Hampshire County Criminal Defense Lawyer

Hampshire County was legally constituted in 1662, but previously it was an unorganized territory and it compromised the entire western part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. The area included the towns of Springfield, Northampton and Hadley. Originally the territory lines of Hampshire County included land that is now part of and modern day Hampden County, Franklin County, Berkshire County as well as Worcester County.

Hampshire County exists today as a historical geographic region and a judicial district, so there is no county government in Hampshire, like a number of other counties in Massachusetts. The county functions were assumed by Massachusetts state agencies in 1999, there are still a few regional officials with some specific duties left, such as the sheriff position. There are no elected county officials in Hampshire, other than the Hampshire Council of Governments, which has elected councilors from fifteen different towns and provides many regional duties. Hampshire County has partnered with Hampden County in joining the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, which partners the two communities and allows them work together on regional basis.

Between 1999 and 2008 there were a total of 24,667 crimes reported in Hampshire County, Massachusetts. Out of the 24,667 crimes that occurred, 3,266 of them were violent. In Hampshire County, these crimes occur almost half happen less than a mile from home and on average someone is a victim of a crime in Hampshire County, Massachusetts every 3 hours. This 2008 average includes 13 murders, 399 rapes, and about sixteen thousand thefts (including 1,686 motor vehicle thefts). In the course of the most recent 10 years, crime data were available in Hampshire County, Massachusetts for all 10 years. Throughout that period, the reported crime in Hampshire County has risen by 46%. During that time period, violent crime also climbed by 45%. These numbers show that crime has only escalated in Hampshire County and continues doing so. If you find yourself charged with any crime in Hampshire County or any other part of Massachusetts, it is key to retain a knowledgeable and experienced Hampshire County criminal defense attorney, like Attorney Murphy.

The court systems in Hampshire County include the Hampshire Superior Court, which can be found on 15 Gothic St., Hampshire, Massachusetts. The Hampshire Superior Court serves Shire Towns and Northampton. The Eastern Hampshire Division, which houses the Eastern Hampshire District Court, is located at 205 State St., Eastern Hampshire, Massachusetts. The Eastern Hampshire District Court has jurisdiction over the municipalities over Amherst, Belchertown, Grandby, Hadley, Pelham, South Hadley, Ware and all of M.D.C. Quabbin Reservoir as well as the Watershed area.

Experienced Hampshire County Criminal Lawyer

The Law Office of Patrick J. Murphy has nearly twenty years of criminal defense experience providing expert legal representation for clients charged with crimes throughout Hampshire County. Boston criminal defense lawyer Patrick J. Murphy's law office is conveniently located at One South Market Street, Fourth Floor in downtown Boston, about an hour drive from the heart of Hampshire County. If you would like a free, confidential consultation regarding your Hampshire County criminal case contact Attorney Murphy 24/7 directly at (617) 367-0450 or complete the contacts tab on the website today.

Client Reviews
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"Highly Recommended. Attorney Patrick J. Murphy absolutely helped me out in my time of need. When I met him in his Boston office he put me right at ease and explained the criminal process to me in a way I could easily understand and in a manner that gave me complete confidence. I was facing a criminal wanton destruction of property charge in Barnstable District Court. On the day of the case, he was at the courthouse waiting for me and my wife. Mr. Murphy handled the hearing in a very thorough and professional manner putting us through our testimony and making a powerful argument to the decision maker. My case was thrown out and I could not be happier with the service from Attorney Murphy. I highly recommend him to you as a skilled legal advocate!" Rob, Avvo User
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"Excellent Criminal Defense Lawyer. From the first consultation I knew Patrick Murphy was the right choice for my criminal defense. He was knowledgeable of the laws and knew how to build up a strong defense for my case. Every phone call and email I made was promptly answered. When it came time for my hearing, Patrick was prepared and able to get the criminal complaint against me dropped without ever becoming charge! Would highly recommend this attorney to anyone seeking a top quality defense attorney to handle their case!" John, Avvo User
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"OUI Not Guilty Verdict. Patrick Murphy provided excellent service as council on my case. He worked diligently over a long legal process that spanned over 3 years. He was able to take my case to a Jury Trial and get me a Not Guilty verdict through he expert knowledge of the law and expertise in cross examination of the prosecutions witnesses. He was very professional and available at anytime night or day to answer questions." Chris, Avvo User
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"Highly Skilled and Professional Lawyer. Attorney Pat Murphy did a great job guiding me through an A&B charge, and most importantly getting the case dismissed in a very timely manner. He is very professional, returns call promptly, and did a great explaining his strategy and the legal process to me. I was confident throughout the whole process that I was in good hands and would receive the best possible outcome in my case. Would highly recommended Attorney Murphy." Avvo User
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"I Felt That I was in Good Hands... and I Was! Mr. Patrick J. Murphy was very quick to respond to my needs. He was always there to answer any questions I had in a timely fashion, and he made me feel very comfortable in an extremely uncomfortable situation. Having Mr. Murphy by my side in the courtroom felt like I was at an advantage. He speaks with confidence. He doesn't stutter or pause while put on the spot. He treated me with respect. He listens. He always greeted me with a warm welcome and never wasted any time." Avvo User