Facing charges in the Central Division of the Boston Municipal Court? Medford criminal defense lawyer William Barabino represents people charged in this court. Call 781-393-5900.

Boston Municipal Court – Central Division Criminal Defense

If you have been charged with a crime in downtown Boston or a nearby neighborhood, your case will be heard in the Central Division of the Boston Municipal Court (BMC).

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.

Central Division – Court Information

Official Name: Central Division, Boston Municipal Court (Suffolk County)

Address: Edward W. Brooke Courthouse, 24 New Chardon Street, Boston, MA 02114

Phone: (617) 788-8600

Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Jurisdiction: Downtown Boston, Chinatown, North End, West End, Beacon Hill, and the South End through Massachusetts Avenue

The courthouse has no public parking, but paid lots and meters are nearby. MBTA subway, bus, and Commuter Rail serve the area.

This court also runs a Mental Health Court and a Veterans’ Treatment Court.

The Boston Municipal Court has eight divisions: Brighton, Central, Charlestown, Dorchester, East Boston, Roxbury, South Boston, and West Roxbury. Cases are generally heard where the incident allegedly happened.

Like a District Court, the BMC hears misdemeanors and many felonies. The most serious felonies go to Suffolk County Superior Court.

Related Courts

The most serious felony cases from this division go to Suffolk County Superior Court. Cases involving a child under 18 go to the Suffolk County Juvenile Court (see Boston Juvenile Court).

What Happens in the Central Division

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 the Central Division

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

  1. Do not discuss the facts of your case with anyone except your lawyer, including on social media.
  2. Never ignore a summons or hearing notice. Missing an arraignment or other court date can lead to a warrant.
  3. Contact a criminal defense lawyer as early as possible, ideally before the show-cause hearing or arraignment.
  4. 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 Central Division Case

If you or a family member has been charged with, or is being investigated for, a crime that will be heard in the Central Division of the Boston Municipal 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 the Central Division of the Boston Municipal Court alone. Call today and let’s start protecting your rights and your future.