Business & Corporate Contracts
Concerning any sort of business agreement, it is always best to “get it in writing”. No matter what kind of business you do, to the extent the parties to a “deal” can 1) define their expectations clearly and specifically; and 2) anticipate potential problems and contingencies and outline how their occurrence will affect and/or change those expectations, they are going to be better off. A well-drafted, comprehensive contract is a great tool for minimizing the chances of litigation down the road, and it is a lot cheaper!
Civil Litigation
Civil litigation is a legal dispute between two or more parties, where one party seeks money damages or special performance. An attorney who specializes in civil litigation represents clients and parties in trial, hearings, arbitrations and mediations before administrative agencies and state and local courts.
One of the hallmarks of a civilized democracy is the willingness of the people to submit their disputes to a court of law. Civil disagreements are far ranging, from personal injury cases, to contract disputes, real estate issues, collection matters, insurance coverages, professional malpractice, consumer protection, and the list goes on. Northampton Law will vigorously pursue your claim to achieve a successful outcome. You can be sure that your matter will be personally handled and your questions and concerns promptly addressed, and you will be confident knowing that your legal representation will be of the highest quality in terms of professionalism and effectiveness.
Auto Accidents
If you are injured in an auto accident, your main focus needs to be on getting better. We have the necessary expertise to handle every aspect of your case, from evaluating available insurance coverages and getting your medical bills and lost wages paid, to making sure that, whether it’s an out-of-court settlement or a court judgment, you recover full compensation for your pain & suffering and other damages. There are times when “settlement” just isn’t possible because of the inability of both sides to reach an agreement. When that happens, and a lawsuit needs be filed, you can be confident that, with almost 30 years of trial experience, we won’t back down from going to trial and winning in court if that becomes necessary.
Criminal Defense/DUI/OUI
Being charged with, or even guilty of, a “crime” does not necessarily make one a “criminal”. We understand very well that good people can end up in bad situations. In this area of practice we will explore every potential defense, including illegal police conduct, lack of critical proof, or creative challenges to the law; but whether it means humanizing a responsible client and arguing passionately for the best possible disposition, or throwing flaming barrels of oil in the path of the prosecution at every stage of the criminal process, our representation will be of the highest quality, both personally and professionally. Our attorneys have earned the respect of judges, court personnel, and prosecutors and have achieved extraordinary success over the years defending criminal charges of all nature, including:
- motor vehicle offenses (including DUI/OUI or “operating under the influence of alcohol”);
- drug possession/distribution/trafficking;
- sex offenses/child pornography;
- property crimes (robbery/breaking & entering/larceny)
- theft/embezzlement
- crimes of violence (assault/battery/domestic violence)
- stalking/criminal harassment
- manslaughter/vehicular homicide
- probation violations
- restraining order violations
Finally, it is worth mentioning that we have special expertise dealing with veterans’ issues as they relate to criminal charges. If you are a veteran charged with a crime, and your lawyer hasn’t mentioned Massachusetts’ “Valor Act” (a new law which requires certain court procedures in criminal cases involving a veteran), you should definitely give us a call.
Firearms Licensing and Permits
There has been much litigation recently concerning the Second Amendment and the right to bear arms, and it promises to continue to be a “moving target” (pun intended!) in years to come. Massachusetts has comprehensive laws concerning firearms licensing which impact your rights considerably. Barring certain “disqualifications” (felony and OUI convictions, for example), the Chief of Police of the city/town of residence has considerable discretion in determining who is a “suitable person” to hold a license to carry (as opposed to a simple FID card for hunting or residential protection). There is an appeals process for anyone aggrieved by a denial, revocation or suspension. We have years of experience dealing with these issues and will protect your constitutional right to bear arms.
Landlord/Tenant
Massachusetts has one of the nation’s most “tenant friendly” legal landscapes concerning landlord-tenant issues. Whether you are a tenant facing eviction, discrimination, or an unresponsive landlord or a landlord seeking to evict a non-paying or disruptive tenant, having solid legal counsel can mean the difference between frustration and relief. Furthermore, if you are a new or existing landlord seeking to implement procedures which will insure compliance with Massachusetts law from a tenancy’s beginning to end, consulting with a trusted legal advisor at the outset will almost always be cost effective.
Personal Injury
Suffering an injury under unexpected circumstances and caused by the behavior of another is not only painful and disabling, but also disruptive and traumatizing. A combination of legal expertise and talented, knowledgeable staff will insure that you receive the personal attention that is required under such difficult circumstances. We handle auto accidents, slip/falls, dog bite, products liability, wrongful death and other negligence claims, as well as intentional injury cases involving police misconduct, assaults, and other matters caused by intentional misconduct as opposed to the failure to exercise due care. We will handle your claim from beginning to end – this means our representation begins with relieving you of the burden of completing forms and gathering records to get your medical bills paid, and continues through achieving the best possible settlement or going to trial and winning your case in court. Throughout the entire process, you will be supported by legal counsel who will protect your right to fair compensation at every stage, and repay your trust with hard work, vigorous advocacy, and a successful outcome. Needless to say, in most cases there is no fee unless we recover money for you!
RMV (Registry of Motor Vehicles) Appeals/Traffic Tickets
The RMV makes reference to the license or right to operate a motor vehicle as a “privilege”. If that is indeed so, it is certainly one of the most important “privileges” we enjoy as citizens, and one that is critical to our lives and livelihoods. These days, the laws are structured so that there are countless ways in which the RMV can suspend or revoke your “privilege” to drive (drug convictions, failure to pay child support, unpaid tickets, driving record, out-of-state convictions and court defaults are just a few examples). If you’ve been denied relief by a “hearing officer” at the RMV, that does not have to be the end of the process, as you have appeal rights which are important and can often result in success. Northampton Law will keep you on the road, or get you back on the road, so that your life is not constrained by a government agency that has a lot of discretionary power!
Finally, if you are found “responsible” and end up paying any ticket (“moving violation”) other than a parking fine, that too could impact both your driver’s license and your auto insurance rate(s). If you get a ticket, call us immediately so that we can explain the appeal procedure, as well as assess you’re chances of “beating the ticket” – if you choose to be represented, our capable attorneys will maximize your chances of keeping your driving record clean and avoiding expensive insurance surcharges.
Unemployment Compensation Appeals
Bob Dylan sang “the times they are a’ changin’” – that certainly holds true for the economic times in which we live today. A separation from employment has consequences for both employer and employee, for obvious reasons. If an employee is terminated as part of a layoff or other “no-fault” circumstances, he/she is entitled to unemployment compensation as long as certain conditions (length of employment, for example) are met. Often, however, the reasons for the separation are disputed and entitlement to unemployment compensation becomes a contested issue, and there is a lot at stake for parties. Northampton Law has delivered experienced representation for both employers and employees and, given our extensive experience in other areas of litigation, can insure that the facts supporting our client’s position are presented in a way that will maximize the chances of success. We also have the ability to counsel clients during the process of separation from employment, so that defining the circumstances after the fact does not become an exercise in recall and subjectivity.