Andover, MA Criminal Defense

Andover Lawyer to Defend You Against Criminal Charges

There are roughly 200 reported crimes committed each year in Andover, Massachusetts, which makes the city 73% safer than other cities around the country. Located in Essex County, the city’s population, spread out over 32.1 square miles, was roughly 36,569 as of 2020. There are 13,235 households in the city. According to the Massachusetts Sex Offender Registry Board, there are roughly 566 registered sex offenders living or working in the county. The Lawrence District court, located in Lawrence at 2 Appleton Street, serves Andover and other Essex County cities. If you have been accused of a crime, or are facing criminal charges, you should call trustworthy Andover criminal defense lawyer Ryan P. Sullivan. We may be able to raise strong defenses on your behalf including reasonable doubt, self-defense, defense of others, procedural errors, and constitutional violations.

Defending Violent Crime Charges

Violent crimes are those that involve force against another person. These crimes are taken very seriously by prosecutors and judges in District Court alike. Violent crimes may be charged as misdemeanors or felonies, and they include:

• domestic violence,
• assault and battery,
• murder or homicide,
• armed robbery,
• carjacking,
• stalking
• and illegal weapons and firearms possession.

The penalties vary, depending on the statute under which a violent crime is charged. For instance, if you have a first offense of assault and battery on a family member, you could face a maximum of 2 ½ years in jail or a house of corrections, as well as a $5000 fine. A prior conviction could result in a harsher sentence, and you may also be subject to a restraining order.

Sex Crimes in Andover

You must retain a knowledgeable attorney to defend you if you’ve been accused or charged with a sex crime. These crimes may involve any of the following:

• Rape,
• Rape of a child,
• Child pornography,
• Indecent assault and battery,
• Assault with intent to commit rape.

Sometimes sex crimes are also violent crimes; multiple charges may be brought, depending on the facts. When convicted of any of these charges you could face incarceration, fines, and the requirement that you register as a sex offender for the rest of your life. Every situation is different and requires a tailored defense strategy. Both procedural and substantive defenses may be available to you; Mr. Sullivan can examine the particular facts to determine how best to defend you.

Defense of Property Crimes

Property crimes include:

• theft (also called larceny),
• burglary,
• motor vehicle theft,
• shoplifting,
• trespassing,
• embezzlement,
• vandalism
• and arson.

It is imperative to avoid convictions for property crimes, even when the charges seems to be about items that are low in value. A conviction for a property crime could go on your record and impact future charges and convictions. In addition to facing incarceration, you may be asked to pay restitution, go on probation, or pay fines and fees.

OUI and Drug Crime Charges

Massachusetts prosecutors take alcohol-related and drug crimes seriously. In Andover, you can be charged with operating under the influence (OUI) if you were under the influence of either drugs or alcohol while driving. Drug crimes can include possession, sale or distribution of controlled substances, which are divided into multiple classes. Class A substances, for instance, include heroin, GHB, morphine, ketamine and various designer drugs. Meanwhile Class B substances include cocaine, ecstasy, speed, acid, PCP, methamphetamine and prescription drugs like Oxycodone in the form of Percocet.

While you may feel that possessing a drug was not a big deal, a conviction for possession of a controlled substance can have a significant effect on your life, including your opportunities with regard to housing, jobs, and other matters.

Consult a Trustworthy Andover Criminal Defense Attorney

If prosecutors have charged you with a crime, or you suspect charges are forthcoming, you should call dedicated Andover criminal defense attorney Ryan P. Sullivan. With more than a decade of experience, Mr. Sullivan can investigate all aspects of your case and develop the best strategy possible to defend you. Call him today at (978) 474-0054 or get in touch through our online form to book a consultation.