- State court Suffolk County Superior Court (felonies) / Boston Municipal Court (misdemeanours)
- Federal court US District Court for the district covering Boston — higher conviction rates, longer sentences than state court
- Rates $300–$550/hr
- Key fact Massachusetts has strict mandatory minimum firearm sentences that leave little room for negotiation — early experienced counsel is essential
- Local tip Boston's large academic and medical sector means university pension plans, medical practice ownership interests, and academic tenure packages are commonly contested assets
- Verify massbar.org (Massachusetts Bar Association) before retaining anyone
Federal prosecution priorities have shifted significantly under the Trump administration in 2026. Immigration-related charges, drug offences, and financial crimes are seeing increased federal attention in cities including Boston.
Federal cases are categorically different from state prosecution — the DOJ has substantially greater resources, and 2026 has seen expanded use of federal charges in areas previously handled at the state level. If you have received a target letter or believe you are under federal investigation, this requires immediate specialist attention separate from any state matter you may be dealing with.
Full Price Breakdown
| Level | Price Range | What This Gets You |
|---|---|---|
| Uncontested / Simple | $2,150 | Both parties agree on all terms — flat fee arrangement |
| Contested (standard) | $9,200 | Disputed issues, hourly billing, licensed attorney |
| Complex / High-conflict | $27,000 | Multiple disputes, lengthy proceedings, senior counsel |
| Per case | Hourly: $250–$650/hr avg | Initial retainer typically $3,000–$8,000 — not total cost |
📍 Boston vs national average: Boston Criminal Defense costs ($9,200) are close to the $8,500 national average. COL index 108 — national baseline is 100. Data sourced from BLS Regional Price Parities and updated quarterly.