Facing charges in Ayer District Court? Medford criminal defense lawyer William Barabino represents people charged in this court. Call 781-393-5900.
Ayer District Court Criminal Defense
If you have been charged with a crime in Ayer, Groton, Littleton, Westford, Pepperell, Devens, or another nearby town listed below, your case will be heard in Ayer District Court. The courthouse is at 25 East Main Street in Ayer.
Whether you face a first-time OUI, a drug charge, an assault and battery, or a more serious allegation, the decisions you make early can have lasting consequences. My goal is simple: protect your record, your license, your job, and your freedom.
Ayer District Court – Court Information
Official Name: Ayer District Court (Middlesex County)
Address: 25 East Main Street, Ayer, MA 01432
Clerk’s Office: (978) 772-2100 (clerk’s office and probation)
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Jurisdiction: Ashby, Ayer, Boxborough, Dunstable, Groton, Littleton, Pepperell, Shirley, Townsend, Westford, and the Devens Regional Enterprise Zone
There are two small public parking lots at the courthouse, with more parking at Pirone Park down the street. The court is served by the MBTA Commuter Rail Fitchburg line.
This court also runs a Mental Health Court.
Related Courts
The District Court hears misdemeanors and many felonies. The most serious felony cases from these towns go to Middlesex County Superior Court. Cases involving a child under 18 go to Lowell Juvenile Court.
What Happens in Ayer District Court
Most cases move through these stages, though not every case reaches each one:
- Complaint or show-cause hearing. The police or another person applies for a criminal complaint. If you were not arrested, a clerk-magistrate may first hold a show-cause hearing to decide whether a complaint should issue.
- Arraignment. Your first date before a judge. The charges are read, a not-guilty plea is entered, and bail or release conditions are set.
- Pretrial conference. The defense and the prosecutor exchange evidence and discuss whether the case can be resolved. (What is a pretrial conference?)
- Motions. Your lawyer may ask the judge to dismiss a charge or to keep out evidence, such as evidence from an unlawful search.
- Trial. You can choose a bench trial (the judge decides) or a jury trial.
- Disposition. How the case ends, such as a dismissal, a not-guilty verdict, a continuance without a finding, or a guilty finding and sentence.
Many cases are resolved before trial. Learn more about dispositions after arraignment and diversion programs.
Common Criminal Charges in Ayer District Court
People charged in this court often face:
- OUI / DUI / DWI and other motor vehicle offenses
- Drug possession and distribution
- Assault and battery, including domestic charges
- Violations of abuse prevention or harassment prevention orders
- Shoplifting, larceny, and other property crimes
- Disorderly conduct and resisting arrest
I handle the full range of these matters. You can learn more on these pages:
What You Should Do If You Have a Case Here
- Do not discuss the facts of your case with anyone except your lawyer, including on social media.
- Never ignore a summons or hearing notice. Missing an arraignment or other court date can lead to a warrant.
- Contact a criminal defense lawyer as early as possible, ideally before the show-cause hearing or arraignment.
- Bring any paperwork you have received (complaint, summons, citation, police report, bail papers).
Acting early can open up options, such as keeping a complaint from issuing, diversion, or a reduction or dismissal of charges. Every case is different, and no lawyer can promise a particular result.
Contact Me About Your Ayer District Court Case
If you or a family member has been charged with, or is being investigated for, a crime that will be heard in Ayer District Court, call me. I have over 23 years of experience.
William J. Barabino
Law Office of William J. Barabino
92 High Street, DH9
Medford, MA 02155
Phone: 781-393-5900
You may also complete the online contact form. I will review the information and get back to you promptly.
You do not have to face Ayer District Court alone. Call today and let’s start protecting your rights and your future.
