As a Boston criminal defense, Attorney Michael DelSignore handles both felony and misdemeanor criminal charges. The difference between a felony and a misdemeanor offense is that a felony offense carries with it a maximum penalty of over 2.5 years in the house of correction or allows for a sentence of State prison time. Also, a felony conviction will subject you to the requirement of having to submit to a DNA test.

Here are some examples of felony offense:

Rape, indecent assault and battery, distribution of cocaine, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and larceny over $ 250.00 to name a few felony offense. A Massachusetts felony offense can be heard either in district court or superior court. If a felony is heard in district court, the maximum sentence that can be imposed is 2.5 years in the house of correction. If the Commonwealth seeks an indictment and brings the case to superior court, the Commonwealth can seek State prison time and jail time up to the statutory maximum punishment.

Massachusetts felony offenses require a strong defense and an exhaustive preparation for trial. In some cases, a prosecutor may be willing to agree to reduce a charge to a misdemeanor offense in order for the case to be resolved. In other cases, to avoid a felony conviction a trial before a judge or jury will be required.

As a Boston felony criminal defense lawyer, Attorney DelSignore understands the serious consequences that attach to a felony conviction, including loss of employment, jail time and restrictive conditions of probation. You can call Attorney DelSignore to discuss your case any time at (617) 694-6287 or send an email through this website. Most calls are answered personally.