Criminal Defense Lawyer in Bristol County MA

It’s no secret that Bristol County, MA laws are some of the strictest nationwide. This makes being arrested in Mansfield, Dartmouth, or any neighboring town a particularly harrowing experience. The best thing you can do in this situation is to hire a skilled Bristol County criminal defense attorney like Courtney K. Fogarty of Fogarty Law.

You see, every moment you spend without an experienced lawyer by your side is a moment you can make your case worse. Absolutely everything you do and say between now and your trial can be used against you in court.

If you or a loved one are facing criminal charges in Bristol County, contact Fogarty Law now at (508) 317-0339 for your free case evaluation.

Reasons to Choose Courtney K. Fogarty as Your Bristol County Criminal Defense Attorney

• 5-STAR Google Rating
• Free 60-minute case evaluation for all potential clients
• Deep knowledge of criminal law as a former MA prosecutor
• Extensive legal background with 10+ years of litigation experience
• Completely customized legal advice and defense strategies for your case
• Highly experienced with trials due to time as an Assistant District Attorney
• Happy past clients highly recommend Courtney K. Fogarty for criminal defense

Bristol County Criminal Defense Practice Areas

At Fogarty Law, our potential clients receive a 60-minute initial case evaluation free of charge. If you or a loved one are facing any of the criminal charges listed below, contact us today!

OUI Offenses (OUI Alcohol and OUI Drugs) in Bristol County MA

Regardless of whether it’s your first offense, OUI charges in Bristol County carry severe consequences. You see, even as a first-time offender, you face mandatory jail time, a license suspension, and serious fees.

Working with an experienced OUI lawyer is the best way to minimize impacts on your life.

Assault and Battery Charges in Bristol County MA

Bristol County prosecutors and judges take a severe stance on assault and battery charges. This is especially true if the victim is a public employee or police officer.

As your Bristol County criminal defense attorney, Courtney will aggressively advocate on your behalf while working with you to build the strongest possible defense strategy.

Violent Crimes in Bristol County MA

Massachusetts’ definition of violent crimes is fairly broad—any offense involving a weapon, verbal threats, or physical force falls into this category.

Bristol County prosecutes these cases as thoroughly and harshly as possible. But as your strategic violent crimes lawyer, Courtney will use the best defense tactics to fight for your freedom.

Drug Crimes in Bristol County MA

Thanks to MA’s extremely strict drug laws, facing charges for drug crimes can be extremely distressing—even if the charge is a misdemeanor rather than a felony.

These laws are also highly complex, however. As a former MA prosecutor, Courtney has the knowledge and experience to leverage these laws in ways that benefit your case.

Domestic Violence Charges in Bristol County MA

Simply being accused of domestic violence can upend your entire life. These impacts become even more profound if you’re ultimately convicted.

Because domestic violence directly involves people close to you, it’s normal to feel extremely emotional during this time. Courtney will help you stay the course and keep your focus on building an effective defense.

Gun Crimes Defense in Bristol County MA

The potential sentence for firearm-related crimes can forever alter the course of your life. While the exact penalties for gun crimes vary quite a bit depending on the charge, jail time and hefty fines are almost guaranteed.

You need an assertive, dedicated Bristol County criminal defense attorney to protect your rights and your freedom.

Sex Crimes in Bristol County MA

It’s well-known that sex crimes carry a huge social stigma. When you add in local media coverage, being charged with these offenses can quickly derail your life.

No matter what the details of your charges are, Courtney will represent you with dedication, integrity, and determination.

Shoplifting in Bristol County MA

Though shoplifting is technically a larceny/theft crime, it’s processed a bit differently in the Bristol County legal system. Courtney’s top priority is getting your case dismissed when possible.

If this isn’t an option, she’ll build a strategic defense with the goal of minimizing your probationary period and risk of serving jail time.

Larceny/Theft in Bristol County MA

Larceny and theft charges are one of the most complicated areas of Bristol County law, but Courtney is highly familiar with them.

Whether you’ve been charged with receiving stolen property, stealing, or even embezzlement, Courtney will collaborate with you to create an effective defense strategy.

Motor Vehicle Offenses in Bristol County MA

You may be surprised by just how easy it is to find yourself charged with motor vehicle offenses in Bristol County. For example, what starts as a routine traffic stop can quickly escalate into charges for Refusal to Obey a Police Officer.

Courtney will explain exactly what you’re up against and the ideal strategy for getting your charges reduced or dismissed.

RMV: Board of Appeal Hearings in Bristol County MA

You have the right to appeal a driver’s license suspension in Bristol County. But having the right to do so doesn’t make it easier to convince the panel of three members to grant your appeal.

Courtney will walk you through all your options for fighting the suspension and advocate on your behalf during the hearing itself.

Restraining Orders in Bristol County MA

When it comes to restraining orders, trying to win a favorable outcome requires finesse. An aggressive approach in court will just further convince the judge to uphold the order.

No matter what the specific details of your case are, Courtney will support you in navigating this process and avoiding costly missteps.

Clerk Magistrate Hearings in Bristol County MA

During clerk magistrate hearings, a court official decides whether probable cause exists for a criminal complaint. Many people don’t even realize they have the right to an attorney during this early stage of the legal process.

But you are entitled to a lawyer, and you should exercise that right. The sooner you hire Courtney as your Bristol County criminal defense attorney, the more time you have to build a solid defense.

Related Courts in Bristol County, MA

District Courts in Bristol County handle less serious criminal cases, such as misdemeanors:

• New Bedford District Court – Located at 75 N. Sixth St, New Bedford, MA 02740. Phone: (508) 999-9700.
• Fall River District Court – Located at 186 S. Main St, 5^th Floor, Fall River, MA 02720. Phone: (508) 491-3225.
• Attleboro District Court – Located at 88 North Main St, Attleboro, MA 02703. Phone: (508) 222-5900

Bristol County Superior Courts handle major offenses, including felonies:

• Bristol County Superior Court (Taunton) – Located at 9 Court St, Taunton, MA 02780. Phone: (508) 823-6588
• Bristol County Superior Count (Fall River) – Located at 186 S. Main St, Suite 302, Fall River, MA 02720. Phone: (508) 491-3300.
• Bristol County Superior Court (New Bedford) – Located at 441 County St, 1st Floor, New Bedford, MA 02740. Phone: (508) 996-2051.

Legal Resources for Criminal Defendants in Bristol County 

Being charged with a crime can be overwhelming in many ways. You have to juggle court deadlines, your own intense emotions, and all of your usual responsibilities in life. 

These legal resources in Bristol County can help you better understand your case and give you the support you need:

• The Massachusetts Bail Fund – Supports low-income defendants by paying their bail, allowing them to stay with their families and work on their defense strategy
• The National Reentry Resource Center – Provides free guides and occasional events to help people readjust to society after arrest or imprisonment
• The Massachusetts Behavioral Help Line (BHHL) – Open 24/7/365 to discuss your current mental health and refer you to a provider who can help, even if you aren’t sure what you need 

The Massachusetts iCORI Service – An online portal where you can look up information related to your current case and any past offenses

Get Help from an Aggressive, Experienced Bristol County Criminal Defense Attorney

No matter what type of charges you’re facing, the potential consequences are huge. These aren’t just penalties like fines and jail time—studies demonstrate that your mental and physical health are likely to decline following arrest.

The best way to protect your freedom and future is by working with an aggressive, strategic, and knowledgeable attorney such as Courtney K. Fogarty of Fogarty Law. With over 10 years of successful experience defending clients, she’ll craft a custom defense strategy based on the specific details of your case.

Time is of the essence if you or a loved one has been charged with a crime.

You need a Bristol County criminal defense attorney to fight for you and guide you through the county’s complex legal process. Contact Fogarty Law today at (508) 317-0339 for your free case consultation.

Bristol County Criminal Defense Attorney FAQs

What should I look for when hiring a criminal defense lawyer in Bristol County, MA?

When hiring a criminal defense lawyer in Bristol County, MA, look for these qualities:

• Local courthouse knowledge – Every courthouse has different procedures, so your attorney should be familiar with the Bristol County courthouses and D.A.
• Experience with your charges – Since criminal law in MA is highly complex, your lawyer must be very familiar with defending your specific type of offense
• Excellent communication skills – Your attorney needs to give you clear, frequent updates so you don’t have to worry about how your case is progressing

Is the initial consultation with a criminal defense lawyer in Bristol County, MA free?

When you choose Courtney K. Fogarty as your Bristol County, MA criminal defense lawyer, yes, the initial consultation is free of charge. You should also know this time won’t be spent trying to convince you to work with Fogarty Law.

Instead, during your free consultation, you can expect a thorough discussion of your case, any evidence or witnesses, and the best possible path forward.

As your Bristol County criminal defense attorney, Courtney explains every step in the criminal process and will be by your side at every court appearance. Just call (508) 317-0339 to get started.

What are my options if my loved one is arrested in Bristol County, MA?

Your best option if your loved one is arrested in Bristol County, MA is to follow these steps:

• Gather information by politely and calmly asking the police (either at the scene or via phone)
• Let your loved one know you’re helping them, and remind them of their right to remain silent
• Contact a local attorney with the information you’ve gathered, including the location of your loved one and their arrest number
• If possible, attend their arraignment so you can assist in securing bail for release

The sooner you contact Bristol County criminal defense attorney Courtney K. Fogarty, the sooner we can start fighting for your loved one’s rights and freedom. Call (508) 317-0339 now to start building a custom, powerful defense strategy.

We defend criminal cases in all Bristol County MA cities:

• New Bedford Criminal Defense
• Taunton Criminal Defense
• Dartmouth Criminal Defense
• Somerset Criminal Defense
• Fall River Criminal Defense
• Seekonk Criminal Defense
• Norton Criminal Defense
• Dighton Criminal Defense
• Attleboro Criminal Defense
• Westport Criminal Defense
• Rehoboth Criminal Defense
• Raynham Criminal Defense
• Swansea Criminal Defense
• Fairhaven Criminal Defense
• Freetown Criminal Defense
• Acushnet Criminal Defense
• Mansfield Criminal Defense
• Berkley Criminal Defense

Bristol County Criminal Defense

Directions to our Firm, Located in New Bedford

Here’s how you get to Fogarty Law’s New Bedford office:

From Taunton, MA

1. Head south on Broadway (MA-138 S) towards the I-495.
2. Merge onto I-495 S via the ramp to Cape Cod.
3. Take exit 7 for MA-24 S toward Fall River/New Bedford.
4. Merge onto MA-24 S.
5. Take exit 12 for MA-140 S toward New Bedford.
6. Continue on MA-140 S, following signs for New Bedford.
7. Take exit 4 for Hathaway Rd toward Rockdale Ave/Kempton St.
8. Turn right onto Hathaway Rd.
9. Continue straight to your destination in New Bedford.

From Fall River, MA

1. Head northeast on I-195 E towards New Bedford.
2. Take exit 13A for MA-140 S toward New Bedford.
3. Merge onto MA-140 S.
4. Take exit 4 for Hathaway Rd toward Rockdale Ave/Kempton St.
5. Turn right onto Hathaway Rd.
6. Continue straight to your destination in New Bedford.

From Wareham, MA

1. Head west on I-195 W toward New Bedford.
2. Take exit 22A to merge onto MA-140 S toward New Bedford.
3. Continue on MA-140 S.
4. Take exit 4 for Hathaway Rd toward Rockdale Ave/Kempton St.
5. Turn right onto Hathaway Rd.
6. Continue straight to your destination in New Bedford.

From Providence, RI

1. Head east on I-195 E toward Fall River/New Bedford.
2. Take exit 13A for MA-140 S toward New Bedford.
3. Merge onto MA-140 S.
4. Take exit 4 for Hathaway Rd toward Rockdale Ave/Kempton St.
5. Turn right onto Hathaway Rd.
6. Continue straight to your destination in New Bedford.