CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY IN SALEM MA
Top Criminal Law Firm – Downtown Salem Office
Expert criminal defense firm with record of not guilty verdicts and dismissals in Salem MA.
Salem MA Criminal Defense Attorney. If you’re charged with a crime in Salem, you need a serious attorney to handle your case. Get the expertise of a highly experienced and proven Criminal Defense Lawyer to defend you today.
Attorney Joseph Simons and his team regularly defend clients in Salem and throughout Essex County. There are two criminal courts in Salem: Essex County Superior Court and Salem District Court. Both are located in the Ruane Judicial Center, 56 Federal Street, Salem, MA 01970. The District Court entertains all misdemeanors and some felonies, while the Superior Court has jurisdiction over all major felonies in Essex County. We have a record of acquittals in both courts, saving past clients from potentially life-ruining allegations.
We started in downtown Boston, where we continue to maintain our flagship office. After several years of successful practice in Salem, Simons Law Office established a permanent north shore office at 30 Church Street, a block from the courthouse. Our attorneys are well known and respected by prosecutors and judges alike.
Home to Salem State University, Salem Willows, and the Peabody Essex Museum, Salem is the most well known city in Essex County. As of 2010, 41,340 people called Salem home. During the summer, and especially throughout October, Salem draws tourists from around the world.
Salem, located at the mouth of the Naumkeag rive, was settled by Europeans in 1626 by a group of fishermen led by Roger Conant. Two years later, John Endecott replaced Conant as leader of the new settlement. Conant graciously stepped down, and was given 200 acres of land as compensation. In recognition of the peaceful transition, the name Salem was given to the settlement. Salem is a form of the word “peace” in Hebrew שלום(Shalom).
One of the most widely known aspects of Salem’s history are the witch trials. Many popular accounts begin with Abigail Williams and Betty Parris playing with a Venus glass and an egg, along with friends. At the time, many people believed witchcraft to be real, causing great panic in the Puritan community. In fact, witchcraft was a serious felony at the time. Judge John Hathorne is perhaps the best-known witch trial judge. His nickname, the “Hanging Judge,” comes from his practice of sentencing witches to death.
On August 19, 2010, Governor Deval Patrick signed a bill designating Salem as the “Birthplace of the National Guard.” The Act was approved by the U.S. House of Representatives, and later signed into law by President Barack Obama. On April 14, 2012, Salem celebrated the 375thanniversary of the first muster on Salem Common. Over 1,000 troops participated in the parade and other ceremonies.
Salem enjoys a lower crime rate than the Massachusetts average. However, serious criminal charges are lodged every day. No matter what type of crime you’re facing, whether you are young or old, a parent, a child, a Salem resident or a tourist, criminal charges can be devastating. A conviction can lead to enormous consequences. If you’re facing felony or misdemeanor criminal charges in Salem, you need a high-quality defense attorney to fight for you.
Contact Simons Law Office today for a free phone consultation at our downtown Salem office at (978) 741-7000.
