Boston Violent Crimes Defense Lawyer

Trial & Appellate Defense for Violent Crime Charges in Massachusetts

A violent crime charge in Massachusetts sets off a process that moves fast and leaves little room for error. At Gens & Stanton, P.C., we’ve defended clients facing these charges since 1991, building cases at both the trial level and the appellate level across Boston-area courts. When you work with us, you speak directly with the attorney on your case. Our boutique structure means no handoffs to assistants or junior staff who don’t know your situation.

Violent crimes in Massachusetts are prosecuted aggressively, and the consequences of a conviction extend far beyond a prison sentence. Retaining a Boston violent crimes defense lawyer early can preserve options that may not be available once the state builds its case. Our firm is licensed in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and New York, so we can represent you wherever your matter is heard.

What a Violent Crime Conviction Means Under Massachusetts Law

Violent crimes in Massachusetts are governed primarily by M.G.L. c. 265 (crimes against persons). Penalties vary by offense, but the range runs from several years to life imprisonment, and sentencing can be enhanced when the offense involves a weapon, causes serious bodily injury, or follows a prior violent crime conviction.

Beyond incarceration, a conviction creates a permanent CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) entry that can affect your ability to find employment, secure housing, obtain professional licenses, and, for non-citizens, maintain immigration status. Some convictions carry additional consequences. Rape convictions may require sex offender registration. Home invasion carries a mandatory minimum of 20 years in state prison. Armed robbery can result in a sentence up to life when the defendant is armed with a dangerous weapon. Felony violent charges arising in Boston are typically brought in Suffolk County Superior Court.

Those stakes are why building a strong defense from the start matters.

How We Defend Violent Crime Cases in Boston

Every case starts with a thorough review of police reports, physical evidence, and witness statements. We look for facts that support your side and identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. From there, the strategy depends on the specific circumstances of your situation.

Defense work in violent crime cases may include:

• Evidence review and suppression motions: Challenging evidence obtained in violation of your constitutional rights to prevent it from being used against you at trial
• Witness credibility analysis: Identifying inconsistencies and gaps in witness testimony before trial
• Alibi and self-defense arguments: Developing affirmative defenses where the facts support them
• Plea negotiations: Working with prosecutors to seek charge reductions, alternative sentencing, or dismissal based on the evidence and applicable law
• Trial preparation and courtroom advocacy: Preparing thoroughly for every hearing and presenting the strongest possible case before a judge or jury
• Appellate review: If a verdict goes against you and legal errors occurred during trial, we can take the case to a higher court and fight for a different result

Past clients have described our courtroom performance as powerful and thorough. One former client noted that we read through their materials completely and built a strategy specific to their situation rather than applying a generic approach.

Violent Crime Charges We Handle

We provide legal representation for violent crimes of all kinds, such as:

• Kidnapping: The base offense carries up to 10 years in state prison, with significantly enhanced penalties, including the possibility of life imprisonment, where aggravating factors such as extortion, use of a firearm, or serious bodily injury are involved.
• Assault and battery: Circumstances of the offense affect the penalties, including assault with intent to rob and assault on a police officer.
• Murder and attempted murder: The most serious charge under Massachusetts law, requiring an experienced defense team from the outset.
• Armed and unarmed robbery: When armed with a dangerous weapon, defendants may face a sentence up to life in prison.
• Rape: In addition to potential incarceration, a conviction may require registration as a sex offender.
• Domestic violence: Encompasses acts of violence against a spouse, child, parent, cohabitation partner, or former partner.
• Home invasion: Carries a mandatory minimum state prison sentence of 20 years under Massachusetts law.

Why Boston Clients Choose Gens & Stanton, P.C. for Violent Crime Defense

Facing a violent crime charge means you need a defense team with the range to handle every phase of your case, not just the first hearing. Here is what distinguishes our firm.

Over Three Decades in Massachusetts Courts
Our firm has operated continuously since 1991. That history means our attorneys know the procedures, the courts, and the standards that apply in Boston and throughout the state. This institutional knowledge informs everything from how we file motions to how we approach negotiations.

Trial & Appellate Representation
Many criminal defense attorneys handle trial work only. We handle both. If legal errors occur during your trial, we can challenge the verdict in a higher court, giving you continuous representation through every stage of the process, including post-conviction relief, without having to find new counsel.

Harvard-Trained Legal Thinking Applied to Your Case
One of our principal attorneys served as an instructor at Harvard Law School and graduated with honors from Tulane University Law School. That level of legal training sharpens how we analyze evidence, draft suppression motions, and argue before the court.

Direct Attorney Access
As a boutique firm, we keep caseloads at a level where clients communicate directly with their attorney. You won’t be passed to a paralegal or junior associate who doesn’t know your case. When your situation changes, your attorney knows immediately.

Multi-State Licensure
We are licensed to practice in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and New York. If your matter involves activity or charges in more than one state, you can rely on the same team throughout.

Honest, Transparent Communication
Reviews from past clients consistently cite our upfront approach to costs and case status. We explain what is happening in plain English, respond quickly to calls and emails, and give you a realistic picture of your options. We also work with clients who speak English as a second language, helping prevent language differences from affecting the quality of your defense.