At O’Brien & Eggleston PLLC, our law firm’s founders have built essential relationships within the legal system over the past 40 combined years, ultimately benefiting our clients and their legal outcomes. With more than four decades of combined experience on both sides of criminal courtrooms, accounting for over 200 trials between them, we welcome Pittsfield criminal defense lawyer Alex Shmulsky to the firm to lend his 14 years of legal experience to the Massachusetts defense clients who need his expertise the most.
Our Berkshire County criminal defense office allows Alex to align his local legal knowledge, skills, and resources to expand our law firm’s priority, which is to create 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 team of trusted defense attorneys and support staff can put our experience to work for you.
Part of building successful defense strategies for Massachusetts clients is having boots on the ground in Pittsfield, where they need local legal representation to produce the best results for their cases.
With Alex Shmulsky on our trusted defense attorney team, O’Brien & Eggleston extends legal advantages to the just over 43,000 people who call the city home whenever they need a skilled defense lawyer to help fight for their rights and freedom.
With the experience of local counsel, our Pittsfield criminal defense lawyers will continue to produce real results for real clients in Massachusetts in the following legal areas:
Contact our knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys in Pittsfield for help if you face legal challenges in Massachusetts. We are ready to provide the positive influence your case needs to achieve the best outcome.
At O’Brien & Eggleston PLLC, our comprehensive experience enables us to handle even the most complex cases and provide legal counsel throughout the process. Some of the areas we include:
Our team works tirelessly to investigate your case, gather evidence, and develop a strategic defense tailored to your specific needs. We leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of the best possible outcome for you.
When facing criminal charges, Pittsfield criminal defense attorneys can employ a variety of defense strategies tailored to each case. Some common defenses include:
These defenses can significantly impact the outcome of your case.
Understanding the process can help ease the stress of criminal charges. Here’s an overview of what to expect:
Post-Trial and Appeals: If convicted, we can assist with appeals or seek post-conviction relief to minimize the impact of the conviction.
A criminal conviction can have lifelong consequences. Here are some potential penalties you could face, depending on the severity of your charges:
Having a criminal record can make it challenging to find employment, secure housing, or achieve other life goals. Fortunately, criminal defense lawyers in Pittsfield can help you explore expunging or sealing your criminal record. Here’s what you need to know:
Having a local Pittsfield criminal defense attorney, like Alex Shmulsky, represent you can offer several advantages due to his familiarity with the local legal landscape.
Benefits of our clients having access to a local defense lawyer include:
Laws vary from state to state and even within different jurisdictions in the same state. Our local Pittsfield criminal defense attorney is well-versed in each Massachusetts jurisdiction’s specific laws and regulations where our clients’ cases are heard.
He knows the judges, prosecutors, and court procedures, providing valuable insights into how cases are typically handled in that jurisdiction. This familiarity can be beneficial when negotiating plea deals, discussing case resolutions, or presenting arguments in court.
Every Massachusetts jurisdiction has unique legal practices and customs that our Pittsfield defense attorney can navigate effectively to benefit our clients.
Understanding how similar cases have been handled in the past within a specific jurisdiction can be valuable when crafting a defense strategy, as we are also aware of local legal precedents that could impact your case.
With local defense counsel in Pittsfield, our law firm has access to a network of local resources, including investigators, expert witnesses, and other professionals who can contribute to building solid defense strategies for our clients.
Sentencing practices can vary between jurisdictions throughout Massachusetts. Our criminal defense lawyer in Pittsfield is in tune with the sentencing tendencies of local judges, which can be crucial in negotiating plea deals and when preparing for trial or sentencing hearings.
Our skilled defense attorney in Pittsfield makes communication more convenient and efficient for our clients. You can easily schedule meetings, visit our office, and stay in regular contact, which can be essential for effective legal representation.
In case of emergencies or last-minute developments in your case, our Pittsfield defense attorney can act with quicker response times and easier coordination.
Our criminal defense attorney’s local knowledge and connections can be instrumental in achieving the best possible outcome in your case, as our law firm is now better positioned to tailor our defense strategies to the specific nuances of the local legal system.
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 Pittsfield criminal defense attorneys at O’Brien & Eggleston PLLC today by calling (518)-391-2369 or contacting us online to schedule your initial consultation.
These directions are from Google Maps, starting from:
1 West St Suite 70, Pittsfield, MA 01201
Total Est. Time: 47 min
Total Est. Distance: 38.3 miles
You have the right to refuse consent to a search unless police have a valid warrant or probable cause. Politely state that you do not agree to the search. A Pittsfield criminal defense lawyer will explain that refusing consent cannot be used against you in court. Always consult a lawyer before speaking further with the police.
You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney during questioning. Anything you say can be used against you later. A criminal defense lawyer in Pittsfield will advise you not to answer questions without representation. Protecting your rights early can prevent serious legal problems later.
Refusing a breathalyzer results in an automatic license suspension, even if you are never convicted. The suspension period depends on your prior record. A criminal defense lawyer in Pittsfield can challenge the suspension or help apply for a hardship license. Knowing your rights at the time of the stop is essential.
Yes, police can arrest you without a warrant if they have probable cause that you committed a crime. This often occurs in situations such as drunk driving stops or violent incidents. A criminal defense lawyer in Pittsfield can review whether the arrest was lawful and challenge it if your rights were violated. Illegal arrests can sometimes lead to evidence being suppressed.
Domestic violence charges can lead to immediate arrest, protective orders, and serious penalties. These cases often move quickly and can affect child custody or housing. A Pittsfield criminal defense lawyer can challenge false accusations and defend you against unfair restrictions. It’s critical to get legal help immediately after an arrest.
Resisting arrest involves interfering with a police officer’s attempt to detain you, even if you think the arrest is unfair. This charge can add penalties to your underlying case. A Pittsfield criminal defense lawyer can challenge whether your actions truly met the legal definition of resistance. Fighting this charge helps protect your record and minimize consequences.
Missing a court date usually results in a warrant for your arrest and may make your situation worse. The court may also impose additional penalties. A Pittsfield criminal defense lawyer can help you address the warrant quickly and minimize the consequences. Prompt legal action is the best way to prevent further problems.
Violating a restraining order is a criminal offense, even if the other person invited the contact. Penalties may include fines, jail time, and additional restrictions. A Pittsfield criminal defense lawyer can defend against claims of violation and explain possible defenses. These charges are taken very seriously by local courts.
After an arrest, a bail hearing determines if you’ll be released while awaiting trial. Judges consider the seriousness of the charge, past criminal history, and flight risk. A criminal defense lawyer in Pittsfield can argue for the lowest possible bail or personal recognizance release. Strong representation at this stage can help you avoid unnecessary detention.
Yes, charges can sometimes be dismissed if there’s insufficient evidence, constitutional violations, or successful legal motions. Prosecutors may also drop charges if witnesses are unavailable or unreliable. A criminal defense lawyer in Pittsfield will know which strategies give your case the best chance for dismissal. Early legal intervention can make a big difference.
Probation allows you to serve your sentence in the community instead of jail, under strict conditions. Violating probation terms, like missing check-ins or failing drug tests, can lead to jail time. A Pittsfield criminal defense lawyer can negotiate probation as part of your sentence and defend you if a violation is alleged. It’s often a second chance to avoid incarceration.
Misdemeanors are less serious crimes, usually punishable by up to 2.5 years in a county jail. Felonies involve more serious conduct and carry longer prison sentences in state facilities. A Pittsfield criminal defense lawyer can explain how charges are classified and how that impacts your case. The distinction also affects your criminal record and future opportunities.
Juvenile cases are usually heard in a special court focused on rehabilitation rather than punishment. Penalties may include counseling, community service, or probation. A Pittsfield criminal defense lawyer can work to protect a juvenile’s future by keeping charges off a permanent record. The goal is to provide a second chance instead of long-term consequences.
Yes, passengers can sometimes face charges if drugs are discovered in a shared space. Prosecutors may argue you had knowledge or access to the drugs. Defending against “constructive possession” charges requires strong legal strategy. A criminal defense lawyer in Pittsfield can challenge whether the evidence truly links you to the drugs.
A pre-trial conference is a meeting between the defense, prosecution, and judge to review evidence and discuss resolution options. This stage often determines whether a case will proceed to trial. A criminal defense lawyer in Pittsfield uses this opportunity to negotiate and challenge weak evidence. Effective preparation here can lead to reduced charges or dismissal.
A CWOF means the defendant admits there is enough evidence to convict but does not plead guilty. The case is continued for a set period, and if you meet the conditions, it may be dismissed. A Pittsfield criminal defense lawyer can sometimes negotiate a CWOF as an alternative to conviction. This option helps many clients avoid a permanent criminal record.
Yes, if errors occurred during trial or sentencing, you may appeal to a higher court. Appeals focus on legal mistakes, not retrying the facts of the case. A criminal defense lawyer in Pittsfield can review trial records and identify strong grounds for appeal. The process is complex and requires experienced legal advocacy.
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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