Joseph F. Hennessey

PRO

Joseph F. Hennessey

4.7
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 18 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Worcester, MA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Violent Crime, DUI & DWI, Civil Rights

11 Foster Street, Suite 200, Worcester, MA

Virtual Consultation Available

Free Consultation

About Joseph

Biography

Criminal defense attorney with over 35 years experience in the criminal justice system.

Criminal defense attorney focused on police misconduct with over 35 years experience.

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 40%

40%
DUI and DWI 25%

25%
Violent Crime 25%

25%
Civil Rights 10%

10%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2018 2017

Licenses

Licensed in Massachusetts for 18 years

State: Massachusetts

Acquired: 2007

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of Joseph F. Hennessey

11 Foster Street, Suite 200, Worcester, MA, 01608

hennesseylaw.net/

Online Presence

Other places you can find Joseph online.

Joseph F. Hennessey's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.7 /5.0

24 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (24) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 11 - 15 of 24 reviews

Posted by anonymous | October 19, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

He's the guy you want on your team.

I was unaware of an open case in MA from over 10 years ago, so I had to hire a lawyer while living in another state. After interviewing a handful of lawyers--Mr. Hennessey was the most honest, he thoroughly asked me questions about the case to give me the best/worse case scenario and worked his best ...to have the case dismissed for me. Glad I found him and hired him. Thanks a million for working your magic, Mr. Hennessey!

Posted by Joel | September 12, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Life saver!

During the most stressful and trying time in my life, attorney Joe Hennessey couldn't have come into play at a better time. I was going through a major custody battle and dealing with two OUI's. One I was completely guilty of and the other, I was not even a part of. The first got dr...opped and the second I was completely gearing up for possibly facing the maximum penalty for first offense. Joe was able to take my guilty plea and completely get the verdict down to the least possible penalty I could've gotten. By him doing that, it came into clutch during my custody battle. It allowed me to run through the course of my punishment before my custody case. Without going into detail about my personal cases, Joe knew exactly how to speak to the judge, ask the proper questions to the police officer and also present my case to the court without my situation looking as bad as it was. The thing I believed that made everything seem so seamless was the fact that Joe was a police officer for many years as his previous career. During the times that we met to discuss my case, he knew the inns and outs from all angles and sides of the bench. Not only was he knowledgeable and trustworthy, he was a great guy to get to know and made my personal story feel as important to himself as it was to me. I know 100% that my life would not be the way it is right now if it wasn't for he. Upon our first conversation ever, I knew he would do right because he shared a personal story of himself and asked the right questions to make me feel comfortable. I honestly could not thank him enough and could not imagine working with another attorney every my life. Of course I hope I do not ever need to!

Posted by Jenn M. | August 25, 2017 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

A wolf in sheep's clothing

I have never met a lawyer so committed compassionate and just plain amazing at what they do. From my very first meeting till the day he got me a not guilty vertic in 6 mins on all my DUI charges he was a wolf. He answered ever single question stupid or not , every single text , and was honest with m...e the whole way. My dui case was not an easy one and he did not sugarcoat anything not how long it was going to take or what could happen to my license if I was to be found guilty. Most lawyers will tell you what you want to hear just to take your money then try to plea you out. Joe told me that he never please a case because no case is unbeatable and that's what he did with me and 6 minutes I was found not guilty I thank God I took my time and found him I would have lost everything my LPN license my driver's license and probably done time in jail if it wasn't for him whoever is looking for an amazing truthful lawyer search no further. Because you have just found a wolf in sheep's clothing who will tear the court up!!!

Posted by Charleyne | August 24, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Attorney Joseph F. Hennessey

Attorney Hennessey......Myself, my husband and my family would like to express our gratitude and appreciation for everything you have done for us over the last 10 months. Our stress levels have greatly increased during this time. Our misfortune has affected our immediate family, certain relationships..., jobs, and especially finances. We appreciate your knowledge, experience, organization, flexibility and attention to our case. You practiced immediate follow-through with every obstacle, motions that needed to be filed and attendance (by our sides) in the several times we needed to schedule additional hearings. There was never a phone call or email ignored or unanswered. The Verdict could have gone either way, however, a Not Guilty Verdict was found by the Jury. Everything worked out for us with the help and expertise of Attorney Hennessey. My husband and I would recommend him to anyone who needs skilled, professional and accomplished representation

Posted by Bella | August 18, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Family

Amazing defense lawyer

I acquired Attorney Joesph Hennessey on a few separate occasions to represent myself and/or a realitive of mine. He has helped me personally and has always been great about explaining exactly how he presumes the case will unfold. I personally feel like he always takes that extra step for his client a...nd to me that's just why he is always prepared and wins his cases! I highly recommend Attorney Hennessey, you most definitely will not be dissipointed; if he is standing by your side as your defense lawyer. Thank you Joe for everything. You will forever be my family lawyer!

See All Client Reviews

Joseph F. Hennessey's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Joseph
Jesse Bousquet Jr. headshot
Jesse Bousquet

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Attorney Hennessey is an experienced lawyer with excellent skills. He's a great advocate and is well respected in the legal community."

Ryan P. Donahue headshot
Ryan Donahue

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 11

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

Charles Spiro Pappas headshot
Charles Pappas

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I know Joe personally and have had the opportunity to observe him in Court. Joe is a very knowledgeable defense attorney, fights hard for his clients, and is well respected by both lawyers and judges."

Francisco Javier Fernandez headshot
Francisco Fernandez

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Great litigator, very prepared and respected!"

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | May 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Joseph. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Erin Jordan Harris headshot
Erin Harris

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Joe is a fantastic attorney who gets great results for his clients by using his extensive legal knowledge and his practical experience as a police officer to formulate an effective defense."

Melanie Soloman headshot
Melanie Soloman

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 10

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"I endorse this lawyer. I had the benefit of working for Attorney Joseph Hennessey as a research writer from 2010-2012. Attorney Hennessey taught me to how to research and draft briefs for clients pursuing an appeal of a criminal offense. Attorney Hennessey provided sound support and mentoring. I am proud to have had the opportunity to learn under his tutelage."

Vikas S. Dhar headshot
Vikas Dhar

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 31

Relationship: Supervised lawyer

"Joe is one of the hardest-working and dedicated lawyers I've ever known. When it comes to court, he is always prepared and is greatly respected by court staff and prosecutors. He knows the ins-and-outs of the system having been a former detective and puts those skills to work for his clients each and every day. I'm proud he is part of our team and highly recommend him."

Audrey Carr Murillo headshot
Audrey Murillo

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 31

Relationship: Co-worker

"Because of his vast experience and expertise, Attorney Hennessey is my go-to colleague whenever I have a question regarding criminal defense. I highly recommend him."

Fritz M. Pluviose headshot
Fritz Pluviose

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 31

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer."

Lamya A Forghany headshot
Lamya Forghany

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. We went to the Massachusetts School of Law, and received the best education!"

Nicholas Howie headshot
Nicholas Howie

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Wassem M. Amin headshot
Wassem Amin

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 09

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Joe is one of the most knowledgeable and skilled criminal defense attorneys I have had the pleasure of working with. His prior career in law enforcement gives him unique insight into matters which has often been instrumental in obtaining successful dispositions for his clients."

View All Endorsements
Jeffrey M. Miller headshot
Jeffrey Miller

Criminal defense lawyer

Jesse Bousquet Jr. headshot
Jesse Bousquet

Criminal defense lawyer

Myong J. Joun headshot
Myong Joun

Civil rights lawyer

Craig D. Mulcahey headshot
Craig Mulcahey

General practice lawyer

David R Yannetti headshot
David Yannetti

Criminal defense lawyer

John J. Balkus headshot
John Balkus

Family lawyer

Melanie Soloman headshot
Melanie Soloman

Criminal defense lawyer

Stacia Leigh Mayer headshot
Stacia Mayer

Slip and fall accident lawyer

Richard W. Kendall headshot
Richard Kendall

Criminal defense lawyer

John Keramaris headshot
John Keramaris

Landlord or tenant lawyer

Wassem M. Amin headshot
Wassem Amin

Business lawyer

Lamya A Forghany headshot
Lamya Forghany

Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer

Audrey Carr Murillo headshot
Audrey Murillo

Immigration lawyer

Erin Jordan Harris headshot
Erin Harris

Criminal defense lawyer

Fritz M. Pluviose headshot
Fritz Pluviose

Criminal defense lawyer

Dmitry Lev headshot
Dmitry Lev

Criminal defense lawyer

Nicholas Howie headshot
Nicholas Howie

Criminal defense lawyer

Irvin Rakhlin headshot
Irvin Rakhlin

Criminal defense lawyer

Vikas S. Dhar headshot
Vikas Dhar

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2024

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2017

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2016

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2015

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2014

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2014

Top 100 Defense Attorney, Boston Magazine

2014

Top 100, National Trial Lawyers Association

2013

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

Work Experience

2012 - Present

Attorney, Dhar Law LLP

2007 - Present

Attorney, Law Offices of Joseph Hennessey

2008 - 2010

Partner, Defilippis, Kaldis & Hennessey, LLP

2007 - 2008

Senior Global Investigator, Boston Scientific Corporation

Associations

2009 - Present

Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2008 - Present

Boston Bar Association

Member

2007 - Present

Massachusetts Bar Association

Member

Education

2007

Massachusetts School of Law at Andover

JD - Juris Doctor

2001

Western New England College

MS - Master of Science

1999

Western New England College

BS - Bachelor of Science

Speaking Engagements

2016

Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education

Crime Scene Techniques

2011

MCLE

MCLE OUI Defense

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution