Murder Defense Attorney in Boston

Facing A Murder Charge Is Overwhelming

If you or someone you love has been accused of murder in Boston, you are facing one of the most serious situations in the legal system. A conviction can mean decades in prison, the loss of your future, and permanent damage to your reputation and family. In a moment like this, you need steady guidance from a team that understands homicide cases and the local courts.

At Gens & Stanton, P.C., we defend people in serious criminal cases, including murder and related homicide charges. Our firm is based in Boston and has represented clients in Massachusetts courts since 1991. We know how quickly an investigation, arraignment, and pretrial hearings can move, and we work to protect your rights at every step.

Because we are a boutique firm, our attorneys focus closely on each case rather than pushing files through a system. If you are searching for a murder lawyer in Boston and want clear answers about what comes next, we are prepared to listen, explain the process, and help you take the next step with purpose instead of panic.

Contact our trusted murder defense lawyer in Boston at (617) 206-4675 to schedule a free consultation.

Why Choose Our Defense Team

When you are facing a murder charge, who stands beside you in court matters? At Gens & Stanton, P.C., our team has been handling criminal defense matters in Massachusetts since 1991. That history means we have seen how serious felony cases move through Boston and other courts in real time, not just in textbooks.

We are a boutique law firm that shapes how we approach murder defense. Our attorneys deliberately maintain a focused caseload so we can take the time to learn the details of your life, the events leading up to the charge, and the evidence the government plans to use. This level of attention is difficult to achieve in a high-volume practice, and it is particularly important when the stakes include the possibility of a life sentence.

Our lawyers bring strong academic and professional backgrounds to your case. Members of our team studied at institutions such as Harvard University and Tulane University, and we use that training to carefully analyze statutes, case law, and complex evidence. We apply this analysis in ways that are practical and understandable, so you are not left wondering what your own defense strategy means.

We represent clients at both the trial and appellate levels. This means that we prepare murder cases with a long view, understanding that important legal issues can arise before, during, and after a jury reaches a verdict. For clients and families, that approach provides some reassurance that we are thinking beyond the next hearing and considering how decisions made today may affect options in the future.

Above all, we work to communicate clearly and directly. Many people charged with homicide feel judged before they speak and worry that no one will truly hear their side of the story. Our goal is to offer honest advice, explain your options in straightforward language, and treat you with respect throughout the process.

Understanding Murder Charges Here

To make informed choices about your defense, it helps to understand how Massachusetts approaches homicide cases. The law in this state recognizes several different offenses, including first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and various forms of manslaughter. The exact charge depends on factors such as intent, circumstances, and how the prosecution interprets the facts.

In general, the government must prove that a crime occurred, that someone died, and that the accused person is legally responsible under the specific statute being used. In a murder case, prosecutors often focus on issues like alleged intent, prior relationships, any claimed planning, and the use of weapons. The defense may look at the same events through a different lens, challenging how evidence is interpreted and whether it is reliable at all.

In Boston, many serious felony cases, including homicide matters, are heard in Suffolk County Superior Court after beginning in a local district court. Which court handles your case usually depends on where the alleged offense took place and how the charges are filed. Knowing these venues and their procedures helps us guide you through arraignment, pretrial conferences, and motion hearings with realistic expectations.

Penalties for murder in Massachusetts can be extremely severe. They may include very long prison terms and, in some situations, life in prison. Because the stakes are so high, it is important to approach any homicide allegation with careful preparation and a clear understanding of what the prosecution must prove. We take time to explain these concepts so you can participate meaningfully in decisions about your case.

While no summary can fully capture the complexity of Massachusetts homicide law, having a defense team that regularly handles serious felonies in the Boston area can make the process more manageable. We work to translate complex legal rules into practical guidance so you understand not only what is happening, but why it matters.

What To Do After An Arrest

The hours and days after an arrest or when you learn you are under investigation for murder are often confusing and frightening. You may be approached by police officers, detectives, or other officials who want to ask questions. You might feel pressure from all sides to explain yourself. In these moments, the choices you make can affect your defense.

One of the most important rights you have is the right to remain silent and to request an attorney. Speaking to law enforcement without legal advice can lead to statements that are later used in ways you did not intend. Even if you feel you have nothing to hide, it is usually safer to wait until you have talked with a lawyer who understands homicide cases in Boston.

After an arrest, you will typically go through booking and then appear before a judge for an arraignment, often in a district court, before a case moves to Suffolk County Superior Court. At arraignment, the court generally reads the charges and addresses issues such as bail or conditions of release. Having counsel present helps ensure that your rights are protected and that the court hears arguments in support of your release when possible.

If you or your family are unsure what to do next, these steps can help protect your position:

• Limit discussions about the case to your attorneys instead of talking to friends, family, or social media contacts.
• Avoid contacting potential witnesses or anyone else involved unless you have received legal advice about doing so.
• Keep any documents, messages, or other information that might be relevant, and share them with your legal team.
• Have a trusted family member or friend reach out to a murder attorney in Boston to begin the process of arranging representation.

Families often feel helpless when a loved one is held in custody in Boston, but there are steps you can take. Reaching out to our firm allows us to start answering your questions about the process, potential timelines, and what you can expect at upcoming court dates.

How We Approach Murder Defense

No two homicide cases are the same, and your defense should not be either. At Gens & Stanton, P.C., we begin by taking time to listen to your account and to understand your background, relationships, and concerns. We review available reports, charging documents, and other information so we can start forming a picture of how the prosecution views the case and where the legal issues may lie.

As we learn more, we work to identify the areas of evidence that matter most. This can include, for example, witness statements, forensic testing, digital communications, or physical evidence. Our attorneys draw on years of criminal defense practice to assess how such materials may be challenged, whether they support alternative explanations, and how they might be understood by a judge or jury in Boston.

We then develop a strategy that is tailored to your situation. For some clients, that may mean focusing on issues such as mistaken identity, credibility of witnesses, or whether the prosecution can truly prove intent. In other cases, the emphasis may be on presenting context, exploring lesser included offenses, or raising legal arguments through pretrial motions. Throughout, we explain our reasoning in plain language so you can help shape decisions.

Our role does not end at the trial level. Because we also handle appellate work, we prepare serious felony cases with an eye on preserving important issues when appropriate. This integrated perspective is valuable in murder cases, where legal questions can continue after a verdict. While no lawyer can promise a specific outcome, we work to ensure that your defense is thoughtful and thorough at each stage.

Communication is central to our approach. Clients and families facing homicide charges in the Boston area often feel left in the dark. Our attorneys strive to return calls, answer questions, and keep you updated on developments, so you are not guessing about what is happening in your own case. Our goal is to be a consistent point of contact in a system that can otherwise feel impersonal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What penalties could I face for murder in Massachusetts?

Penalties for murder in Massachusetts can be extremely severe and may include lengthy prison sentences, sometimes for life. The exact consequences depend on the specific charge, the facts, and your criminal history. We explain the potential sentencing ranges in detail once we know the circumstances of your case.

When should I contact a murder lawyer in Boston?

It is usually best to contact a lawyer as soon as you learn you are under investigation or immediately after an arrest. Early representation lets us help you avoid harmful statements, prepare for arraignment, and start evaluating evidence. Waiting can limit options that might have been available earlier.

Will everything I tell your firm be confidential?

Conversations between you and our attorneys are generally protected by the attorney-client privilege. This protection is designed to let you speak openly so we can advise you effectively. We explain how confidentiality works in your situation and caution you about discussing the case with others.

Who at your firm will handle my murder case?

As a boutique firm, we do not pass serious felony matters through layers of staff. Your case is handled by our attorneys, who bring years of criminal defense experience and strong academic backgrounds. We let you know who your primary contact will be and how to reach us with questions.

How do legal fees work in a murder defense case?

Legal fees in homicide cases depend on factors such as complexity, expected length of proceedings, and the amount of preparation required. We discuss fees openly at the start so you understand the financial aspects. Our firm is committed to providing cost-effective legal solutions whenever possible.

Talk With Our Team About Your Case

If you or a family member is facing a murder charge in Boston, you do not have to try to navigate this alone. Speaking with our attorneys can help you understand the process, your options, and what a defense strategy might involve. A conversation can also give you a clearer sense of whether we are the right fit for your situation.

At Gens & Stanton, P.C., we bring decades of criminal defense experience, a focused boutique structure, and a deep commitment to careful preparation in serious felony cases. Our team works to protect your rights in the Boston courts, explain each step, and guide you through decisions that can affect the rest of your life.

To discuss your situation confidentially with a murder attorney in Boston, call (617) 206-4675.