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 78 reviews | General Knowledge

Posted by Kristina | April 01, 2014 | Car Accidents

Couldn't have picked a better attorney

I personally encountered my first experience at not knowing how to handle a case when I was involved in a serious car accident back in January, and was charged with operating with a suspended license during the time of the accident. When I first received the charge, I was confused and unsure of the r...ight way to go about appealing it since I was not notified and unaware that I apparently had invalid license. The first person I knew to turn to was Attorney Mike Erlich. I've known Mike for quite some time and he has always been the type of guy to help a person out in need, whether it be in the court room or out. I knew of outstanding reputation and got to experience his expertise first hand. Mike took care of me from beginning to end, from helping me set the appeal to answering any questions I had along the way to proving I was innocent. I highly recommend Attorney Michael Erlich to anyone who is looking for guidance to justice. He is extremely helpful, knowledgeable and trustworthy. He helped make this process a lot easier to go through and I couldn't have been more satisfied with his service.

Posted by John | March 21, 2014 | Criminal Defense

Michael Erlich Review - Best Lawyer in the Worcester Area

I hired Attorney Michael Erlich for an alleged Assault and Battery case. It was the first time I had ever been in any real trouble(outside of a series of moving violations which I've been successful at defending myself), I was scared and didn't know how to proceed. I met with Michael for a prelimin...ary hearing, he took down all the facts about the night in question and was very honest about what he thought would happen/could be done. After my first meeting with him my initial impression was he was very confident, well spoken and professional. Michael was one of three lawyers I met with in the area for consultations and Michael was by far the most impressive. I called him back the next morning to arrange for his services. My case was continued a couple of times and ultimately went to trial. When I found out it was going to trial I was beyond worried. Michael not only reassured me everything would be okay, but reached out to me on a Saturday afternoon to call and talk and explain to me this was the proper course of action. This really sold me on him. He was giving up part of his weekend, where he could have been spending time with family, or whatever and putting his clients first! I met with him the day before my trial, he had everything completed, ready to go and went through how he would present my case. I was very impressed. I'm an engineer by trade so I'm used to analyzing every possible situation and I didn't have a single worry regarding my defense. I felt as though win, lose, or draw Michael had done everything foreseeable to defend me till the end. We ended up making a decision to go Jury Waived, which is essentially trial in front of a judge and Michael was beyond excellent. His cross examination was almost that out of an award winning Hollywood movie; perfect, direct, and he tore apart the District Attorneys case at every turn. He had a rebuttal for everything she said and then some. My case was found not guilty and I can continue living a normal life. Michael's defense was so good, I didn't even have to take the stand in my own defense, I think that speaks wonders for Michaels abilities. He certainly knows how to get things done! If you find yourself in a situation where you need a lawyer, you most likely are in a significant amount of trouble, you want the very best. Michael will communicate exceptionally well on your behalf and has realistic views of what is going to happen. I hope I don't, but if I ever find myself in a situation where I need legal counsel for anything, I wont call anyone except for Michael Erlich. I can't recommend him enough. If I had a stack of his business cards, It'd pass them out to everyone I know. Thanks again Michael!!!

Posted by Tom H. | March 07, 2014 | Criminal Defense

A thorough professional!

As with most occasions when a lawyer is required in a courtroom, there are so many nuances and legal 'traps' to the normal person that cannot be anticipated or addressed. Michael Erlich is the consummate professional. From seeking advice to in-court representation, the process can be long, and of c...ourse arduous. In Mr. Erlich's capable hands we found a successful ending to months of stress and anguish, and finally we never anticipated the positive outcome until we had seen one of the very best legal minds in central Massachusetts working on our behalf. This professionalism is genuine and honest as well. We came to the final outcome through his communication skills with both prosecutor and judge. And he did not walk away after trial completion, he stayed and explained the continuing steps in the finality of the case. Mr. Erlich looked at the outline of the facts as they had originally occurred involving this court action. He worked professionally with us, prosecutor, police and the court to bring together a winning resolution for us from a very tricky and complex situation. Legal maneuvers are not always on the surface a view the client can envision or understand. These are not easy or quick steps taken without a considerable legal mind to work. And you must be able to completely trust your lawyer. I have had occasion over my life to require legal help in matters of all type. I can honestly say Michael Erlich is the best legal mind I have seen work on my wife and my behalf, and I thank him for his considerable actions and true, complete understanding of the law and the law process. If you are considering hiring a lawyer, that means you have a significant situation in your life occurring. Hire someone you can trust, who has exceptional competency in the understanding of the law, who communicates well with you and on your behalf, whose explanations and anticipations are grounded in the reality of that significant situation, who follows through, who will not negotiate from a position of weakness, and is trustworthy and honest with an excellent reputation in the legal community, you MUST hire Michael Erlich.

Posted by anonymous | February 25, 2014 | Criminal Defense

Would absolutely recommend Attorney Michael Erlich!!

I would absolutely recommend Michael Erlich to anyone who is in need of an Attorney. Michael was easy to talk with and very knowledgeable. My teenage son had just graduated high school and he and his buddies decided to go into the school one last time before heading off to college. Needless to say..., they got "caught" and were arrested for breaking and entering. Michael explained everything to my son and I and kept us informed on what we were to do. Thankfully we had a great outcome and we have Michael Erlich to thank for that! We will definately call him again for any help/support we need.

Posted by Shawn | February 02, 2014 | Criminal Defense

Miracle Worker

Michael is a very knowledgeable and well known attorney. He looked out for my best interest and managed to get me off charges that nobody thought he could and he did..

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