Criminal Law

The Criminal Justice System is a complex machine that requires in-depth knowledge and experience properly navigate the system. At the Law Office of Stephen M. Dodd we posses the legal skills and experience to properly guide you through this system from Arrest to Arraignment to Jury Trial.

  • If you are arrested, excise you right to remain silent. Exercise your right to legal counsel. Tell the police that you do not want to answer any questions without your lawyer present. DO NOT make any statements while in custody, to others in custody or in the presence of the police. Do not try to explain your side to the police, do not try to negotiate with the police.
  • When a person is charged with a crime, this is what is called a formal accusation. These accusations are made by prosecutors or police. This is what initiates the legal process. If you are arrested or receive a summons, the first thing you should do is contact the Law Office of Stephen M. Dodd we will help to navigate you through the process and protect your rights
  • At the Law Office of Stephen M. Dodd, we handle all types of criminal cases:
  • OUI Liquor
  • OUI Drugs
  • Drug Possession
  • Assault and Battery
  • Breaking and Entering
  • All Motor Vehicle Offenses

Restraining Orders

Restraining Orders hit hard and fast. Whether you are seeking an order or served with a 209A Abuse Prevention Order or a 258E Harassment Prevention Order you should seek legal counsel from The Law Office of Stephen M. Dodd. We will work with you to prepare your testimony and/or defenses. The Law Office of Stephen M. Dodd has handled hundreds of 209A’s and 258E’s over the years. These are complex issues and although issued as a Civil Order, there are entered on your record and can rear their ugly head at the most inappropriate time. Even though these are be civil orders a violation of a 209A or 258E can result in arrest and criminal prosecution.

Domestic Relations, Divorce and child custody

Divorce is not a simple process. Divorce can have far reaching implications that can literally affect future generations. If you have decided it is time to end your marriage, you should call the Law Office of Stephen M. Dodd for FREE CONSULTATION. We can guide you through the maze of filing for divorce, child custody, parenting time, child support, DCF Involvement, alimony, motion hearings, removal from the home, division of assets, division of pension and retirement assets and divorce modifications. We will be with you every step of the way. When you select a law firm, you should make sure that the Law Firm you hire has sufficient experience in not only domestic relations law and divorce but a firm who is familiar with the court, clerks and judges in the court you will be appearing in.

Attorney Stephen Dodd successfully represented the wife in the landmark Massachusetts alimony case Openshaw v. Openshaw, litigated in the Probate and Family Court and later affirmed by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court. In the trial court, Attorney Dodd advanced the argument that a couple’s established practice of saving during the marriage should be treated as part of the marital lifestyle when determining alimony. The Supreme Judicial Court agreed, holding that regular savings may be considered when evaluating a recipient spouse’s financial need under Massachusetts alimony law. The decision established an important precedent ensuring that financially prudent couples are not disadvantaged in divorce simply because they chose to save rather than spend during the marriage.

Special Education Law

We send our children to school with the best of intentions. We expect our children to receive a quality education. Many children are found to have Special Educational needs. Children with Special Needs are usually are given and Individual Education Plan (IEP). Many parents simply accept the IEP and expect that the school is going to do the very best for their child. Unfortunately, sometimes schools fall short of this objective and it will be your child who will pay the price if he/she does not receive the services they need and are legally entitled to.

When your child starts school and you receive your child’s IEP. What do you do If your child’s IEP is not being followed or is not properly written and your child continues to fall behind? Most parents meet with the school and face may professionals on the other side of the table. This could be the Special Education Director, the Special Education Teacher, The Principal, the School Psychologist, all who want to convince you that your child is getting all the services they need. But why is your child still falling behind? You need the Law office of Stephen M. Dodd to represent you in this process.

The Law Office of Stephen M. Dodd has extensive experience with Special Education Law and works with other Special Education Professionals who will review your child’s IEP, review the services your child is receiving and accompany you as your child’s legal representative at any school meeting or subsequent hearing.

When it comes to your child’s education, you need a fierce advocate. One who will stand up to the group on the other side of the table and fight for all of the services your child needs and is legally entitled to. Stephen M. Dodd, Jr. is that fierce advocate. Call the Law Office of Stephen M. Dodd for a free consultation regarding your child’s educational needs.

Corporate Collections

If you have a small business then you know how frustrating it can be to have completed the work for the client and not get paid for your services. Trying to collect for services can be very frustrating when former customers avoid or evade your calls to collect for services you have already completed. Do you really have the time to spend chasing clients to get paid for services you have already performed.

At The Law Office of Stephen M. Dodd, we have the experience and the resources to take on your collection cases. Collection cases are handled on a contingency basis, that is we take a percentage of the amount obtained through, negotiations, settlement or judgment. THERE ARE NO LEGAL FEESUNLESS WE ARE SUCCESSFUL.

Call The Law Office of Stephen M. Dodd, Jr. for a free consultation

Petition for Partition of Real estate

People start out with good intentions when ageing to purchase real estate. Whether this is investment property, property purchased with intent to marry or just 2 people living together in their own home, how do you go about selling and getting your equity when the other party does not want to sell and cannot buy out your share of the equity.

If you purchase a home with another party (not your spouse) and things go bad, how would you get the home sold and receive the equity you deserve. Call The Law Office of Stephen M. Dodd we can get you through this process and get you your fair share of the equity in the home as quickly as possible.

Personal injury

Whether you have been injured as a result of: an automobile accident, slip and fall, product liability, dog bite, work injury or medical malpractice, you should immediately contact a qualified attorney.Do no not try to negotiate with the insurance company directly.Insurance companies will try to get you to make admissions that will undermine your case.You need a competent and experienced attorney to handle these negotiations.The Law Office of Stephen M.Dodd has been handling these types of cases for 3 decades.We work with other experienced lawyers who are very seasoned and have settled million-dollar cases.If you are contacted by an insurance company after you are injured, do not answer any questions (not even, how are you feeling?).Call the Law Office of Stephen M. Dodd for a free consultation