Facing an indictment in Essex County Superior Court in Salem or Lawrence? Medford criminal defense lawyer William Barabino represents people charged with serious felonies. Call 781-393-5900.
Essex County Superior Court Criminal Defense – Salem and Lawrence
Essex County Superior Court hears the most serious criminal cases from every city and town in Essex County. Its main courthouse is in Salem, with other locations in Lawrence and Newburyport.
Many Superior Court cases involve felony charges that can carry a state prison sentence. If you or a family member has been indicted, or a case is going to a grand jury, get a lawyer involved right away.
Essex County Superior Court – Court Information
Salem (main courthouse)
Address: 56 Federal Street, Salem, MA 01970
Clerk’s Office: (978) 744-5500
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Metered lots and paid garages are nearby.
Lawrence
Address: 43 Appleton Way, Lawrence, MA 01841
Clerk’s Office: (978) 242-1900
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Paid lots and a garage are next to the courthouse. Lawrence Station is about half a mile away.
Jurisdiction: All cities and towns in Essex County
Your court notice will say which location to go to. The Newburyport location is at 145 High Street.
How a Case Gets to Superior Court
A criminal case usually reaches Superior Court in one of two ways:
- Grand jury indictment. The prosecutor presents evidence to a grand jury in a closed proceeding. If the grand jury finds probable cause, it returns an indictment and the case starts in Superior Court. (What is a secret grand jury?)
- Bindover from District Court. Some cases start in a District Court. If the District Court will not keep a serious case, the defendant has the right to a probable cause hearing. If the judge finds probable cause, the case is “bound over” to Superior Court. If an indictment comes first, no probable cause hearing is held. For example, a serious case that starts in Salem District Court or Lawrence District Court can move up this way.
What Happens in Essex County Superior Court
Superior Court cases follow these basic stages:
- Indictment. The formal charges, usually returned by a grand jury.
- Arraignment. Your first Superior Court date. The charges are read, a not-guilty plea is entered, and bail is addressed. Sometimes the prosecutor asks for a dangerousness hearing.
- Pretrial conference. The two sides exchange evidence, identify issues, and set a schedule.
- Motions. Your lawyer may ask the judge to dismiss charges or to keep out evidence, such as evidence from an unlawful search.
- Trial. Before a jury, or a judge alone if you give up your right to a jury.
- Sentencing. After a guilty plea or verdict, the judge imposes a sentence, which can range from probation to state prison.
Common Matters Handled in Essex County Superior Court
Cases in this court often involve:
- Drug trafficking and distribution charges
- Serious assault charges, including assault and battery with a dangerous weapon
- Firearms charges
- Armed robbery, burglary, and home invasion
- Sex offense charges
- Repeat OUI offenses
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.
- If you receive a grand jury subpoena or learn you are under investigation, speak with a lawyer before responding.
- Contact a criminal defense lawyer as early as possible, ideally before the arraignment.
- Bring any paperwork you have received (indictment, summons, bail papers, earlier District Court papers).
Early involvement gives your lawyer more time to investigate and challenge the evidence. Every case is different, and no lawyer can promise a particular result.
Contact Me About Your Essex County Superior Court Case
If you or a family member has been charged with, or is being investigated for, a serious crime that will be heard in Essex County Superior 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 Essex County Superior Court alone. Call today and let’s start protecting your rights and your future.
