At O’Brien & Eggleston PLLC, our law firm’s founders have more than four decades of combined experience on both sides of criminal courtrooms, accounting for over 200 trials between them.
As we expand to the neighboring state of Massachusetts, we welcome North Adams criminal defense lawyer Alex Shmulsky to the firm to lend his 14 years of legal experience to defense clients who need his expertise.
Nearly 13,000 people call North Adams home, and each deserves direct access to skilled criminal defense representation whenever they face legal challenges — without having to travel to a much larger city to get the help they need.
In addition, best known as the home of the largest contemporary art museum in the United States, the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art, North Adams, has, in recent years, become a center for tourism, culture, and recreation. When visitors are arrested for criminal offenses, they will need local counsel in Berkshire County to handle their cases and pursue the best outcome so that they can put these charges behind them.
Our Massachusetts criminal defense office allows Alex to align his local legal knowledge, skills, and resources to expand our law firm’s priority: creating positive outcomes that align with our clients’ goals so everyone understands the reality of their legal challenges and how we can help them.
Contact us today to learn how Alex and our trusted defense attorneys and support staff can use our experience to benefit you.
With the experience of local counsel, our North Adams, Massachusetts, criminal defense lawyers will continue to produce real results for real clients in the following legal areas:
Contact our knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys for help if you have been arrested in North Adams, Massachusetts. We are ready to provide the positive influence your case needs to achieve the best outcome.
In Massachusetts, drug-related offenses — under the umbrella of crimes against society — were the fourth most common offense last year, according to the state’s Executive Office of Public Safety and Security.
There were 10,057 drug-related arrests last year throughout Massachusetts that included:
The type of substance included in these arrests varied, but drug possession led to the charges, including those arrested for:
The penalties for drug possession in Massachusetts depend on various factors, including the type of drug, the amount, and the person’s criminal history.
The reality is that even simple possession of a controlled substance in Massachusetts is a serious offense that requires an experienced drug possession defense attorney.
For a first offense, possession of a controlled substance generally carries a possible jail time of a year and a fine of $1,000. A second offense is still a misdemeanor and carries up to two years in jail and a fine of up to $2,000.
The real question is whether you want a drug possession or another drug crime charge on your record for anyone running a criminal background check to see. This may include employers, financial organizations, educational institutions, property management companies, and curious neighbors.
Getting ahead of drug charges in Massachusetts is essential to mitigating your current legal challenges and future integrity. We can help.
At O’Brien & Eggleston, we offer criminal defense representation to help you protect your best interests and obtain an outcome in your favor. Challenging legal issues require strong legal strategies. That is why we are here.
Our priority is to prove that you deserve an outcome that supports your future, and we have a strong track record of doing so for our clients. Don’t give up your rights without a fight. Contact our North Adams, Massachusetts criminal defense attorneys at O’Brien & Eggleston PLLC at (518)-391-2369 or schedule your initial consultation online.
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If police conduct a search without a warrant, any evidence obtained may be challenged under the Fourth Amendment’s protections against unreasonable searches. A criminal defense attorney in North Adams can review whether the search fell under an exception, such as consent or exigent circumstances. If the search is deemed unlawful, the evidence might be suppressed, weakening the prosecution’s case. This can sometimes lead to charges being reduced or dismissed.
Yes, certain criminal convictions can impact immigration status, including the possibility of deportation or denial of naturalization. A North Adams criminal defense attorney can evaluate whether a charge qualifies as a “crime involving moral turpitude” or an aggravated felony under immigration law. Non-citizens facing criminal charges should seek both criminal and immigration counsel quickly. The outcome of the criminal case can have long-term effects on their ability to remain in the U.S.
Concurrent sentences allow multiple convictions to be served at the same time, while consecutive sentences are served back-to-back. A criminal defense lawyer in North Adams can advocate for concurrent sentencing to reduce the overall time a person spends incarcerated. Judges consider the severity of the crime and prior record when deciding sentencing structure. This distinction can make a significant difference in the length of imprisonment.
Restraining orders and orders of protection are designed to prevent contact between an alleged offender and a victim. A North Adams criminal defense lawyer can challenge these orders if they are based on weak or false allegations. Violating such orders can lead to additional criminal charges, even if the underlying case is still pending. Courts take these protections seriously, and compliance is essential while the order is in effect.
Yes, social media posts, private messages, and digital communications can be admitted as evidence if properly authenticated. A criminal defense lawyer in North Adams will often examine whether such evidence was obtained legally and whether it is reliable. Posts taken out of context or altered may be challenged in court. Digital footprints increasingly play a role in both prosecution and defense strategies.
Refusing a chemical test often triggers automatic license suspension under implied consent laws. A North Adams criminal defense lawyer can argue issues like improper police procedure or lack of probable cause in these cases. Refusal may also be introduced in court as evidence of guilt in a DUI prosecution. The penalties can be harsh, sometimes exceeding those for failing the test itself.
Typically, a person must be brought before a judge within a set timeframe, often 24 to 72 hours, depending on state law. A criminal defense attorney in North Adams can ensure that this right to a prompt arraignment is not violated. If the prosecution fails to file charges within the legal limit, the individual may be released. This safeguard helps prevent unlawful detention.
Misdemeanors are less serious crimes, generally punishable by fines or jail time of less than a year, while felonies carry more severe penalties including prison terms. A criminal defense attorney from O’Briend & Eggleston PLLC can help explain the long-term consequences, such as loss of civil rights or difficulty finding employment. The classification affects sentencing, collateral consequences, and the court process. Understanding this difference is crucial when facing criminal allegations.
Bail is money or property pledged to ensure a defendant returns for court appearances. A criminal defense attorney in North Adams can argue for lower bail or release on personal recognizance by presenting evidence of community ties and stable employment. Judges consider factors like the seriousness of the charges, flight risk, and prior criminal record. The decision determines whether someone awaits trial in jail or at home.
Individuals have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney during questioning. A North Adams criminal defense lawyer will advise clients not to answer questions without legal counsel present, as statements can easily be used against them. Police are required to inform suspects of these rights through Miranda warnings. Exercising these protections is often the best way to avoid self-incrimination.
Driving While Impaired
Driving While Intoxicated
Grand Larceny Third Degree
Illegal Possession of a Firearm
Illegal Possession of a Weapon 4th Degree
Lifetime Revocation of Driver’s License
O'Brien & Eggleston has a proven track record of helping the underdog achieve positive outcomes in and out of trial.
Our decades of experience not only make us extremely knowledgeable and skilled, but it has allowed us to build important relationships within the legal system, ultimately benefiting our clients.
At O’Brien & Eggleston PLLC, the client ALWAYS comes first. We take pride in giving each client the genuine and undivided attention their case deserves. We work hard to develop strategies that help accomplish their unique goals.
There are many firms that seek the path of least resistance. Not us! We are dedicated to doing whatever it takes to achieve the best possible outcome for our clients.
The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.
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