Murder Defense Results. Although our lawyers cannot guarantee a result in any particular case, they can guarantee you will get the best possible defense. Below are actual cases handled by our defense team lawyers, led by some of our Attorneys. These cases include a wide range of violent offenses, rape and murder as well some large drug possession claims (one is for importation of 25 tons).We have included both good and bad outcomes so you can see the deep experience our lawyers bring to every serious criminal case. The win/loss distinction below is solely so the reader can have some perspective as to the relative outcome. Many credited as wins, are convictions of lesser crimes. Each case is unique, but our lawyers can help you or a loved one craft an effective theory of defense. Contact our Defense Team >>
Suffolk County Superior Court, a 39-year-old Boston man is charged with murder in the first degree, after he had an argument with his former girlfriend's boyfriend and allegedly stabbed him some hours later. When homicide investigators asked the client what happened, the defendant made a statement. He is held for trial without bail.
2nd-degree murder verdict overturned! A judge after a hearing rules of that trial counsel provided ineffective assistance of counsel as a result of allowing television film crew to intercept attorney client communications. A bail hearing and a new trial will follow for co-defendants in a barroom stabbing.
Win: CASE NAME: COMMONWEALTH V. JohnsonCOURT: Suffolk Superior
Indicted for Murder
JUDGE Mulkern
INTERESTING TWIST TO CASE: After jury trial , defendant was convicted of manslaughter( a lesser charge).
Win: CASE NAME: COMMONWEALTH V. HinesCOURT: Suffolk Superior
Defendant charged with Attempted Rape, One of the 2 victims was Peter Lawford's son's Girlfriend a model ( as was other woman).
Both positively ID'd defendant. Found Not Guilty at jury trial.
Judge Steadman
Win: Case Name: COMMONWEALTH V. GriffithCOURT: Suffolk Superior
Judge Izzo
Tried by Jury
INTERESTING TWIST TO CASE: Charged with Murder I, The Defendant was examined every day of trial for competency. He testified he did not do it.
An eyewitness said he saw defendant pull a knife out of chest of victim.
Not Guilty, Defendant was found mentally ill.
Loss: CASE NAME: COMMONWEALTH V. Cleo Clemente
COURT: SUFFOLK SUPERIOR
Quadruple murder at 99 Restaurant in Charlestown, Massachusetts.
JUDGE McDaniel
Trial by jury
INTERESTING TWIST TO CASE: Defendant testified to shooting all four victims at point blank range, yet jury was out 5 days! Defendant was eventually found guilty.
Win: CASE NAME: USA V. CRESTA
COURT: Federal Court PORTLAND, MAINE
Accused of smuggling 25 tons of Marijuana
JUDGE GignouixJury Trial, through a multitude of legal issues in 7 week trial. Police from four states as well as federal agents testified. Guilty, but probation only.
Win: CASE NAME: COMMONWEALTH V. BRICECOURT: SUFFOLK SUPERIOR
Indicted for First degree Murder.
JUDGE DelVecchio
Jury trial. The victim brought a rock to a gun fight and lost (naturally!). Defendant was Guilty of second degree Murder ( a lesser charge).
Loss: CASE NAME: COMMONWEALTH V. Cook
First Degree MurderCOURT: SUFFOLK SUPERIOR
JUDGE Keating
Defendant appeared on the appointed day of trial, but Never came back after the first day. The trial went on and he was convicted without being present.
Win: CASE NAME: COMMONWEALTH V. McKETHANCOURT: SUFFOLK SUPERIOR
First Degree Murder Charge
JUDGE PIERCE, J.
INTERESTING TWIST TO CASE: The defendant was able Plea mid-way through trial Manslaughter (lessor charge). Responsibility and & Competence issues were raised by Attorney Witkin. While at a mental hospital in the South Shore, the defendant ate the bed springs to his bed, requiring emergency surgery.
Loss: CASE NAME: COMMONWEALTH V. PENNELATORECOURT: SUFFOLK SUPERIOR
Charged With Murder I, Armed Robbery and Home Invasion
JUDGE DONOHUE
Jury Trial
INTERESTING TWIST TO CASE: Convicted of battering death 84 yr old retired librarian. Received triple life sentences.
Win: On Appeal CASE NAME: COMMONWEALTH V. WIlliamsCOURT: SUFFOLK SUPERIOR
Charged with Murdering his 17 year old Girlfriend with Stab wounds to her chest.
JUDGE Nelson
Found Guilty of second degree murder in post conviction papers. Defendant Alleged ineffectiveness of counsel because Vietnam Syndrome (PTSD) was not orginally given as a defense reality: defense was "invented" two years after trial!
Win: CASE NAME: COMMONWEALTH V. FRANCUCCICOURT: Suffolk Superior
Charged with possession of Marijuana with intent to distribute
JUDGE Sahady
During Jury Trial, defendant denied knowing stuff was there. Found Not Guilty.
Win: CASE NAME: COMMONWEALTH V. FigueroaCOURT: Suffolk Superior
Charged Constructive possession of Heroin
JUDGE Greaney
The Heroin was found in the defendants store, but after trial jury acquits him.
Win: CASE NAME: COMMONWEALTH V. BENNETTCOURT: Boston Municipal Court Jury Trial
Charged with carrying firearm & marijuana.
3 cops said the defendant did it. Defendant Denied. Jury hung.
Win: CASE NAME: COMMONWEALTH V. Noa RoistenCOURT: Suffolk Superior
Charged with Armed robbery
JUDGE Ronan
Judge granted motion for required finding of Not Guilty after Attorney Witkin raised issues.
Win: CASE NAME: COMMONWEALTH V. ANTHONY BelmonteCOURT: Middlesex Superior
Accused of Child Rape of Niece
JUDGE Garsh
INTERESTING TWIST TO CASE: Jury acquitted on all the rapes, hung on the indecent Assault and Battery.
Win: CASE NAME: COMMONWEALTH V. STARLINGCOURT: Suffolk Superior
Accused of Murdering Pimp
JUDGE McGuire
TRIED BY JUDGE OR JURY: jury
INTERESTING TWIST TO CASE: Eyewitness was a hooker named "Peaches", Defendant was acquitted on all counts.
Win: CASE NAME: COMMONWEALTH V. HENNESSEYCOURT: Suffolk Superior
Accused of Murdering dog owner.
JUDGE Donohue
INTERESTING TWIST TO CASE: Guilty of murder second degree (lesser charge).
Loss: CASE NAME: COMMONWEALTH V. ColemanCOURT: Suffolk Superior
Accused of 4 Armed Robberies
JUDGE MurphyIn a previous murder case, defendant was acquitted.
At his co-defendnat said at trial that he did it! The governemt was out to get him, and asked for successive life sentences. Judge gave concurrent.
Win: CASE NAME: COMMONWEALTH V. PeacockCOURT: Cambridge District Court
Charged with Felony Assault
JUDGE Chernoff
Jury Trial after false start in Lowell. Defense raised fact there were no blacks on the jury, the judge then moved the case to Cambridge.Acquitted.
Loss: CASE NAME: COMMONWEALTH V. HinesCOURT: Suffolk Superior
Armed Robbery of Store on Newbury Street
JUDGE Fine
TRIED BY JUDGE OR JURY: jury
Defendant testified he was shoplifting and that it was not a robbery. Jury found him guilty.
Loss: CASE NAME: COMMONWEALTH V. HindCOURT: Suffolk Superior Court
Escape from Prison
JUDGE Cameron
TRIED BY JUDGE OR JURY: jury
Defendant testified that he paid jail guards to Let him escape. Jury was out only 4 minutes, Guilty.
Win: CASE NAME: COMMONWEALTH V. BlessinjameCOURT: Boston Municipal
Assault by means of gun and carrying firearm
JUDGE Grabeau
Result: Not Guilty after a strong character witness testified.
Win, Law Changed CASE NAME: COMMONWEALTH V. FORDECOURT: Suffolk Superior
Accused of the Murder of his girlfriend
JUDGE Kelly
INTERESTING TWIST TO CASE: The only evidence that he murdered her was his own confession. During this case, Massachusetts adopted a rule requiring the corroboration of Confessions. Before this Massachusetts was only state NOT REQUIRING corroboration.
Win: CASE NAME: COMMONWEALTH V. BYRNECOURT: Plymouth Superior - Brockton
Accused of Date rape
JUDGE Wagner
INTERESTING TWIST TO CASE: Jury acquittal of defendant who picked up married Woman in a bar. Rape shield issues
Win: CASE NAME: COMMONWEALTH V. George WashingtonCOURT: Suffolk Superior
Stabbing death of armed robber
JUDGE Brogna
Judge
INTERESTING TWIST TO CASE: Bridgewater Mental Experts, the Government and defense experts all said Defendant was Not Guilty by reason of Insanity. Jury trial was waived, the Judge Brogna, found defendant Not Guilty that his conduct was Reasonable, even if he was nuts.
Loss: CASE NAME: COMMONWEALTH V. O'ConnellCOURT: U.S.DIST. COURT BOSTON
Major Theft by airline employee
JUDGE W. Arthur Garrity
INTERESTING TWIST TO CASE: In what should have been a two day case, the jury trial lasted 2 weeks. Alibi Evidence and character witnesses were not enough. Guilty.
Win: CASE NAME: COMMONWEALTH V. BoughterCOURT: Suffolk Superior Court
Arson case, confession by defendant
JUDGE Zobel
INTERESTING TWIST TO CASE: Jury found defendant not guilty despite a full confession admitting he burnt the place down.
Win: CASE NAME: COMMONWEALTH V. James JohnsonCOURT: Suffolk Superior Court
Accused of Standard style, Street murder
JUDGE Volterra
ADA Daniel Mullane
Case dismissed by motion judge on technical matter.
Loss: CASE NAME: COMMONWEALTH V. Brian CahillCOURT: Middlesex Superior Court
Identity of defendant and co defendant by a really bad guy.
Jury bought it.JUDGE Barton
INTERESTING TWIST TO CASE: Classic "One witness case" - where both men got life Imprisonment and the one "witness" Later dies in a Las Vega hotel room.
Plea: CASE NAME: COMMONWEALTH V. Charles ByrdCOURT: Middlesex Superior Court
Murder over drugs
JUDGE GrabeauINTERESTING TWIST TO CASE: The defendant's cohorts were Not Prosecuted! Traded info to DA.
CASE NAME: COMMONWEALTH V. Eric SnyderCOURT: Norfolk Superior Court
Murder Case
JUDGE Mulligan
ADA Stapleton
TRIED BY JUDGE OR JURY: Jury
INTERESTING TWIST TO CASE: One witness identified the foreman of the jury as the killer!
Win: CASE NAME: COMMONWEALTH V. Roosevelt MaidenCOURT: Suffolk Superior Court
Charge dwith Murder.
Self defense by old man against young man with a knifeJUDGE Mulligan
ADA Dennis Collins
TRIED BY JUDGE OR JURY: jury
Jury acquitted
Loss: CASE NAME: COMMONWEALTH V. Pedro RosarioCOURT: Suffolk Superior Court
Rape/murder of Irish student
JUDGE McDaniel
ADA
TRIED BY JUDGE OR JURY: jury
INTERESTING TWIST TO CASE:Media publicity. Teeth marks, DNA Many scientific issues
Appeal: CASE NAME: COMMONWEALTH V. Franz DesirCOURT: Suffolk Superior
Murder during a Shoot out in Boston
JUDGE O'Kara
ADA
TRIED BY JUDGE OR JURY: jury
INTERESTING TWIST TO CASE: Still fighting, habeas motion pending in Federal Court
Win: CASE NAME: COMMONWEALTH V. StearnsCOURT: Suffolk Superior
Charged with Murder by handgun in the neighborhood in Charlestown
JUDGE Volterra
ADA
TRIED BY JUDGE OR JURY: jury
Directed verdict of Not Guilty
Loss/Win CASE NAME: COMMONWEALTH V. CunninghamCOURT: Suffolk Superior
Murder of football hero (high school) with a scholarship to Harvard.
JUDGE Ronan
Principal Defendant convicted of Murder I, the others of Manslaughter.