Criminal Defense Attorney in Salem, MA

For over 12 years, Scott F Bocchio has practiced law as a criminal defense attorney serving Salem, MA and the nearby cities. Our criminal defense law firm has more than 25 years combined experience.  We are conveniently located to protect you in Salem, MA area courts. If you are facing criminal charges in the Salem, MA area, we have the experience to help you and secure your liberty. We do the job, regardless of the crime you’ve been arrested for. Drug Possession and DUI/OUI carry substantial criminal punishments in Massachusetts. Our law firm can protect your rights and make certain you are treated equally under the law.If you’ve found yourself in a position where you have to have an attorney to represent and defend you in your case, call our team. Our lawyers will speak with you, educate you of your protection under the law, and put together a highly effective defense plan. Our group of dedicated criminal attorneys believes you should be afforded all the protection the law provides you. We will fight for your protection under the law at all times. Our lawyers are well-versed in Massachusetts criminal law. Practical knowledge of the criminal law is only the beginning. We incorporate this knowledge with a team of attorneys who are serious about their client’s futures. We will seek to defend you at every stage of the criminal proceedings.

A local criminal defense attorney is familiar with the local specific laws that could apply to your arrest. We’ve practiced in this area and know the Salem, MA criminal system We will examine all elements of your arrest and charges so that we can pursue a dynamic defense on your behalf. We understand how stressful a criminal arrest can be. We will walk with you for the duration of this challenge. We’ll act to make sure you attain the least possible sentence..

Arrested for DUI/OUI in Salem, MA?

Driving under the influence in Massachusetts is governed by Massachusetts’ General Law Part I Title XIV Chapter 90 section 24(1)(a)(1), which states; Whoever, upon any way or in any place to which the public has a right of access, or upon any way or in any place to which members of the public have access as invitees or licensees, operates a motor vehicle with a percentage, by weight, of alcohol in their blood eight one-hundredths or greater, or while under the influence of intoxicating liquors, or of marijuana, narcotic drugs, depressants or stimulant substances, all as defined in section one of chapter ninety-four C, or the vapors of glue shall be punished by a fine of not less than five hundred nor more than five thousand dollars or by imprisonment for not more than two and one-half years, or both such fine and imprisonment. Operating a motor vehicle on a public road with a BAC of .08 or greater, you can be arrested and charged for DUI/OUI under the law You will face a criminal liability of up to two and half years in jail and/or a fine anywhere from $500.00-$5,000.00.

If you have been jailed for Breaking & Entering/Home Invasion in or in the vicinity of Salem, MA our criminal defense lawyers can help you.

Being charged under the common law crime of Burglary or Breaking and Entering is often prosecuted as a serious felony in Massachusetts. If the property alleged to have been entered is a dwelling, Breaking and Entering is charged as “Home Invasion” carrying a potential maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison. If you are facing these life altering charges, you need a lawyer experienced with defending them. Contact Scott F. Bocchio at (855) 254-7841 to start protecting yourself today.

Arrested, charged, or are being investigated for a drug crime in Salem, MA, MA?

Massachusetts’ law prohibits an individual from knowingly or intentionally possessing any controlled substance without a valid prescription. You can face punishment of up to one year of incarceration and/or up to a $1000.00 fine. Typically fines and the amount spent vary on the substance itself and the amount found on your person. To be found guilty of possession, you must:

You must have knowledge of the substance, have actual possession of it, meaning on your person or in your control.

Marijuana has been legalized in Massachusetts for persons age 21 and older. That being said, it still cannot be consumed in any form in public or on federal land. The law says no more than 1 oz in your possession and no more than 10 oz in your home. It is considered illegal to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of marijuana. However, possession of more than one ounce of marijuana carries criminal liability of up to one year of incarceration and/or up to a $1000.00 fine. Employers, cities, and landlords may also impose additional rules, regulations, or laws that govern marijuana usage can also apply. When starting a new job, moving into a new dwelling, or moving locations you should do the research to ensure you are not in violation of any other rules, policies, or laws.

Heroin charges do not require possession. Mere knowledge that the heroin is present is enough to carry a criminal liability of up to one year of incarceration and/or up to a $1000.00 fine. Actual possession of heroin (first offense) carries a criminal liability of up to two years in the house of corrections and up to a $2000.00 fine. For repeat offenders, you can face steeper sentences, more years incarcerated and/or steeper fines.

Have you been arrested or charged with domestic violence?

If you have a domestic relationship with someone and an assault occurs, you can be charged with domestic violence. Prosecutors often prosecute these cases, often despite the wishes of a complaining witness. Your right to own a firearm and your immigration status (if you are not a United States citizen) can be at risk as well as criminal convictions from misdemeanors to felonies. Our firm’s 25 years of criminal defense, including assault and domestic violence, can give you the confidence you need to face these charges confidently.

Armed Robbery Criminal Defense Attorney Salem, MA

Massachusetts General Law Part IV Title I Chapter 265 section 17, regarding armed robbery states; Whoever, being armed with a dangerous weapon, assaults another and robs, steals or takes from his person, money or other property which may be the subject of larceny shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for life or for any term of years. If you wear a mask or distort your face in some way, the penalties are more severe. Punishment is greater yet if, during the commission of the robbery, the assailant is armed with certain firearms. Chapter 265 section 19(b) of state law defines unarmed robbery by stating; Whoever, not being armed with a dangerous weapon, by force and violence, or by assault and putting in fear, robs, steals, or takes from the person of another, or from his immediate control, money or other property which may be the subject of larceny, shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for life or for any term of years. As an example, stealing a purse from a woman walking is less serious than robbing a convenience store while wearing a mask and threatening store employees with a rifle. Nevertheless, robbery, whether armed or unarmed, is a serious crime that carries severe criminal liability.