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Plea Agreements in Massachusetts That are not Criminal Convictions

In a Massachusetts criminal case, there are many different ways to potentially resolve your case. Some of the ways to resolve a case include dismissal, pretrial probation, a CWOF or a suspended sentence.

  • Dismissal of Massachusetts criminal charge

If you face charges that are not particularly serious, and have little or no record, there is a possibility your case could get the case dismissed on the payment of court costs, or some condition such as community service. A dismissal is one of the best ways to resolve a case without going to trial. When a case is dismissed, the district attorney is essentially agreeing either that the case is not particularly serious or that the case is not likely to be proven at trial.

  • Pretrial Probation

Another type of disposition is called pre trial probation. With this disposition the Commonwealth agrees to continue the case for a period of time typically six months or one year and if during that period you incur no further criminal charges and abide by any of the conditions of pre trial probation, the case will then be dismissed. A disposition of pretrial probation is not often offered by a district attorney and many district attorneys are not authorized to place a defendant on pre trial probation. However it is still used though on a limited basis. Like a dismissal a pretrial probation will typically be offered for a defendant with little or no record and with a case that is not serious in the scope of things in the court.

  • Resolving Massachusetts criminal charge with a CWOF

A disposition of a continuance without a finding, also known as a CWOF, is a very common way that cases are resolved in the district court. The important thing to understand about a continuance without a finding is that you are actually admitting to the criminal charges when you accept a continuance without a finding. Though a continuance without a finding is technically not a conviction, you still are admitting that the government could prove the case against you beyond a reasonable doubt.

To read more about the disposition of a CWOF, you can click here to read about Understanding the implications of a CWOF in Massachusetts.

The three best ways to avoid a criminal conviction in Massachusetts are as follows:

  1. Attempt to have the case resolved at a clerk Magistrate Hearing
  2. Negotiate a dismissal with the district attorney
  3. Convince the district attorney to allow you to be placed on pretrial probation.

If you have any questions about your Boston criminal charge, whether it is OUI , domestic assault and battery or a drug offense, you can call Attorney DelSignore at 781-686-5924 to discuss your case and how you can best prepare a defense to the charge.


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Michael was very professional and explained the process clearly and told us to be patient. After one year the charges got dismissed in the trial. Excellent knowledge of the court systems in the area of Boston. Would highly recommend him Ashwani
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A careless decision on my part left me facing charges which would have severely hampered my ability to stay employed and support myself. But attorney DelSignore's skillful analysis and challenging of the evidence against me resulted in a conviction on a lesser charge. Now I'll be able to go on with my life, having learned a lesson I'll never forget. Thank you, Michael. Scott
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Mike stuck with my case for 3.5 years and always kept me informed regarding the status. Ultimately, because of his due diligence, we ended up with an OUI not guilty verdict. This case could have gone many ways but his thorough review of the case and exceptional preparedness for trial ultimately drove a positive outcome. Thank you Mike! David
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Michael DelSignore did an amazing job with my case! He was always available to answer any questions I had and helped walked me through the entire process. I could not have done it without them! I highly recommend choosing this law firm to deal with your legal needs, you will not be dissatisfied. Ashley
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I cannot express the gratitude towards Michael for his amazing work and help. It was a very stressful event and they certainly put me at as much ease as possible. From start to finish it took 14 months and all the way through they were both very engaged with me. Today was worth the wait, Michael was great in court and I was rightfully found not guilty. I would recommend Michael over and over again. Claire
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