How to Avoid Criminal Charges in Massachusetts

Not all criminal cases result in charges. In Massachusetts, there are ways to stop a case before it even starts—especially for misdemeanors or first-time offenses.

Some key opportunities to avoid charges:
- Clerk magistrate hearings: If you receive a notice for one of these, you haven’t been charged yet.
- Police contact before filing: If police are still “investigating,” a lawyer can sometimes intervene.
- Civilian applications: In minor disputes, a lawyer can resolve the issue before it escalates.

Avoiding charges entirely means no arraignment, no record, and no public court case. Start early with an experienced attorney.