Law Offices of Stephen Neyman

Criminal Defense in Boston and Massachusetts

The Law Offices of Stephen Neyman represents individuals accused or charged with crimes in Boston, Massachusetts, and the surrounding areas. Its founder, Stephen Neyman, has been a criminal defense lawyer in Boston for over 38 years and understands both the rights of the accused and the consequences faced by defendants and their families.

The firm presents itself as a defense ready to challenge Massachusetts state and federal prosecutors. From the outset of the case, it works to achieve dismissal or reduction of charges; if that is not possible, it negotiates with the prosecution while preparing the defense for trial. Its tasks include investigating, interviewing witnesses, seeking to exclude damaging evidence, and, if necessary, interacting with the media. It also files and argues appeals when an unfavorable ruling or verdict has been issued.

Stephen Neyman's Track Record

Neyman has taken more than 400 criminal cases to trial and has appealed approximately 50 criminal convictions in state and federal courts in Massachusetts. Before moving to Massachusetts in 1990, he served as a Deputy District Attorney in Los Angeles County, where he prosecuted gang offenses ranging from drug crimes to murders. That prior experience as a prosecutor allows him to understand how the prosecution builds its cases and which strategies tend to work both in pre-trial negotiation and before a jury.

The firm maintains offices in Boston, Massachusetts, although Neyman has appeared and handled criminal cases in federal and state courts in New Hampshire, Maine, New York, California, and Arizona. He has also handled complex civil and criminal matters in Florida, North Carolina, Texas, Indiana, Illinois, and the District of Columbia.

Areas of Criminal Defense

The firm claims experience defending all types of criminal cases. Examples it details include:

• Domestic assault and battery: It differs from common assault and battery in that it occurs between family members or people in an intimate relationship. It is generally charged as a misdemeanor, with up to 30 months in jail; aggravated assault and battery is a felony that can carry five years in prison, and if it involves a weapon, up to 15 years. The prosecution may continue even if the victim does not want to press charges or asks to drop them.
• Drug crimes: These include possession, possession with intent to distribute, and trafficking in controlled substances such as heroin, cocaine, fentanyl, marijuana, and unauthorized prescription drugs. Massachusetts imposes severe penalties, often with long prison sentences, and a drug conviction can affect educational and employment history, as well as reputation.
• Drug possession: Having one or more controlled substances, for personal use or distribution, can lead to charges. Penalties depend on the amount and classification of the drug; a first conviction can carry up to two years in jail, with increasing penalties for repeat offenses. If the police obtained evidence in violation of constitutional rules on searches and seizures, the attorney can file a motion to suppress that evidence.
• Possession with intent to distribute: It is charged as a felony in Massachusetts. The prosecution must show that the defendant not only had the drugs under his control but also intended to sell them. For example, possession with intent to distribute cocaine can carry two and a half years in prison for a first offense and up to 10 years for a subsequent offense. Penalties can be greater if the intent was to sell to a minor.
• Drug trafficking: It involves distributing or intending to distribute a certain amount of controlled substances. A conviction carries a mandatory minimum prison sentence, with no possibility of parole until a specified period is served. The mandatory minimum depends on the type and amount of drug; for example, heroin trafficking has a mandatory minimum of three and a half years for 20 grams, and eight years for 150 grams.
• Sex crimes: In addition to prison sentences, a conviction may require sex offender registration, which makes it difficult to find employment or reside in a desired area. The firm works to interview witnesses, subpoena evidence, build alibis, and attack the prosecution's theory of the case.
• Rape: It is the most serious sex crime in Massachusetts and can carry life imprisonment even on a first conviction; a second conviction can result in life imprisonment. The prosecution must prove penetration, use of force or threat of force, and lack of consent. The firm notes that wrongful rape convictions are not uncommon and that many people have been exonerated by DNA evidence.
• Indecent assault and battery: It can carry up to five years in prison and sex offender registration. It involves intentional harmful or offensive touching of an indecent nature, without justification or excuse. Indecent assault and battery against a child under 14 is a separate strict liability crime with different penalties.
• Soliciting a prostitute: Massachusetts prohibits soliciting a prostitute or receiving their services.

Service and Availability

The firm has legal professionals committed to high standards of representation. It states it is accessible to clients and potential clients 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The initial consultation is free and can be requested by calling 617-263-6800.

Location and Contact

Phone: 617-263-6800 · Hours: Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week