant may use such evidence to establish the alleged victim was the first aggressor.  

To learn about available defenses against an alleged victim with a history of prior bad acts or any other potential defenses in your case, call Attorney Chris Spring.  Attorney Spring is experienced, available, and aggressive, and he will guide you through your criminal case.  Schedule your free consultation with Attorney Spring at Spring & Spring today.