Murat Erkan

Murat Erkan

5.0
Rating: 9.5

Licensed for 28 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Andover, MA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI, White Collar Crime ... +4 more

300 High St, Andover, MA

About Murat

Biography

Practice Areas

7

Practice Areas

DUI and DWI 15%

29 years

15%
Federal Crime 15%

29 years

15%
Sex Crime 15%

29 years

15%
Violent Crime 15%

29 years

15%
Expungement 10%

29 years

10%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes

Retainer

Sometimes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check

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Licenses

Licensed in Massachusetts for 28 years

State: Massachusetts

Acquired: 1997

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Erkan & Associates, LLC

300 High St, Andover, MA, 01810-1512

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Murat Erkan's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

31 Client Reviews

5 star (31)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by ERNST | December 2, 2021 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Murat......BEST IN THE BUSINESS!!!

I’ve been thinking for two days on what I would say….I can’t figure it out. There are no words that can express how grateful I am to Erkan and Associates, LLC . Murat and his team stepped up to take my case when they heard about my situation. From day one, Murat was honest with me. He didn’t s...ugar coat anything. He didn’t tell me what I wanted to hear, he told me the truth. For months, Murat as well as his team have worked relentlessly to bring all the pieces of the puzzle forward I needed to regain my freedom. Even after the charges were dropped, they are still fighting for me to get the justice I DESERVE. Regardless of how the future goes, I just need y’all to know one thing…. ERKAN CLAN AINT NOTHING TO F**K WITH. #ErkanForever #ShimmyFree

Posted by anonymous | November 20, 2021 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

The Lawyer to Hire

I was in some legal trouble that would have destroyed any prospect of a job that required a background check. I asked a person familiar with the courts who the best attorney was and she immediately said Mr. Erkan. I hired him that day and he did not disappoint. I was guilty, but he was able to get th...e case dismissed allowing me to get the job I so badly wanted. Mr. Erkan will get the best possible result for you regardless of case. He is knowledgeable and friendly as are his staff. I would recommend this attorney to anyone who has an issue in Massachusetts. Simply the best.’

Posted by Rod | April 5, 2021 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Murat and Erkan Law know criminal defense.

As a documentarian, (and activist or provocateur-- depending on who you ask), I find myself regularly harassed and targeted by law enforcement for what should be constitutionally-protected first amendment activities. Murat and Erkan Law have been there for me on numerous occasions. 1. Erkan Law re...presented me and several others during the protests of the 2019 Straight Pride Parade. The feckless Boston Police rioted, attacking protesters indiscriminately. While calmly filming, I was tackled from behind by a deranged and possibly intoxicated police officer who was clearly high on power. Lacking any kind of moral scruples, Officer Runningback proceeded to drag me into their Blue Lives clown car while I tried to explain that they had seriously messed up my leg. Finding myself in court, Judge Sinnott, (who shot and unsuccessfully tried to kill a man in 1980), decided he was my moral superior, and proverbially "jumped on the other side of the bench" calling for me to be arrested a second time— this time, for wearing a religious covering. My case went up to the Supreme Judicial Court, leading to an investigation of Sinnott, thanks to Erkan Law’s expertise. 2. After burning an effigy of Donald Trump at a Super Happy Fun America rally last October, I was hauled into court on what were clearly bogus charges. Again— first amendment protected activity. Again, Boston Police seem totally unfamiliar with the law. Needless to say, Murat wrote an amazing motion and had the charges quickly dropped. 3. Murat continues to represent me throughout the ongoing harassment by law enforcement. Having found myself in numerous unmanageable legal situations, Murat is who I call when I need the Bozos to call off their dogs. It's not just that Murat knows the law. He knows the players, he speaks their language and generally waves his hand around like Merlin so that the troglodytes swarming head back to their caves.

Posted by anonymous | February 10, 2021 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

A Lifeline of Expertise Coupled with Deep Compassion & Dignity When I Needed It Most

Dear Murat, Eric, and Shah, There are times in life when words simply fail to adequately capture the intensity of thought and feeling connected to an event. My experience working with your firm has left me with only words to express my profound gratitude for all of your expertise, understanding, an...d compassion but know these words pale in comparison to the appreciation I feel for all of you. After working my entire life to establish a career of distinction and merit, I found myself facing its complete obliteration by errant accusations. These claims were presented on my birthday and were certainly not any kind of gift I had ever expected to receive. In an instant my entire world seemed to collapse and nothing remained but terror, shame, panic, and pure unadulterated desperation. The nature of my case was sensitive and required a delicate yet powerful approach if a positive resolution could be achieved. Trying to understand the full scope of what I faced, I turned to the internet and quickly discovered that most information online was almost exclusively centered on the plaintiff. Erkan & Associates webpage was a lifeline of both hope and vital information. The issue I was facing was clearly described as was the important considerations I would need to face moving forward when addressing my issue. The biographies of Murat, Shah, and the other members of the firm spoke to a commitment to helping others in need and an unwavering belief in the power of the legal system to see justice served. My earliest panicked calls to the firm were answered by Shah and she did the most amazing job of putting me at ease by immediately conveying a sense that my call mattered. Even though it took several more days to finally fully connect and establish my first meeting with counsel, Shah maintained daily communication to let me know exactly how everything was progressing and left me assured that I was being cared for by expert professionals. My experiences with both Murat Erkan and Eric Burdette were beyond reassuring. These gentlemen somehow combined brillant legal expertise, active listening, and a deeply moving capacity to allow me to feel the full weight of human dignity. Even more than these qualities, Murat and Eric were simply genuinely good guys. They were witty, insightful, and filled with good humor that allowed the dark shadow I faced to brighten and the ten ton elephant, that had been standing on my chest since my legal issue started, seemed to lift. The hope I received from Erkan & Associates can not be overstated or undervalued. On the day of my hearing, Eric arrived early to the courthouse and Murat zoomed in from the office. They were supremely prepared and as a result, I was too. My case was called and within minutes resolved in my favor. While their obligation to my case ended with its dismissal by the judge, Murat and Eric have continued to provide valuable assistance to me and my workplace counsel … they care. When my life is finally fully returned to me, it will be in very large part because of my decision to work with Erkan & Associates. This letter started by expressing my disappointment that I could never adequately convey my deepest admiration and appreciation for all that Murat, Eric, and Shah have done for me. Now as I close I hope that, while insufficient, my words have conveyed a bit of the enduring esteem I have for the law firm of Erkan & Associates, LLC and for Murat, Eric, and Shah in particular. Please know I will be forever grateful.

Posted by Jennifer | December 7, 2020 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Excellent Service!

We hired Murat Erkan to represent our son in a legal matter. We were very anxious about the process but Murat quickly eased our fears. He said he would fight for us like we were his own family. He definitely delivered on this promise. He and his team worked diligently to help our son win his case. Hi...s level of experience was very apparent in the handling of our case. We knew we were in very capable hands. We couldn't have been more pleased with the service we received.

See All Client Reviews

Murat Erkan's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Murat
Joe Prieto headshot
Joe Prieto

Criminal defense lawyer | May 28

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Murat is an exceptional attorney. I have worked with Murat on numerous cases through the years. He is an organized, prepared and extremely knowledgeable. The bottom line is that I have personally witnessed him, convince judges and prosecutors to agree with him on issues that I did not think were possible. He is truly one of the most generous, caring and tenacious attorneys I have ever seen. I cannot recommend him highly enough."

Lonny Ray Meloon headshot
Lonny Meloon

Criminal defense lawyer | May 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have had the pleasure of working side-by-side with Murat. He is an outstanding defense attorney: a tireless advocate, always prepared on both the facts and the law, uncompromising, and he fights relentlessly for the client, both in and out of court. Murat gives each client's case the individual attention that it deserves and never uses a "boiler plate" approach. Murat's trial skills, case preparation, and knowledge of the law are second-to-none. Murat sets the bar for other lawyers. As a former Assistant District Attorney, Murat is able to use his past experience to exploit weakness in the government's case. I strongly recommend Murat."

Daryl Zules headshot
Daryl Zules

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 21

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"Murat is fully dedicated to his practice, his clients, and the quality of his work. He manages to be fierce and relentless, both in and out of court, while also bringing a great deal of warmth and humor to his practice. He is an incredibly creative litigator, thinking outside the box when conventional approaches falter, and I have never seen such a relentless advocate. He works well beyond normal hours until he has prepared to his self-imposed high standards, and the preparation pays off in the results he achieves for his clients. Above all else, Murat's client relationships are a step above the rest. Murat brings clients into his practice as if they are part of the family, meeting their loved ones and building strong relationships. While he approaches each relationship with great empathy and compassion, he also maintains authentic and honest connections, making sure that he communicates the reality of the situation to his clients. I can easily say that I endorse Murat wholeheartedly."

Michael T Smerczynski headshot
Michael Smerczynski

Litigation lawyer | Apr 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"After 26 years of practice I was appointed to a government position which required me to refer my clients to successor counsel. That lawyer was Murat Erkan. For the past 8 years he has represented those clients exceptionally well. Everyone sang his praises."

Michael Ruane headshot
Michael Ruane

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 08

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"I have known Murat from his earliest days as a trial lawyer. We worked side-by-side as prosecutors in the Lawrence District Court. He quickly rose to the position of supervisor, then joined the Superior Court trial team where he handled all manner of major felony cases. When Murat entered private practice in 2006, he quickly became an unrivaled advocate for the accused and uncompromising defender of civil liberties. He has assembled a high-profile defense team committed to delivering consistently impressive outcomes for his clients. He is brilliant and innovative. He wins cases that seem impossible to win. Most importantly, Murat cares about his clients, and they know it. Without question, I would recommend Murat to anyone needing a criminal attorney in Massachusetts."

Joseph M. Cacace headshot
Joseph Cacace

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 07

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this Murat Erkan enthusiastically. Murat is a tireless and passionate advocate for the rights of his clients. He is dogged and compassionate and works hard to achieve justice for each client. You are in good hands with Murat as your criminal defense attorney."

Danya F. Fullerton headshot
Danya Fullerton

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 07

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"I endorse this lawyer. He is experienced, thorough, hardworking, smart, and creative. Everyone in his office is dedicated to the firm’s clients, diligent, and approachable."

Thomas A. Ozbolt headshot
Thomas Ozbolt

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 07

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"I worked for Murat for several years, and I can say without reservation that I have never worked for or with a better person or lawyer. Murat's preparation is incomparable, while others are leaving the office early, Murat burns the midnight oil until he has explored every possible avenue of defense for his clients. While other attorneys have fairly rote and predictable opening statements/closing arguments that they continually rely upon for one size fits all, Murat crafts every opening statement and closing argument to match the facts of the case and the personal characteristics of the client. In terms of direct and cross examination, Murat prepares and maps out every single question (with room for improvisation in the flow of the conversation) far ahead of time so that nothing catches him by surprise... except for when witnesses concoct pure fiction, but that's when you've awakened the lion. Murat spares no one who commits perjury. Murat is a warrior and the best lawyer I know."

David R Yannetti headshot
David Yannetti

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 07

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I first met Murat several years ago, when he was working in the district attorney's office. We had a case against each other. I was impressed with both his professionalism and skill. Since then, I have watched his practice and his reputation grow as a criminal defense attorney. He cares about his cases and his clients. He does a very nice job and gets great results. I endorse him!"

H. Scott Aalsberg headshot
H. Aalsberg

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"If you need the best representation for any criminal matter you need Attorney Murat Erkan, Esq. A Top notch lawyer who knows how to fight and more importantly Win for his clients. Put him and his elite team to work for you. I endorse him."

Rahul Aggarwal headshot
Rahul Aggarwal

Unknown lawyer | Mar 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"An excellent lawyer who treats clients with patience, care, understanding, and utmost professionalism - an even better person and I wholeheartedly recommend for future services."

Vikas S. Dhar headshot
Vikas Dhar

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Murat knows his stuff - he is always called on by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly to comment on recent SJC decisions. Very well respected. I endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements
Joe Prieto headshot
Joe Prieto

Criminal defense lawyer

Thomas A. Ozbolt headshot
Thomas Ozbolt

Criminal defense lawyer

David R Yannetti headshot
David Yannetti

Criminal defense lawyer

H. Scott Aalsberg headshot
H. Aalsberg

Criminal defense lawyer

Rahul Aggarwal headshot
Rahul Aggarwal

Immigration lawyer

Vikas S. Dhar headshot
Vikas Dhar

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.5 (Superb)

Honors

2020

Top 10 Best Criminal Defense Law Firm, Attorney and Practice Magazine

2020

AV Preeminent, Martindale-Hubbell®

Work Experience

2006 - Present

Principal, Erkan & Associates, LLC

1998 - 2006

Assistant District Attorney, Essex County District Attorney's Office

Associations

2020 - Present

Attorney and Practice Magazine

Certified

2019 - Present

US Court of Appeals, First Circuit

Member

2019 - Present

Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2010 - Present

Massachusetts Bar Association

Member

2006 - Present

US District Court, District of Massachusetts

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Assault with intent to rape - charges withdrawn

Case dismissed

State prison sentence in drug case reduced to time served

Client released from prison

Client wrongfully charged with drug sales to undercover detective

Client exonerated

Sex assault charges dismissed, plea to simple assault and battery with probation

Sex assault charges dismissed, plea to simple assault and battery with probation

Sexual assault of a minor charges dismissed

Case dismissed

Felony domestic assault and witness intimidation conviction vacated, case dismissed

Conviction vacated; case dismissed

Gun possession charges dismissed following illegal search

Case dismissed

Unattended firearm charges dismissed at clerk's hearing

No charges issued

Drug charges dismissed following illegal stop

Case dismissed

Client relieved of duty to register as sex offender

Sex offender registration obligation terminated

Domestic assault charges dismissed

Case dismissed

Domestic assault charges dismissed

Case dismissed

Client facing Federal drug trafficking charges carrying ten year mandatory sentence in New York sentenced to two years

Mandatory 10 year sentence reduced to 2 years

Motion to suppress evidence of shooting allowed

Evidence thrown out of court

Conviction overturned due to ineffective assistance of prior lawyer, case dismissed

Conviction vacated, case dismissed

Evidence suppressed as a result of illegal search

Evidence thrown out of court

Illegal search results in dismissal of drug charges

Evidence thrown out, case dismissed

Assault with a dangerous weapon charges dismissed

Case dismissed

Drug and gun charges dismissed after cross-examination shows officer lied in court

Case dismissed

Charges dismissed prior to resolution of appeal

Case dismissed

Fentanyl conspiracy charge carrying 12 year mandatory, client sentenced to 3 to 4 years

Sentence reduced to 1/4 minimum allowed by law

Stabbing charges dismissed

Case dismissed

Wrongful conviction vacated; case dismissed

Conviction set aside; case dismissed

Unjust conviction overturned; case dismissed

Case dismissed; client is no longer deportable as a result of this conviction

Client saved from deportation resulting from wrongful conviction

Conviction vacated; case dismissed; client no longer faces immigration consequences as a result of his conviction.

No charges issue following hockey brawl

No charges issued

Assault and battery case dismissed on payment of restitution

Case dismissed

Drunk driving, second offense charge dismissed

DUI charge dismissed, client receives probation on lesser charge

Client saved from immigration removal proceedings following unlawful conviction

Case dismissed

Leaving the scene of personal injury accident charges dismissed

Case dismissed

Domestic assault charges dismissed

Case dismissed

Leaving scene of accident causing injury charges dismissed

Case dismissed

No charges issue on complaint of leaving the scene of an accident

No charges issued

Federal drug conspiracy client receives less than 1/3 of applicable sentence

Client sentence reduced below applicable mandatory

Sexual assault charges dismissed

Case dismissed

DWI alcohol and drugs client acquitted

Client found not guilty

Court agrees conviction was in violation of client's constitutional rights; case dismissed

Client no longer faces deportation as a result of conviction; case re-opened and dismissed.

Client acquitted of DWI 5th offense after Attorney Erkan's cross-examination undermines credibility of police testimony

Client acquitted

Ill counseled guilty plea set aside; case dismissed

Case dismissed

Drug dealing charges dismissed following allegation of illegal arrest

Case dismissed

Drunk driving charges dismissed mid-trial after Attorney Erkan's cross-examination exposes State Police Trooper's perjury

Client acquitted

False identity charges withdrawn

Charges withdrawn

Drug trafficking charges dismissed following state police stop of dubious legality

Case dismissed

Charges against alleged wholesale marijuana dealer dismissed

Case dismissed

Federal drug trafficker receives less than 1/2 applicable minimum mandatory

Client receives substantially reduced sentence

All charges against wanted fugitive dismissed

Case dismissed

Jury acquits client of charges of assaulting a disabled elderly person

Client acquitted

Evidence excluded as a result of prosecutorial non-disclosure

Case dismissed

Pre-indictment delay results in dismissal of drug charge carrying 12 year mandatory sentence

Case dismissed

Dismissal of all charges against client accused of forcible rape of a child at knife-point

Case dismissed

Following admission, drug distribution charges dismissed

Case dismissed after continuance without a finding

All but one charge dismissed in three separate domestic abuse cases

All but one count dismissed; client sentenced to time-served on remaining count of restraining order violation

All charges dismissed after client takes brief interlude with lawyer who dishonestly promises favorable outcome to client

Case dismissed

Domestic assault and threats charges dismissed on trial date

Case dismissed

Prior lawyer negotiates two year jail sentence in drug case; we appear and client receives probation

Client serves no jail time

Documentation irregularities lead to dismissal of drug charges

Case dismissed

Fugitive drug trafficker avoids 15 year minimum mandatory, receives 1 year in county jail in interstate drug case

Charges reduced, client sentenced to 1/15 of minimum mandatory sentence

Following exclusion of post-arrest statements and breathalyzer test, case dismissed

Case dismissed

Case against suspected drug dealer dismissed following general continuance

Case dismissed after general continuance

Charges against client found with drugs in his mouth dismissed as a result of illegal stop

Case dismissed

Following negotiations, prosecutor and detective agree to dismiss crack distribution case

Case dismissed

Retaliatory charges against domestic abuse survivor dismissed prior to arraignment

Charges dismissed prior to arraignment

Attorney Basso establishes restraining order plaintiff lacked credibility; restraining order terminated

Restraining order terminated

Associate counsel secures acquittal of client charged with driving under the influence

Client acquitted of DWI/OUI/DUI

Client accused of drug dealing has conviction filed with no sentence

Guilty filed with no sentence

Investigation exonerates our client of armed robbery; leads to identification of guilty party

Client exonerated

Guilty plea arising from ineffective plea negotiations set aside; client resolves case with no immigration consequences

Conviction set aside; client avoids deportation and is now a citizen

Negotiated dismissal of operating to endanger

Case dismissed after general continuance

Investigation reveals motive for false charges; case dismissed

Case dismissed

Drug charges dismissed after associate counsel establishes illegal stop

Case dismissed

Allegation of probation violation not sustained

Probation violation terminated

Case against alleged fugitive drug trafficker dismissed

Case dismissed

Investigation reveals charges motivated by deceit, hostility; case dismissed

Case dismissed

Associate atty shows faulty ID invalidated stop of client; trafficking charges dismissed

Case dismissed

License fraud charges dismissed

Case dismissed

Drug conviction filed with no sentence or jail time

Guilty filed with no sentence

Negotiation results in dismissal of all charges in heroin trafficking case

Case dismissed

Out of court statements excluded; domestic assault, murder threats case dismissed

Case dismissed

Attorney Basso establishes unlawful raid of hotel room; cocaine trafficking case dismissed

Evidence thrown out, case dismissed

Heroin distribution charges continued without a finding then dismissed

Dismissed following continuance without a finding

Attorney Basso secures not guilty verdict following alleged drug deal

Client found not guilty

Charges of dealing heroin in a school or park zone dismissed after general continuance

Case dismissed

Conviction secured through faulty lawyering overturned; case dismissed

Conviction overturned; case dismissed

Heroin distribution and conspiracy charges dismissed on trial date

Case dismissed

Domestic abuse survivor exploited by drug trafficker has conviction overturned; case dismissed

Conviction thrown out; case dismissed

Government dismisses breaking and entering charges after we file motion to dismiss and suppress

Case dismissed

Our office challenges constitutionality of minimum mandatory drug laws

Reduced sentence following plea

Case against alleged drug trafficker dismissed following illegal stop and prosecutorial nondisclosure of evidence

Evidence thrown out, case dismissed

Case dismissed against client accused of selling drugs in department store

Case dismissed

Charges against alleged leader of credit card fraud ring dismissed

Case dismissed

Attorney Basso secures dismissal of license fraud case

Case dismissed

Drug possession complaint denied by clerk

No charges issued

Felony assault, cocaine distribution plea set aside; case dismissed

Plea set aside; case dismissed

License fraud charges dismissed

Case dismissed

Prior lawyer fails to warn client of immigration consequences of plea; plea overturned

Plea overturned; guilty filed with no sentence

Associate counsel establishes illegal search; cocaine distribution case dismissed

Case dismissed

Court files without any sentence conviction for Insurance fraud

Guilty filed with no sentence

Drug conviction overturned for Cambodian Refugee fleeing violence from Khmer Rouge

Conviction overturned; case dismissed; client is now a U.S. Citizen

Suspended license charge dismissed

Case dismissed

Cocaine distribution case dismissed as a result of prosecutorial non-compliance with court orders

Case dismissed

See More Legal Cases

Education

1997

University of Richmond, The T. C. Williams School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1994

Drew University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Publications

2014

2010

Ex-bus driver arraigned on rape charges Lowell Sun

2006

2006

2005

2000

1999

Eagle Tribune Police: money made here

Languages

Spanish

Turkish

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
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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