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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 61 - 65 of 79 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by Rafael | June 10, 2013 | Criminal Defense

Excellent competent lawyer

I came to Michael Elrich's office a week away from my trial date because after 3 months of paid work, my previous lawyer did absolutely nothing in my defense. Michael Elrich was straight to the point, told me what could have already been done and dismissed by the previous lawyer, and the risk of depo...rtation for not being a US citizen. He was able to dismiss 1 felony and 4 out the 5 misdemeanor charges before trial, pleading guilty to only one misdemeanor before the judge to be dismissed after 6 month of probation without any criminal record. He was professional and assertive, and his fees were extremely fair for being a last minute case. I highly recommend Michael Elrich as the excellent competent lawyer that he is.

Posted by Budd | May 14, 2013 | Criminal Defense

Job well done!

I would highly recommend Attorney Erlich. He is extremely knowledgeable in his field and knows how to deal with complex issues that can arise at any time during your case. In the courtroom Mike seems very comfortable and is well respected by his peers. He is very meticulous and detail oriented and co...mpletes all paperwork and completely and accurately leaving little room for disputes from other attorneys. I hired Mike in 2012 to represent me in my criminal case. Thank god I had him to represent me. Mike was able to prove my innocence in the false accusations made against me. Many times I called Mike frustrated he was always there for me no matter what time or day. Thanks to Mike, my court case tuned out positive for me and my family.

Posted by anonymous | March 03, 2013 | Criminal Defense

He did what many other lawyers could not do!

I went to many lawyer and officials about wrong information on my criminal record. Nobody had a clue on how to clear it. It was a very old juvenile record that prevented me from getting my LTC. Thank god I found him. I now have a clean record. Thank you Mike !

Posted by anonymous | February 12, 2013 | Juvenile

Michael Erlich.

I would have to say that even thought that I am a juvenile, from what I have noticed is that mr. Erlich is very, very experience in the practice of law because he has been doing this for 20 or so years. He is extremely knowledgeable and finds ways for whatever you are being prosecuted for, to be put ...to the lowest extent of the law, atleast that is what happened in my chase. He's not just some attorney at law that is just in it for the money, he does actually care for his clients, as people and I really liked that. I would recommend mr. Erlich to anyone that would need a attorney for whatever reason.

Posted by Roberto | January 18, 2013 | DUI & DWI

third offence DUI wrong way

I was on my way home from my girlfriends sisters house after having a meal and sharing a bottle of wine . We had started to watch a movie afterwards and fell asleep. I woke up startled as to what happened and being late for my overtime at work which was midnight. It was now around 1:am. I had stop...ped for gas in Webster and procceeded down RT 12 to Worcester. My regular shift time is 2:am so I had plenty of time to go home and change. As I drove along RT 12 in Oxford I was folllowed by a state trooper after exit 5. He followed me for over three miles before pulling me over. He got out and asked me what exit I had gotten off of ? puzzeled as to what he was asking me continued to accuse me of driving the wrong way on interstate 395. He said he was dispatched because of numerous calls of a wrong way driver on 395.Knowing I was being profiled when being followed and having two DUI's in the past did not make things pretty at that time of the morning. He asked if I had been drinking which I said yes earlier in the evening at dinner at around 7:pm. Then he asked if I was on 395 and I said yes on my way to Webster at 5:pm. He started to ask what exit I got off of again and that's when I new I was being accused of being the other guy. He asked if I would do a field sobriety and chemicai test which I refused. I was arrested for DUI , driving to endanger ,speeding , and marked lane violation. Wow what to do ? I was refferred to attorney Michael Erlich who I was told is one of the best at criminal law defence. I found attorney Michael Erlich to be friendly, personal, and understanding of your situation and of the law reguarding your case. I had numerous continuences two for me ,one for the trooper, and three for no courtroom availibility. Attorney Michael Erlich had put a lot of time into this case and after 19 months of waiting for my jury trial came out with a not guilty of third offence DUI. Guilty of the other charges with two years probation and classes to take . I found Michael to be well groomed and polished in his craft A great animated speaker in your defence and knowledgible of the laws and how both sides are played. I highly recomened this gentlemen to represent you. Thank you Michael for all you've done to help me ! Bravo !!! RMS

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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  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
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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