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 1 - 5 of 61 reviews | Communication Style

Posted by anonymous | January 13, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Excellent attorney.

I was referred to Mike by a close friend. Mike is a true and thorough professional. He is a savior, I was heartbroken, never done anything wrong or seen any court proceeding (except in movies). I was accused of some wrong doing. Mike helped me get an understanding of the court procedure and walked me... through of what I should expect. Since all of this happened over the holiday season, unfortunately, Mike in-spite of being on vacation, stayed in touch with me and gave me the confidence needed to fight for what is true. He not only understood my case in the short timeframe, he had, but helped me to think about things differently, instilling confidence in me. Mike delivered the results at a superior level. Victory in my case was a rare and unheard of. I’m truly indebted to Mike for his services to humanity and his passion for doing the right! Thanks to Mike and to the universe for having lawyers like Mike!

Posted by Brian | March 09, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Mike gets it done

This is our first time needing a criminal defense attorney. Our son racked up a long list of charges involving domestic abuse, guns and alcohol all of which started with alcohol. I had to research and retain the right attorney ASAP. Lucky for me I deal with people all the time so I was quickly able t...o weed out all the attorneys that were not the right one for us. After a brief conversation with Michael Erlich in his office there was no doubt he was the right attorney. Court is not like what you see on TV so don’t expect to see loud and wild action. What you really get is someone who is human and compassionate, someone who will listen to your situation and give you honest advice on what to expect vs. telling you what you want to hear. He wont be visiting you or your loved one in jail much which is good because that means he working on getting you out of jail, besides he already knows how your days are going. When your in the court house he is that guy in the suit who stands out as being the most experienced well rounded attorney there. You can tell by watching his interaction with others that everyone knows him and respects him. There’s no substitute for experience and he’s got it. He knows how to get things done. Our case turned out better than expected. Im not sure that would have been the case if we went with another attorney. Without a doubt if me or my family ever needed an attorney Michael Erlich is on my speed dial. No need to look anywhere else.

Posted by Joseph | January 06, 2020 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

OUI and Suspended License Charges

In the beginning of my case, a week or so after I was charged with an OUI and driving with a suspended license, I had contacted Mr. Erlich in hopes he would be able to assist me in guiding me through this difficult time in my life. We had set up an initial consultation, which Michael was extremely ac...commodating while doing. He was able to offer meetings and consultations around my work schedule and replied to my texts/calls very quickly. He compiled all of my information (police reports and necessary court documents) from the existing case and told me exactly what he intended and planned to do as time went on. He was always very thorough with his explanations of what was taking place after each court date leading up to my final trial date. He offered a great deal of knowledge the entire time between my first consultation up until my final court date. He always expedited the court processes, whenever possible, to save me time throughout the day and when, or if, it were not possible he would keep me updated as to how long these days would take and the reasoning behind it. On my last court date, which was the day of my trial, Michael exercised a level of skill and professionalism unlike any lawyer I have encountered before. He was direct, concise, professional, calm, focused and all the while making sure I was aware and understood the events taking place before me. I went on to being found not guilty on both charges, however, despite the outcome i always felt as though Michael had given me the best chance at overcoming this obstacle. He was able to provide and compile the facts in such a way that it ultimately led to proving my innocence. Despite my situation versus the situations of yourself and others, I would recommend Mr. Erlich as an attorney based simply on the level of professionalism and experience he expressed throughout the Entirety if my legal situation. He gave me the best possible chance of success and offered the best overall guidance while i underwent an extremely brutal and stressful period of my life. Highly recommend Mr. Erlich as an attorney for any situation similar to mine. Great lawyer and an overall great guy!

Posted by Mark s | November 18, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Thank you for the great job you've done

I went to attorney Michael erlich Because my LTC Was suspended because of an outstanding warrant Because I failed to appear for jury duty He was right up front with me From the beginning as to what the cost would be and what was involved And kept me up-to-date as To what was being do...ne every step of the way Thank you again attorney erlich For the great job you did for me

Posted by Dotty | June 19, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket

Hardship License Appeal

Mr. Michael Erlich was instrumental in obtaining a hardship license for our son. He told us exactly what we needed to do to prepare for the hearing, he was always very responsive to our questions, his manner is very professional, and we would hire him again immediately although we sincerely hope we w...ill not have the need.

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