Hingham Criminal Defense Attorney

Arrested in Hingham? Don’t Face Charges Alone

The Hingham District Court is located at 28 George Washington Boulevard in Hingham, MA. This court is where all cases that originate from Hanover, Hull, Hingham, Norwell, Rockland, and Scituate are handled. All cases in the Hingham District Court are prosecuted by the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office, and while there are usually only two courtrooms open each day, the court handles cases during all stages, from arraignments through trial.

Attorneys James G. DeGiacomo and Sergey Mikhlin have handled many different types of cases out of the Hingham District Court and were prosecutors there prior to entering private practice. For more information, see below.

An experienced Hingham criminal defense attorney is ready to protect your rights and fight for your future. Call now at (617) 941-3666 or contact us online to schedule your free legal consultation—your defense starts today.

Common Criminal Charges We Handle in Hingham

Hingham Criminal Defense Attorneys James G. DeGiacomo and Sergey Mikhlin have handled hundreds of cases out of the Hingham District Court. Here are some of the most common charges that are seen:

1. DUI: Also known as OUI, DUI charges are common, especially in the surrounding Hingham area due to the complete lack of public transportation except for the commuter rail. Being charged with a DUI can result in significant license suspensions, large fines, and even jail time. If you have been charged with a DUI, call our Hingham DUI attorney right away for a free case evaluation and consultation.
2. Leaving The Scene: Leaving the scene of property damage or personal injury cases is becoming more common in the Hingham area. While sometimes these charges result from a mistake on the part of the accused, DeGiacomo & Mikhlin, P.C. have also handled numerous cases where their clients had done nothing wrong but found themselves charged anyway. If you are accused of leaving the scene of either property damage or personal injury, it is important to call an experienced Hingham Criminal Defense Attorney.
3. Assault & Battery: Assault and battery cases vary significantly in complexity. Often, important evidence can be lost if you do not have an experienced attorney fighting by your side. If you have been charged with assault and battery, call DeGiacomo & Mikhlin, P.C. right away for a free consultation.

In addition to these charges, other common offenses in Hingham include drug-related offenses, theft, and domestic violence allegations. Each charge requires a specific understanding of Massachusetts law and how it applies to the facts at hand. The attorneys at DeGiacomo & Mikhlin, P.C. are known for their strategic defense planning and ability to handle complex legal challenges effectively.

Your Rights in a Criminal Case

Understanding your rights is vital if you've been accused of a crime. From the moment of arrest, the law affords you protections—but exercising those rights without guidance can be difficult.

You have the right to:

• Remain Silent: Anything you say can and will be used against you.
• Refuse Consent to a Search: Unless law enforcement has a warrant or valid exception, you don’t have to allow a search of your home, car, or phone.
• Legal Counsel: You have the right to an attorney at every stage of the process.

A Hingham criminal defense attorney can advise you on when to speak, what to share, and how to protect yourself from self-incrimination. Without proper legal advice, you may unknowingly waive rights that are critical to your defense.

How Criminal Charges Progress in Massachusetts

Criminal cases follow a structured path through the Massachusetts court system. Knowing the stages can help you understand where your case stands and what to expect next.

Typical Timeline of a Criminal Case:

1. Arraignment: The first court appearance where charges are formally read.
2. Pre-Trial Hearings: Motions, discovery, and negotiations occur here.
3. Plea Bargaining: The prosecution may offer a deal—your attorney will evaluate its fairness.
4. Trial: If no agreement is reached, the case goes to trial before a judge or jury.
5. Sentencing: If found guilty or a plea is entered, sentencing is imposed.

At each stage, we evaluate the strength of the prosecution’s case, seek procedural flaws, and fight for dismissal, acquittal, or the best possible resolution.

Felony vs. Misdemeanor Charges

Understanding the difference between felony and misdemeanor charges in Massachusetts is key to grasping the stakes in your case.

Misdemeanors:

• Punishable by up to 2.5 years in a House of Correction
• Often include charges like OUI, shoplifting, or disorderly conduct
• May still carry collateral consequences, such as license suspension or job loss

Felonies:

• Can result in state prison time exceeding 2.5 years
• Include crimes such as armed robbery, aggravated assault, and drug trafficking
• Often involve mandatory minimums and more complex legal proceedings

A criminal conviction can have lasting consequences that extend far beyond jail time. Even if incarceration is avoided, the damage to your reputation, career, and civil rights can be profound and, in some cases, permanent. Individuals may face job loss or disqualification from future employment, denial of professional licenses, immigration issues for non-citizens, ineligibility for public housing, and the loss of gun rights or voting privileges for certain felonies. 

A Hingham criminal defense attorney focuses not only on avoiding a conviction but also on minimizing these long-term impacts. In some situations, it may be possible to pursue expungement or sealing of your record to help you move forward with a clean slate.

What to Do If You’re Charged in Hingham

If you’re arrested or learn you’re under investigation, your actions matter. Taking the right steps early can significantly impact your case outcome.

Key Steps to Protect Yourself:

1. Do Not Talk to Police Without a Lawyer
2. Avoid Posting on Social Media About the Incident
3. Document Everything You Remember About the Arrest
4. Contact a Hingham Criminal Defense Attorney Immediately

Trying to talk your way out of an arrest usually backfires. Let your attorney do the talking, the negotiating, and the fighting—your future may depend on it.

Contact James G. DeGiacomo and Sergey Mikhlin for Free Consultations

James G. DeGiacomo and Sergey Mikhlin are experienced Hingham Criminal Defense Attorneys who have successfully handled hundreds of clients in the Hingham District Court. 

If you have been accused of a crime in the Hingham area, contact DeGiacomo & Mikhlin, P.C. right away. They are available 24/7 at (617) 941-3666 for free consultations.