Michael H. Erlich

PRO

Michael H. Erlich

4.9
Rating: 9.9

Licensed for 33 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Worcester, MA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI, Domestic Violence ... +2 more

47 Harvard Street, Worcester, MA

Virtual Consultation Available

Free Consultation

About Michael

Biography

If you're thinking about hiring a lawyer, please take a moment and read my dad's client reviews.

If you're thinking about hiring a lawyer, please take a moment and read my dad's client reviews.

If you're thinking about hiring a lawyer, please take a moment and read my dad's client reviews.

If you're thinking about hiring a lawyer, please take a moment and read my dad's client reviews.

If you're thinking about hiring a lawyer, please take a moment and read my dad's client reviews.

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 30%

I devote all of my practice to those charged with crimes ranging from shoplifting to sexual assaults. I have significant experience in District, Superior & Juvenile Courts and was named Massachusetts Lawyer of the Year for a breakthrough Racial Profiling case invovling the Mass State Police. There are many lawyers out there that dabble in criminal defense. Whether you chose to have me represent you, please look for someone who devotes the majority of their practice to criminal defense.

35 years | 5,000 cases

30%
DUI and DWI 30%

I represent numerous OUI clients as you can see from my client reviews. Please read a few of them as a few of the most recent reviews deal with OUI's that I tried to jury verdicts in 4 different courts and two county's obtaining NOT GUILTY verdicts.You don't want a divorce lawyer in front of a jury for your OUI/DWI.

34 years | 1,000 cases

30%
Domestic Violence 20%

Not only do I defend domestic Assault & Battery and any other crimes involving violence to property but I will appear on your behalf for restraining orders whether your a defendant or a plaintiff.

35 years | 400 cases

20%
Violent Crime 15%

I have tried over the last 3 years 2 separate cases involving rape to jury verdicts in Superior Court. I have significant experience in Superior Court and defend probation violations as well. If you also have been arrested for weapons charges or have had your license to carry revoked by the Chief of Police in your town, I can help with that process.

31 years | 350 cases

15%
Speeding and Traffic Ticket 5%

5%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 45 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2022 2021 2020
...
+ 9
Top Contributor
Top Contributor
2013 2012

Licenses

Licensed in Massachusetts for 33 years

State: Massachusetts

Acquired: 1992

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Criminal Defense Worcester, PC

47 Harvard Street, Worcester, MA, 01609

criminaldefenseworcester.com

Online Presence

Other places you can find Michael online.

Michael H. Erlich's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

349 Client Reviews

Showing 46 - 50 of 61 reviews | Communication Style

Posted by Keith | February 04, 2014

OUI/BnE/leaving scene of property damage

Mark was very clear and concise when talking about the details of my case. He also made me feel very comfortable and relieved to know he was working for me. He was very good at answering his phone and came through on all his promises. I would recommend him to anyone.

Posted by anonymous | January 14, 2014 | DUI & DWI

Professional, courteous and Well Respected

My decision to hire Michael was almost immediate. I interviewed three other attorneys before meeting with him and made my decision after 30 minutes of conversation. He responded to my call personally and immediately. He is a straight shooter and knows the system well. The three prior attorneys I i...nterviewed were looking to book a trial out six months which wouldn't have worked for me. At the arraignment my pre- trial conference was scheduled for January 2014. I retained Michael and within 15 minutes he called me back and changed my pre trial date to December 2013 and my trial went forward in January 2014 with a Not Guilty verdict. So from the date of the offense to the date of the trial it was not even two months and I got my license back with no restrictions. Not to mention I refused the chemical test which is an automatic suspension of license for 180 days. This speaks volumes to me and confirms that Michael is well respected and knows how to get things done. This was my first offense and my life changed drastically for those two months I can't imagine waiting six months. Michael is a fair and honest man and I appreciate all the effort he put forth on my behalf. So I thank him and highly recommend him to anyone experiencing the same type of situation. One thing to remember even though you are found not guilty the process is not over. I still had to appear before a Hearing Officer at the Registry and in order to reinstate my license I had to pay $500.00 because I refused the chemical test. Michael does not handle that portion of the process. I was impressed with the obvious respect from his peers. He explained the two ways we could defend my case and it went exactly as he said. It is very difficult to put you trust and life in the hands of a complete stranger but I did and I was very happy with my choice. So if you need a trustworthy professional attorney you cannot go wrong. Thanks again.

Posted by Patricia | January 07, 2014 | Criminal Defense

THE BEST ATTORNEY IN WORCESTER COUNTY!!

All I can say is Mr. Erilich is the BEST attorney I have ever done business with and cannot say enough good about this man. He gets the job done and actually cares. I have done business with other attorneys for my son who has a mental illness and needless to say was not pleased. Called Mike and ...got an appointment next day. He actually gives you his cell phone number and I have called MANY times and he actually answers and if he is busy calls back right away. NO lawyers do that. Can't say enough about this man. My son had several charges and ALL were dismissed. Thank you Mr. Erlich. God Bless you and so happy Worcester has an attorney that actually does what an attorney should do and keeps his word. Final note........was in my doctors office on phone and mentioned Mr. Erlich's name. A man waiting in office heard me and said to me "I have Mr. Erlich as my attorney and you made the right choice." Also left his office one day and the people before me were raving about him and saying how wonderful and caring he is. THANKS MIKE! Hope I don't need a lawyer again but if I do you are on my speed dial and you are the FIRST one I will call. One a scale of 1 to 10 I give this man 100!!

Posted by Taylor | November 22, 2013 | DUI & DWI

Great lawyer

I hired mike to represent me for an oui case. Shortly after contacting him I was in his office for a free consultation. I was so impressed with his personality and confidence in my case I hired him on the spot. Mike was in constant contact with me and listened to my concerns especially when dates of... hearings were going to change. He definitely took my needs into consideration. I would recommend Mike to anyone facing an oui court case.

Posted by anonymous | September 09, 2013 | Criminal Defense

Finest lawyer in Worcester county

Not only did Mr Erlich do an excellent job in presenting our case and getting us a just sentence, but even after the trial , while the sentence was being served , he got appropriate paper work and a sentence revision taken care of for us . He kept us informed every step of the way. I felt that he did... everything possible to help us. I would recommend him to anyone that needs a reliable and skilled lawyer

See All Client Reviews

Michael H. Erlich's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Michael
Steven Lewis Rovner headshot
Steven Rovner

Personal injury lawyer | Dec 15

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Known Michael for almost 20 years and he is an excellent advocate for his clients."

Anthony M Salerno headshot
Anthony Salerno

General practice lawyer | Dec 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Attorney Erlich is a strong advocate for his clients. He is always prepared, he knows the law and his courtroom procedures are fawless."

Jordan Belliveau headshot
Jordan Belliveau

Criminal defense lawyer | May 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Lindsay N. Stewart headshot
Lindsay Stewart

Unknown lawyer | Jan 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Adam D. Schmaelzle headshot
Adam Schmaelzle

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Jennifer T Currie headshot
Jennifer Currie

Criminal defense lawyer | May 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Gregory Paul Benoit headshot
Gregory Benoit

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 06

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

Michael P. Gerace headshot
Michael Gerace

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Awesome litigator."

Michael Mayer Franklin headshot
Michael Franklin

Criminal defense lawyer | May 24

Relationship: Friend

"I have known Michael both as a friend and as a colleague and highly recommend him as a criminal defense lawyer. He is always well prepared and fiercely fights for his clients."

Steven D. Power headshot
Steven Power

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Anthony J. Luzzo headshot
Anthony Luzzo

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

John Michael Goggins headshot
John Goggins

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. A very good lawyer. Highly respected in the Worcester legal community."

Corine K. Claxton headshot
Corine Claxton

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Mark Twombly Lee headshot
Mark Lee

Criminal defense lawyer | May 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Terri D. Leary headshot
Terri Leary

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Damian N. Riddle headshot
Damian Riddle

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Erlich is a well respected attorney among his peers. I have persoanlly had the opportunity to observe him in Court and he is a zealous advocate on behalf of his clients. Any client of Attorney Erlich will be well represented."

Laurie S Raphaelson headshot
Laurie Raphaelson

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Michael is a bright and creative attorney. I never hesitate to recommend Michael when someone is looking for a reliable, well-respected criminal attorney."

John Vigliotti headshot
John Vigliotti

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Nicole Rachael Moskowitz headshot
Nicole Moskowitz

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 23

Relationship: Friend

"I endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements
Adam D. Schmaelzle headshot
Adam Schmaelzle

Criminal defense lawyer

Lindsay N. Stewart headshot
Lindsay Stewart

Car accident lawyer

Jennifer T Currie headshot
Jennifer Currie

Juvenile law lawyer

Gregory Paul Benoit headshot
Gregory Benoit

Admiralty and maritime lawyer

Stephen W. Debs headshot
Stephen Debs

Real estate lawyer

Barbara S Liftman headshot
Barbara Liftman

Probate lawyer

Steven D. Power headshot
Steven Power

Criminal defense lawyer

James Joseph Kaeding headshot
James Kaeding

Criminal defense lawyer

Aaron H. Hutchins headshot
Aaron Hutchins

General practice lawyer

Julieanne Richard headshot
Julieanne Richard

Personal injury lawyer

Mark Twombly Lee headshot
Mark Lee

Divorce and separation lawyer

John Michael Goggins headshot
John Goggins

Criminal defense lawyer

Corine K. Claxton headshot
Corine Claxton

Criminal defense lawyer

Tania M. Palumbo headshot
Tania Palumbo

Immigration lawyer

Terri D. Leary headshot
Terri Leary

Unknown lawyer

Damian N. Riddle headshot
Damian Riddle

Criminal defense lawyer

Rose E. King headshot
Rose King

Criminal defense lawyer

Brian P. Burke headshot
Brian Burke

Criminal defense lawyer

Chester V. Shea III headshot
Chester Shea

Criminal defense lawyer

Laurie S Raphaelson headshot
Laurie Raphaelson

Divorce and separation lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.9 (Superb)

Honors

2020

Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2016

Top 10 Lawyer Client Satisfaction, American Institute of Legal Counsel

2016

Top Lawyers in Massachusetts, Legal Network

2016

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers

2004

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2003

Lawyer of the Year, Lawyers Weekly

2002

Courageous Advocacy Award, Worcester Bar Advocate Program

Work Experience

2015 - Present

President/Owner, Criminal Defense Worcester

2004 - 2015

Partner, Eden, Rafferty, Tetreau & Erlich

1992 - 2004

Partner, Erlich & Erlich

Associations

2002 - 2006

Worcester County Bar Advocates

President

1996 - 2009

Worcester County Bar Association

Executive Committee

Sample of Legal Cases

Assault & Battery With a Deadly Weapon Bullying

Dismissed

Aggravated Assault & Battery

Not Guilty both counts.

OUI (4th offense), Operating to Endanger

Not Guilty both counts.

Operating Under the Influence (3rd), Resisting Arrest, Disorderly Conduct, Assault & Battery (2 counts)

Probation 2 years. All Other Charges Dismissed.

Larceny, Receiving Stolen Property

1-Year House of Correction Suspended for 1 Year.

OUI (2nd Offense) .16 Breath Test, Operating to Endanger

Not Guilty both counts

Larceny over $250

CWOF 6 Months.

Larceny over $250 (Felony)

Dismissed

Probation Violation

Probation Continued

Breaking & Entering

Dismissed

Drug Offense-Possession Class B

Dismissed

Operating To Endanger

Dismissed

OUI (3rd offense)

Amended to 2nd offense

Restraining Order Hearing

Order Vacated

Assault & Battery, Assault & Battery With A Dangerous Weapon.

Dismissed

Commonwealth v. Holly

Jury Verdict Not Guilty

See More Legal Cases

Education

1992

University of Miami School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1987

Northeastern University

MBA - Master of Business Administration

1985

Nichols College

BSBA

Speaking Engagements

2006

Training

Criminal Defense

2003

O'Reilly Factor

Racial Profiling

Publications

2004

Lawyers weekly (Front page article Re Racial Profiling case) Cops Action Race-Based

2004

Boston.com Race Bias

Languages

Spanish

Portuguese

Activity

Top Contributor

Michael earned significant contribution points in 2013.

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