Criminal Defense in Massachusetts

Massachusetts does not classify crimes as felonies and misdemeanors in the traditional sense — instead, offenses are categorized by the court that has jurisdiction. District Court handles crimes punishable by up to 2.5 years in the House of Correction, while Superior Court handles crimes carrying state prison sentences. Defense costs range $3,500-$8,000 in District Court to $15,000-$90,000 in Superior Court. The state eliminated mandatory minimum sentences for most drug offenses in 2018 through the CORI Reform Act. Suffolk County (Boston) has implemented progressive prosecution policies. Massachusetts was the first state to recognize same-sex marriage (2004) and has historically progressive criminal justice policies including early bail reform initiatives.