Business Details
21 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Trusted Criminal Defense Attorney in Canton, MA
The Law Office of Michael P. Stapleton has provided dedicated criminal defense representation in Massachusetts since 2005. Our founder, Attorney Michael Stapleton, brings unique perspective from his eight-year tenure as an Assistant District Attorney in Norfolk County, combined with private legal practice experience since 1998. With engineering and business administration credentials complementing his legal expertise, we offer strategic defense approaches grounded in deep understanding of both prosecutorial tactics and defense strategies.Our practice focuses exclusively on criminal defense matters across Massachusetts district and superior courts, leveraging extensive trial experience from hundreds of prosecuted and defended cases. We maintain strict client confidentiality while delivering personalized legal solutions for complex criminal charges, supported by our commitment to 24/7 availability for urgent legal needs. Our office combines technical precision with compassionate client advocacy to protect individual rights throughout the legal process.
Services
Criminal Defense
Domestic Violence
Drug Crimes
DUI/OUI Defense
Weapons Crimes
White Collar Crimes
Traffic Violations
Clerk Magistrate Hearings
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- Former Assistant District Attorney with 8 years of prosecutorial experience
- Free initial consultation available 24/7 for urgent legal matters
- Combines legal expertise with engineering and business administration credentials
- Proven track record in Massachusetts district and superior courts
- Personalized defense strategies for complex criminal charges
Associations and certifications
- Massachusetts Bar
- Florida Bar
- US District Court of Massachusetts
What people say
Effective representation
Timely communication
Prosecutorial insight valuable
Successful case outcomes
Professional and thorough
Services
Criminal Defense
Our criminal defense practice handles all felony and misdemeanor charges in Massachusetts courts. With a former prosecutor's perspective, we develop strategic defenses for DUI/OUI, domestic violence, drug offenses, and white-collar crimes. Our approach combines technical analysis with courtroom experience to protect client rights and achieve favorable outcomes through trial or negotiation.
DUI/OUI Defense
We specialize in defending alcohol and drug-related driving charges, including first-offense DUI and repeat OUI offenses. Our defense strategies challenge evidence admissibility, field sobriety tests, and chemical testing procedures. We leverage prosecutorial experience to negotiate reduced charges or alternative sentencing options while protecting driving privileges.
Domestic Violence
Our firm defends against domestic assault charges and related restraining orders. We challenge evidence credibility, examine alleged victim motivations, and protect parental rights in concurrent family court proceedings. We also handle post-conviction modifications and expungement of domestic violence records when applicable.
Weapons Crimes
We defend against illegal possession, carrying, and trafficking charges for firearms and other weapons. Our defense examines search and seizure legality, licensing compliance, and constitutional protections. We handle both state and federal weapons violations with strategies tailored to prosecutorial evidence weaknesses.
Clerk Magistrate Hearings
We represent clients in clerk magistrate hearings to prevent criminal complaints from advancing to trial. Our approach focuses on demonstrating insufficient evidence, negotiating dismissals, or securing favorable pre-trial agreements. This early intervention strategy often resolves cases before formal charges are filed.
People
Michael P. Stapleton
Attorney at Law
Admitted to Massachusetts and Florida bars since 1998, with US District Court admission in 2006. Former Norfolk County Assistant DA with eight years of prosecutorial experience. Engineering degree from Massachusetts Maritime Academy and law/business degrees from New England School of Law and Boston College.
Questions
What criminal charges do you handle?
We defend all Massachusetts criminal charges including DUI/OUI, domestic violence, drug crimes, weapons offenses, white-collar crimes, and traffic violations in district and superior courts.
Do you offer free consultations?
Yes, we provide free initial consultations 24/7 for urgent legal matters. This allows immediate legal guidance without financial commitment during critical early stages of criminal cases.
How does your prosecutorial experience help?
Our former prosecutor perspective reveals prosecution strategies and weaknesses. This inside knowledge informs more effective defense planning, plea negotiations, and trial preparation compared to attorneys without prosecutorial background.
Can you handle complex felony cases?
Yes, we manage complex felony cases including armed robbery, drug trafficking, and violent crimes. Our experience spans hundreds of prosecuted and defended cases in Massachusetts superior courts.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Massachusetts residents with cases in Norfolk County courts. Our Canton office handles clients statewide for district and superior court criminal defense matters.
