We Get You Safely Through the Storm.
When you call or use the chat on our website, a real person responds — not an AI bot — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
You're not a bad person. We represent people just like you.
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Ernest Stone has defended people accused of crimes in Massachusetts since 1996 — more than 30 years, every one of them on the defense side. He has never been a prosecutor. From our office in Beverly, we represent people in the District and Superior Courts of Essex County, Middlesex County, and Boston, in cases from a first OUI to homicide. When you call or use the chat on our website, a real person responds — not an AI bot — any hour of the day or night, and your first consultation with us is free.
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The highest quality courtroom representation developed over 30 years of criminal defense experience
Exceptional personal support and communication
The resources and network to bring a team of top quality professionals for all of the people we represent
"Navigating the legal system was terrifying. I'm glad a coworker recommended Attorney Stone... In court Mr. Stone was nothing short of amazing . . . a relentless litigator that got my charges dropped . . . I would definitely recommend his services."
- A.S.
We have won acquittals or obtained reduced charges or sentences in many types of cases, including:
We see the current legal matter in the context of our clients’ lives, needs, and experiences and their goals for the future.
Comprehensive criminal defense brings an extended and vetted network of top-shelf professionals into the case, facilitating a richer and more personalized defense strategy.
We provide for our clients not just legal defense but emotional and other support through the case, and often beyond. We love to see our clients make lasting, positive changes in their lives.
"If you're looking for someone that cares about you as a person and your life — and not just about your case — Ernie's your man."
- Matt
"He made me feel confident that I was with the right person. He really gave us enough information to be able to relax and know that we were in good hands." - Arlene
We represent good people who have had a really bad day. We view each client not as a set of legal problems, but as a whole individual living a unique and valued life.
In addition to providing the highest quality legal defense, we focus on addressing the underlying issues that may have contributed to your legal situation—because we believe in second chances and lasting positive change.
He was more than just my lawyer. He was my guardian angel during a very scary and desperate time in my life. He walked with me every step of the way and looked out for my best interest at every twist and turn. .. I will be indebted to him forever. I knew I was in safe hands even though my matter kept me in constant fear. He gave me the courage to keep pushing forward and spent countless hours cheerleading me through an unspeakable experience.
-Diane
He was extremely knowledgeable and knew his way around the Diversion Program and the Court. He gave us all the information and potential results upfront. He explained the entire process to us from start to finish and he mapped out a plan of action that resulted in a favorable outcome for my child. I would recommend Attorney Stone 100 percent. Thanks to him my child has no criminal record.
-Lisa
I knew the moment I spoke to Ernie on the phone he was the real deal. He made us feel at ease during a very stressful time and fought for us. We won our case because of his perseverance and professionalism. He’s just a really good person who’s in your corner fighting for you. Thanks Ernie you’re the best!!!!
-Cheryl
They helped our family navigate a very delicate and complicated legal situation. We couldn't be more pleased with the outcome. And Ernie's down-to-earth demeanor helped us feel like we were being listened to and never being talked down to. I would highly recommend Ernie, as I am certain he would do his absolute best to achieve a best-case-scenario outcome for every single one of his clients.
-R.H.
I would recommend them to anyone. From the first call I knew this was the right choice. Ernie kept my best interests in mind when representing me with results better than expected! I can’t thank them enough. Special shout-out to Joanne who is truly the nicest person. Their whole vibe was homely like family. Much love and appreciation to this group... even the 4 legged nugget running around their office.
-A.R.
Before working with Ernie I was very unaware of how my future would be and felt alone in my case; that all changed once I had Ernie Stone as my lawyer. Very professional, very reassuring, very caring and helpful with any questions you may have. I can definitely say that there was always a smile on their faces and made me feel welcomed and well taken care of. I had no doubt in mind that I was in good hands and that I was going to be alright.
-R.J.
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1. We will listen to your story. We will ask questions. We will want to know all about you.
2. We will listen to your questions, and give you answers. We will tell you what we think based on what we know at that time, and we will tell you what we want to find out more about.
3. We will advise you of options and strategies for how to move forward as we learn more about your case, and about you.
We work on flat fees, so you will know the full cost before you decide. Payment plans and financing are available. See our payment plans and financing options.
Most criminal cases in Massachusetts begin in the District Court for the town where the charge arose. The most serious felonies are indicted in Superior Court. We appear in all of these courts regularly. Find the court for your town below, and read about what to expect there.
Salem District Court — Beverly, Danvers, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Middleton, and Salem
Lynn District Court — Lynn, Marblehead, Nahant, Saugus, and Swampscott
Peabody District Court — Lynnfield and Peabody
Lawrence District Court — Andover, Lawrence, Methuen, and North Andover
Haverhill District Court — Boxford, Bradford, Georgetown, Groveland, and Haverhill
Newburyport District Court — Amesbury, Merrimac, Newbury, Newburyport, Rowley, Salisbury, and West Newbury
Gloucester District Court — Essex, Gloucester, and Rockport
Ipswich District Court (sits in Newburyport) — Hamilton, Ipswich, Topsfield, and Wenham
Essex County Superior Court in Salem — serious felony cases from every city and town in Essex County
Woburn District Court — Burlington, North Reading, Reading, Stoneham, Wilmington, Winchester, and Woburn
Malden District Court (sits in Medford) — Everett, Malden, Melrose, and Wakefield
Somerville District Court — Medford and Somerville
Cambridge District Court (sits in Medford) — Arlington, Belmont, and Cambridge
Waltham District Court — Waltham, Watertown, and Weston
Concord District Court — Acton, Bedford, Carlisle, Concord, Lexington, Lincoln, Maynard, and Stow
Lowell District Court — Billerica, Chelmsford, Dracut, Lowell, Tewksbury, and Tyngsboro
Boston and Suffolk County — the Boston Municipal Court divisions and Suffolk Superior Court
You are not legally required to have one, but you should. The arraignment is where bail is set and release conditions are decided. Those decisions happen fast, and without an attorney present to argue for you, the judge hears only one side. A lawyer can argue for your release on personal recognizance — meaning no bail — and can fight against conditions that would disrupt your work, your family, or your life while the case is pending.
Beyond bail, the arraignment is also your first opportunity to begin influencing how the prosecutor and judge see your case. The impression made at that first appearance matters, and an experienced attorney knows how to use it.
Three things. First, do not talk to anyone about what happened — not friends, not family, not on social media. Anything you say can be used against you, and people you trust can be called as witnesses.
Second, write down everything you remember about what happened while it is still fresh — where you were, what was said, who was there, the sequence of events. Keep that document private and give it only to your attorney.
Third, call a criminal defense attorney before your court date. It does not matter how minor you think the charge is or how certain you are about what happened. The earlier you have counsel, the more options you have. Call us at 978-969-2890. We answer 24/7.
Contact our team today for a free consultation. We are available 24/7.
