Boston North Shore Civil and Criminal Defense Attorney
I offer strong representation in a variety of legal areas, and work with a wide-cross section of clients throughout Boston, including members of the Boston Bruins and New York Yankees sports teams. More often, however, I represent average people, just like you.
I am attorney Judith A. Wayne and I have been helping clients with their complex legal needs for more than 30 years. Contact me today to schedule an appointment to discuss your pressing concerns.
Extensive Experience
I started my own law firm in 1981, at a time when women attorneys were not typically thought of as aggressive defense attorneys. Since that time, my practice has grown considerably and I have enjoyed great success on behalf of my clients. I take great pride in providing dedicated and thorough advocacy in the following legal areas:
Family law
- Divorce: If you are considering divorce, you should not take any steps until you have consulted with a competent lawyer. I have a strong background helping clients resolve divorce disputes through mediation.
- Child custody and visitation: Historically, courts in Massachusetts awarded primary physical child custody to the mother. This is changing, however, as more and more fathers seek joint or sole physical custody of children.
- Child support: The state has child support guidelines based on income and number of children, but many people do not fit the guidelines.
- Property division / high net-worth asset division: In Massachusetts, all marital property, including real estate, 401(k)s and savings accounts, will be divided equitably. Equitable distribution, however, does not necessarily mean a 50-50 split.
- Alimony: Alimony is often awarded in a long-term marriage if one spouse has substantially more assets than the other spouse or if one spouse needs temporary support in order to increase their earning potential.
- Prenuptial agreements: Whether entering into a marriage or deciding to live together, couples are signing agreements that create a property settlement agreement without the need for litigation should their relationship end.
Criminal defense– Whether you have been charged with a felony or misdemeanor, I offer free initial consultations to discuss your legal options. You should never plead guilty or say anything to the police before you have had the chance to consult with legal counsel.
- OUI/DWI/DUI defense: The police cannot pull you over unless they have a valid reason for the stop. Before you make a decision whether to submit to field sobriety tests, Breathalyzer tests or answer any questions, you should strongly consider retaining the services of an experienced attorney.
- Domestic violence: Charges of domestic violence often have more to do with abuse of the legal system than abuse of another person. By accusing a spouse of domestic violence on a Friday night, a vengeful person can ensure that his or her spouse will spend the weekend in jail, even if no actual abuse occurred.
- Assault and battery: Contrary to popular belief, someone could be charged with an assault even if no actual physical harm occurred. This is a rather complex area of the law filled with many gray areas. I have extensive experience challenging the prosecutors' evidence and ensuring that my clients' rights are fully protected.
- Drug charges: As your lawyer in any drug case, I will hold the police accountable to make sure you are not convicted based on drug evidence that was improperly obtained.
- Sex crimes: Short of murder, few crimes carry more severe consequences in Massachusetts than sex crimes. Representation from an experienced attorney is critical.
Personal injury – From minor fender-benders to serious truck accidents, I help people recover the compensation they need to cover all their losses, now and in the future.
Basic estate planning– I help clients create estate plans designed to give them peace of mind that their wishes will be carried out upon their death. I can create simple wills, durable powers of attorney and health care proxies.
Contact Me for Experience Representation
To discuss your case with an experienced lawyer, contact me, attorney Judith A. Wayne, at my law offices in Lynn or Malden. Je parle Francais. Se habla español.
