Lissa McKinney

PRO

Lissa McKinney

4.9
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 41 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Acton, MA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Domestic Violence, Speeding & Traffic Ticket, Personal Injury

100 Powdermill Rd., Suite 244, Acton, MA

Virtual Consultation Available

Free Consultation

About Lissa

Biography

Finding the "best" lawyer is very different than finding the best lawyer For You. Court cases take time.Choose a lawyer you like and trust: someone you want to work with, and someone that gives you confidence and comfort. Choose a lawyer who will fight your case by choosing strong and strategic now.

Experience Matter. Criminal defense attorney 41 years providing clear direction when you need it most! When you need the right lawyer for you, go with strong, strategic,and resourceful.

Take my trial skills to Court,and leave your fear at home. Restraining and Harrassment Order hearings are emotional mini-trials about safety, child custody, housing, criminal and probate proceedings. Plaintiff or Defendant, protect Your rights and interests with an attorney looking out for You.

If you need your license, then you need a Lawyer at a traffic ticket hearing~even if you don't know it yet. Speeding and motor vehicle tickets implicate SDIP insurance points, driver license suspensions, liability in auto accidents etc. A surcharge may stay for 6 years on your premium.

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 70%

Criminal defense for all cases e.g. assault & battery,domestic violence, traffic /motor vehicle offenses,RMV license suspensions, larceny, shoplifting, fake ID's,drug and sex crimes. Especially effective at all Clerk Magistrate & show cause hearings.

42 years | 2,000 cases

70%
Domestic Violence 15%

An effective lawyer is critical for Restraining /Harrassment Order hearings to prevent loss of access to home/ children, and criminal consequences for violations; excellent knowledge of probate/custody/DSS and overlapping criminal defense issues.

26 years | 400 cases

15%
Speeding and Traffic Ticket 10%

Tickets impact license suspensions, insurance costs, accident liability & work at Uber/Lyft etc. Clerk's hearings are the 1st screening step where an excellent advocate speaking for you can make a real difference. (overlaps criminal defense).

42 years | 300 cases

10%
Personal Injury 5%

Representing Plaintiff's injured by motor vehicle accidents, slip and fall on property, sex abuse, animal bites, or injuries related to the overserving of alcohol.

26 years | 40 cases

5%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 25 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2025 2024 2020
...
+ 2
Top Contributor
Top Contributor
2024 2019 2018

Licenses

Licensed in Massachusetts for 41 years

State: Massachusetts

Acquired: 1985

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in Florida for 39 years

State: Florida

Acquired: 1987

Inactive

No misconduct found

Location

Lissa McKinney Law

100 Powdermill Rd., Suite 244, Acton, MA, 01720-5932

lissamckinney.com/

Lissa McKinney Law

(by appointment only), 30 Eastbrook Road,Suite 201, Dedham, MA, 02026

lissamckinney.com/

Online Presence

Other places you can find Lissa online.

Lissa McKinney's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

83 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 23 reviews | Criminal Defense

Posted by anonymous | June 30, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

False Domestic Violence Charges/209A Restraining Order Charges

The last five years of my life have been very challenging as I was faced with five false allegations by a former domestic partner. While I was absolved from all criminal charges, the final hurdle I had to clear was a 209A Restraining Order. An order that has been haunting me for over four years. L...issa came to the rescue for me! It's very difficult to find a good attorney who is smart, passionate about helping clients and willing to go the extra mile to help you - Lissa is the very definition of that. Lissa had a very small window of time to prepare for my 209A Restraining Order Hearing. She worked tirelessly day and night and over weekends to develop her defense strategy. Furthermore, Lissa was available to me every time I needed to ask her a question and was very compassionate as well as emphatic of my situation. I was so happy to have Lissa in my corner during the hearing and was very impressed by her professionalism and legal acumen. With her on my side, I knew the truth would be revealed and I would finally be cleared from all charges associated with a person who tried to ruin my life. If you are facing any domestic violence charges or 209A Restraining Order charges, I strongly suggest you contacting Lissa. Lissa will go the extra mile to ensure you are on the right side of the law.

Posted by anonymous | February 06, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Fake ID/License Hearing

From the first call with Lissa, I could tell how passionate she was about helping me with my case which involved a District Court Fake ID Hearing. She was clear, direct, helpful, and consistent with communication and answered any and all questions that came up. This was my first (and definitely last...) time ever being in trouble with the law, so Lissa was wonderful to have by my side to give me comfort and confidence in a time of fear, worry, and stress. She was also very kind and compassionate, a trait that can be rare nowadays. I couldn't recommend her enough! Thank you Lissa!

Posted by Michelle | April 22, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Outstanding Lawyer!!!!

I cannot say enough about Lissa! She is the absolute best from the start and throughout the entire process. It was my first time ever being in trouble and I had no idea what I was facing. Lissa had the right words to say to calm my nerves whenever we spoke. Her soft caring tone really helped put my... mind at ease. She was always there to talk to me when I needed her. She carefully listened to me and walked me through everything. Lissa was extremely professional, intelligent, knowledgeable and was also so personable and compassionate at the same time. I can’t thank her enough!

Posted by anonymous | May 28, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Smart, experienced & professional attorney

My underage son had incurred some infractions that required court proceedings. This was my first experience with legal charges, we had some court appearances in person, some via zoom. I was very concerned for my son's predicament as well as his future. We hired Lissa McKinney and she walked us th...rough every step of what could be and what would be. Her knowledge of the courts, paperwork, language to use was instrumental to our success. She was always there for my calls and questions. After our last court date, my son turned to me with awe proclaiming how impressed he was by her knowledge during the proceedings, her language and how incredible she managed our representation. Teenage boys are never in awe of anything adults do (sadly)! We are beyond lucky to have come to know Lissa.

Posted by Kathryn | December 08, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

A True Standout

Lissa McKinney is smart, articulate, thorough and relentless. She has an exhaustive understanding of Massachusetts criminal law and procedure as well as years of courtroom experience. She will see to it that you are treated fairly and goes above and beyond for her clients. I highly recommend Lissa... McKinney!

See All Client Reviews

Lissa McKinney's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Lissa
Scott M. Martin headshot
Scott Martin

Probate lawyer | Jun 29

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer without hesitation. I originally met Attorney McKinney (Lisa) years ago when she was against me on a case in Plymouth County. Her knowledge of the law is tremendous. I appreciate great lawyering and Lisa is a fierce competitor, who always fights for her client's best interest. She was professional to work against but never a pushover (this resinated with the judge too). Many lawyers struggle to achieve this balance. Lisa relentlessly pursues the best outcome for her side. I have met several of her clients over the years and all of them speak highly of her. Feedback I have received includes; great client communication, fights hard to achieve best possible outcomes, highly intelligent, honest and fierce litigator. I have never received a negative review of her performance from a colleague or client she represented. The highest praise I can give another attorney is to say that I would risk my name and recommend them and I absolutely recommend Attorney Lisa McKinney."

Andrew P. Bass headshot
Andrew Bass

Litigation lawyer | May 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Attorney McKinney is a highly skilled professional advocating for consumers across the Commonwealth. I endorse this lawyer."

Roland L Milliard headshot
Roland Milliard

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Lissa is always superbly prepared for any case she has. Detailed, thorough preparation is her trademark. She anticipates any argument that may be used by the prosecution and is ready with a reply supported by statutes and case law. Some may argue she "over prepares" but when the result is "Not Guilty", the client perhaps would not agree that is the case."

Kayla Weaton headshot
Kayla Weaton

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Attorney McKinney is one of the best and a mentor to many criminal defense attorneys, including myself. She is highly respected among her peers and I would recommend hiring her without hesitation."

Kevin Patrick Seaver headshot
Kevin Seaver

Unknown lawyer | Jul 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Lissa McKinney as a peer and a colleague."

Richard John Omar headshot
Richard Omar

General practice lawyer | Jul 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Lissa is an excellent attorney with a high level of attention to detail and a strong desire to obtain excellent results for her clients."

David M Owens headshot
David Owens

Unknown lawyer | May 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Attorney McKinney takes the time to actually analyze questions by clients and provide insightful answers that actually answers a clients question. Her responses provide detailed and insightful responses that give a great head start to any potential client she helps."

David P Wolicki headshot
David Wolicki

Criminal defense lawyer | May 20

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have regularly worked with Attorney McKinney on various matters since I first met her almost 8 years ago through a mutual colleague. I frequently refer to her cases that are outside the scope of my own practice but that are in her areas of expertise which include restraining orders, harassment orders, criminal matters, and juvenile litigation. She has litigated and also successfully negotiated excellent results in these cases. I have been more than impressed by her dedication to my clients and have received positive feedback with regard to her professionalism and attention to detail. I highly recommend Attorney McKinney for both lawyers and clients who are looking for someone to handle these types of cases."

Beth M. Nussbaum headshot
Beth Nussbaum

Criminal defense lawyer | May 09

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Lissa is an expert, creative, and impassioned advocate. She will tirelessly pursue all avenues of defense, trial and appellate, and doesn't give up. She is always there for her clients. Highest recommendations!"

Trevor A. Clement headshot
Trevor Clement

Unknown lawyer | Apr 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Lissa is a great lawyer. Very smart, very insightful and a dedicated advocate."

Joshua M Dohan headshot
Joshua Dohan

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Attorney McKinney for thirty years. I have always been impressed with her zealous approach to every case. I can think of few people with her combination of commitment to her clients and intellectual curiosity about the law. Lissa is as thorough and as imaginative as any lawyer I know. I enjoy talking about the law with her and always walk away having learned something, even if it is an area in which I am supposed to be the "expert.""

Rebecca Gaulin Ryan headshot
Rebecca Ryan

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 11

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"It has been a pleasure to collaborate with Attorney McKinney, and we do so as often as we can. Our practice involves substantial probate and family law work where relationships are strained and emotional, and the parties are vying for an angle in probate court. As a result, we often have clients accused of criminal offenses or finding it necessary to defend against restraining or harassment orders. Lissa McKinney has made herself available to our practice and clients as needed, and we are happy to refer our criminal work over to her and encourage others to do the same. She has a wealth of knowledge that overlaps the work we do and has a creative approach to litigation. We entrust our clients to her and know they are in good legal hands when we do."

Dana Alan Curhan headshot
Dana Curhan

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 23

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Lissa is an extremely knowledgable and capable criminal defense lawyer. She is tenacious and dedicated to her clients. I am an appellate lawyer I have worked on numerous matters with her over the past twenty-five years. She is my go to person when I need to refer someone to a criminal trial lawyer, and I cannot recommend her highly enough."

Tracy Dorene Dudevoir headshot
Tracy Dudevoir

Litigation lawyer | Mar 08

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I've known and worked with Attorney McKinney for more than 25 years, and shared office space with her when I first started. She was a highly regarded lawyer back then, and my knowledge of her excellence in litigation has only increased . Over the years we have collaborated on many criminal- probate overlap cases, and I'm very familiar with her work. She is respected in and out of the courtroom and is a dedicated advocate for her clients. I would want her to represent me. Her dedication, passion, compassion and skills are unparalleled."

Elliot Savitz headshot
Elliot Savitz

Unknown lawyer | Mar 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Jared M. Wood headshot
Jared Wood

Litigation lawyer | Feb 22

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Attorney McKinney is a skilled trial lawyer who is masterful when representing clients before the court. I strongly endorse this attorney."

View All Endorsements
Matthew N. Gilman headshot
Matthew Gilman

Licensing lawyer

Tracy Dorene Dudevoir headshot
Tracy Dudevoir

Criminal defense lawyer

Andrew P. Bass headshot
Andrew Bass

Lemon law lawyer

David M Owens headshot
David Owens

Landlord or tenant lawyer

William M. White Jr headshot
William White

Criminal defense lawyer

Kayla Weaton headshot
Kayla Weaton

DUI and DWI lawyer

Roland L Milliard headshot
Roland Milliard

Criminal defense lawyer

David P Wolicki headshot
David Wolicki

Estate planning lawyer

Ryan Edward Alekman headshot
Ryan Alekman

Car accident lawyer

Rebecca Gaulin Ryan headshot
Rebecca Ryan

Family lawyer

Dana Alan Curhan headshot
Dana Curhan

Appeals lawyer

Anthony Wane Fugate headshot
Anthony Fugate

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2025

Massachusetts Super Lawyers 2024, Thomson Reuters

2024

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2024

Massachusetts Super Lawyers 2024, Thomson Reuters

2023

Massachusetts Super Lawyers 2023, Thomson Reuters

2023

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2022

Massachusetts SuperLawyers 2022, Thomson Reuters

2022

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2021

Massachusetts Super Lawyers 2021, Thomson Reuters

2021

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2020

Client's Choice Award, Avvo

2020

Massachusetts SuperLawyers 2020, Thomson Reuters

2020

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2019

Top Contributor, Avvo

2019

Client's Choice Award, Avvo

2018

Top Contributor, Avvo

2018

Client's Choice Award, Avvo

2002

Certificate of Appreciation, Suffolk Lawyers For Justice

Work Experience

1987 - Present

Attorney/Owner, Lissa McKinney Law

1999 - 2004

Staff Attorney (PT), Suffolk Lawyers for Justice

1989 - 1991

Adjunct Professor Clinical Program, Suffolk Law School

1984 - 1986

Staff Attorney Boston & Worcester offices, Committee For Public Counsel Services

Associations

2016 - Present

Massachusetts Academy of Trial Attorneys

Member

1997 - Present

Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

National College of DUI Defense

Member

1991 - 1999

National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys

Member

1991 - 1991

Institute for Criminal Defense Advocacy

Selected to attend training college

Sample of Legal Cases

Zullo v. Ally Motors

Recovered $7,394

See More Legal Cases

Education

1984

Suffolk University Law School

JD - Juris Doctor

1981

Suffolk University

BS - Bachelor of Science

Speaking Engagements

2019

Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers: Brown Bag Lunch Defending Against Charges of Domestic Violence and Harrassment

2005

Massachusetts Committee for Public Counsel Services

District Court Bar Advocate Training

2004

Massachusetts Committee for Public Counsel Services

District Court Bar Advocate Training

2003

Massachusetts Committee for Public Counsel Services

District Court Bar Advocate Training

2002

Bar Advocate Continuing Education

Essential Rules of Criminal Procedure

2002

Bar Advocate Continuing Education

Evidence: Getting it In-Keeping it Out

2001

Statewide Public Defender Conference,

Probation Violation Proceedings

2001

Bar Advocate Continuing Education

Defending on a Shoestring

2001

Bar Advocate Continuing Education

Probation Surrender Hearings

2000

Bar Advocate Continuing Education

Pre-Trial Conference Rules

1999

Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc.

Trying Drug Cases in Massachusetts

1998

Bar Advocate Continuing Education

Probation Violation Proceedings

1996

Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc.

Emerging Areas of Criminal Practice

1995

Television guest commentator

OJ Simpson Jury Trial

1993

Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc.

Hot Tips for Trying Criminal Cases

Publications

2002

Suffolk Lawyers for Justice Evidence: Getting it In-Keeping it Out

2002

Suffolk Lawyers for Justice Essential Rules of Criminal Procedure

2001

Bar Advocate Continuing Education Defendiing on a Shoestring

2001

Suffolk Lawyers for Justice Probation Surrender Hearings

1999

Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc. ("MCLE") Trying Drug Cases in Massachusetts

Languages

English

Activity

Top Contributor

Lissa earned significant contribution points in 2024.

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
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