Facing an indictment in Suffolk County Superior Court in Boston? Medford criminal defense lawyer William Barabino represents people charged with serious felonies. Call 781-393-5900.
Suffolk County Superior Court Criminal Defense
Suffolk County Superior Court hears the most serious criminal cases from Boston, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop. Criminal cases are handled at the Suffolk County Courthouse, 3 Pemberton Square, in downtown Boston.
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.
Suffolk County Superior Court – Court Information
Official Name: Suffolk County Superior Court
Address: Suffolk County Courthouse, 3 Pemberton Square, Boston, MA 02108
Criminal Clerk’s Office: (617) 788-8160 (14th floor)
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Jurisdiction: Boston, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop
There is no courthouse parking, but private garages are nearby. The courthouse can be reached by MBTA.
The civil clerk’s office has a different phone number and floor, so use the criminal clerk’s office number above for criminal cases.
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 the Roxbury Division or the East Boston Division of the Boston Municipal Court can move up this way.
What Happens in Suffolk 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 Suffolk 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 Suffolk 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 Suffolk 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 Suffolk County Superior Court alone. Call today and let’s start protecting your rights and your future.
