Joe Serpa | Boston Criminal Lawyer
Joe Serpa
Boston's Criminal Defense Attorney.
Criminal, DUI-DWI, Felony, Misdemeanor, Traffic, Divorce, Family, Misdemeanor
- Law Office:Serpa Law Office
- Law School:Georgetown University Law Center, LL.M. 1995
- Status:In Good Standing
- Licensed:22 years
800-717-3381
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introduction
Lawyer.com Member Questionnaire
Please describe a case(s) in the last year or two where you made a big difference.
I have tried three serious felony cases in the last year and all have been of equal importance to me and to my clients. Each ended in acquittal.
Two were family-related sexual assault allegations. In one, the younger sister of my client’s ex-girlfriend accused him of sexually assaulting her repeatedly over several years. In the other, in the aftermath of a fractious divorce, my client’s wife accused him of raping her with force repeatedly. These men had no criminal histories, had new families and careers and stood to lose everything. At trial, thanks to thorough preparation and a private investigation of the accusations, we were able to demonstrate that the accusations had been fabricated and motivated by anger and vindictiveness.
The third acquittal was in a trial accused my client, a twenty-year old college student, of stabbing another man in the back during a fight outside a party. The other man was in critical condition and almost lost his life because of a punctured lung and excessive blood loss. My investigation uncovered an eyewitness who was able to testify that the victim was not stabled during the fight with my client, but seconds later by another man as he walked away from the fight. This witness contradicted many government witnesses who had fabricated an accusation against my client, perhaps under pressure from the government. My client was acquitted of the near-fatal stabbing and found guilty of having had the fight with the man.
How did you build a successful practice?
I think the success of my practice comes from deep empathy for my clients and the drive to appear in court completely prepared in order to give them the best representation possible, whether in a criminal case, a family case or a civil case. There is simply no substitute for preparation in effective advocacy. Also, that empathy translates to my being accessible to my clients whenever they have questions. Clients deserve a lawyer who is a available to them and makes them feel comfortable to reach out and ask questions or express concerns.
What should clients look for in a lawyer?
The three most important traits for a lawyer are preparation, smarts and sympathy for your client.
How important is local knowledge to the success of your cases?
Local knowledge is important in a couple of ways. Familiarity with the court and the people who work there makes the case run smoother and the client more comfortable in what is otherwise an incredibly stressful atmosphere for litigants. When it comes to trying cases, knowing the courtroom and the players makes an attorney more relaxed and confident in front of the jury, and better able to focus on the job.
What information can you provide in a free phone consultation?
I will answer almost amy question a potential client asks in a free phone consultation, and have often directed clients to save their money and handle a matter alone if it is sufficiently simple and non-serious, such a first-offense motor vehicle infraction (driving on a suspended license, for example).
What information do you need in a free phone consultation?
What information I need in a phone consultation depends on the issue the client is calling about, but the client should be prepared to answer my questions about the history of the dispute.
What differentiates you from other lawyers in your community?
I think it is difficult to find a lawyer who is trilingual (Spanish, Portuguese and English) who excels in court regardless of the identity of his client. I think I am a naturally talented litigator with a gift for effectively and passionately communicating my clients’ decency and humanity to juries and judges in writing and verbally.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
There is nothing more rewarding that watching the months and years of the stress of living under a criminal accusation float off of my client’s shoulders as a jury reads the words, “not guilty.” You can almost see the chains of years of terror and uncertainty melt away.
What are your other interests in addition to law?
I am a father of two incredible kids. My first love is my wife and kids and watching use grow as a family. I also love reading literature (I’m still a sucker for the classics) and watching international soccer. I used to be a politics junkie, but the divisiveness in politics recently has turned me off.
Are you involved in your community?
I do local volunteer work for institutions assisting the poor, but I do not advertise the work.
Experience
Position | Organization | Location | Duration |
---|---|---|---|
Owner | Serpa Law Office | Boston, MA | June 1998 to present |
Attorney | Regan Associates, Chtd. | Boston, MA | 2004 – 2013 |
Owner | Law Office of Joe Serpa | Boston, MA | 1998 – 2004 |
Attorney | Legal Aid Society | 1996 – 1998 |
Education
School | Degree | Major | Graduation |
---|---|---|---|
Georgetown University Law Center | LL.M. | Law School | 1995 |
Georgetown University Law Center | LL.M. | Criminal and Constitutional Litigation | 1995 |
University of Massachusetts, Amherst | Bachelor of Arts | English & Journalism | 1990 |
Admission
State / Court | Date |
---|---|
Massachusetts | 1995 |
Associations
- National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Massachusetts Bar Association
Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Boston Bar Association
Honors & Awards
- Cum Laude Graduate
Trial Attorney with a 90 Percent Rate of Acquittals
Cases
Attorney Joe Serpa has deep experience and attentive representation with a winning record.
Publications
- Suffolk University Law Review; Editor, Technical.
Office Hours
Sun. | Mon. | Tue. | Wed. | Thu. | Fri. | Sat. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
9:00 am - 3:00 pm | 8:00 am - 7:00 pm | 8:00 am - 7:00 pm | 8:00 am - 7:00 pm | 8:00 am - 7:00 pm | 8:00 am - 7:00 pm | 9:00 am - 3:00 pm |
Verified Credentials
Joe Serpa has been a Premium Member since March 19, 2015.
Lawyers with longer memberships tend to have more experience so we use the Membership date to help prioritize lawyer listings on search pages.
Verified Credentials | Date Verified |
---|---|
(1995) Licensed as Attorney in Massachusetts. Verified with The Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers. | March 19, 2015 |
Above credentials have been verified independently by Lawyer.com.
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Learn More
Legal Articles
Should I Take the Breathalyzer or Breath Test in Massachusetts? (2015-04-29 19:18:21)
Breathalyzer consequences in Massachusetts.
What is Statutory Rape or the Age of Consent in Massachusetts? What if I am Falsely Accused of Rape or a Sex Crime? (2015-04-29 19:20:09)
Overview of sex offenses in Massachusetts
What is the Difference Between a Felony and a Misdemeanor in Massachusetts? (2015-04-29 19:23:02)
How to identify whether your case involves a felony or a misdemeanor in Massachusetts.
Clerk's Hearings or Clerk Magistrates Hearings in the Massachusetts District Court (2015-04-29 19:26:01)
What to Expect When Your Receive a Notice to Appear at a Clerk's Hearing in Massachusetts.
OPERATING UNDER THE INFLUENCE/DRIVING WHILE UNDER THE INFLUENCE- OUI/DUI/DWI (2015-04-29 19:28:15)
Basic Overview of Drunk Driving Laws in Massachusetts
Peer Endordements
Additional Info
Spanish, Portuguese and English speaking attorney.
Fee: Call for initial consultation, 617-948-2100.
Service Type: Private
Language: English, Spanish, Portuguese
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20 Park Plaza
Suite 400
Boston, MA 02116