Kristen Farrell Bonavita

Kristen Farrell Bonavita

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 20 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Newburyport, MA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI

6 Harris Street, Newburyport, MA

About Kristen

Biography

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 50%

From Drugs, DUI, to White Collar crimes, Kristen Bonavita handles all criminal matters in the Essex and Middlesex Massachusetts State Court System.

20 years

50%
DUI and DWI 50%

20 years

50%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer


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Licenses

Licensed in Massachusetts for 20 years

State: Massachusetts

Acquired: 2005

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Law Office of Kristen Farrell Bonavita

6 Harris Street, Newburyport, MA, 01950-2603

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Kristen Farrell Bonavita's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

22 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (22) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 4 of 4 reviews | Lawsuits & Disputes

Posted by Martin | June 10, 2025 | Hired Attorney

Truly Dedicated and Committed

Our family hired Attorney Kristen Farrell Bonavita to represent my son in a complex motor vehicle accident case that lasted over two years which included a mental health component. Throughout the entire process, Kristen demonstrated exceptional legal skill and dedication. She successfully navigated t...he complexities of the case and ultimately secured a positive outcome for my son and our family. Beyond her legal expertise, Kristen was a constant source of support. She communicated clearly, kept us informed, and truly advocated for our son—not just as a client, but as a person. Her compassion, integrity, and commitment to achieving the right result was life changing for my son and our family. Speaking on behalf of my entire family, we highly recommend Kristen to anyone in need of an attorney who not only understands the law but also genuinely cares for her clients. We are forever thankful for your care and guidance

Posted by Kevin | December 07, 2019 | Hired Attorney

Very Pleased and Grateful

Recently, I was in a dark place legally. I didn't know what to do or where to turn for help. I searched for attorneys online, read Kristen Bonavita's impressive bio and reviews, and chose to call her for an appointment. Kristen's sincerity, intelligence, and knowledge of the law gave me hope. I didn'...t know anything about the legal system or what to expect, and Kristen explained everything calmly and succinctly so I could understand it. I put my complete trust in her. She worked tirelessly, and in the end, won everything she said she would for me! In her, I am truly grateful and honored that she represented me!

Posted by Katie | July 10, 2019 | Hired Attorney

The best possible attorney

I found myself in a situation that I never dreamed possible, and luckily had the foresight to find a lawyer right away. Because I had no experience navigating the world of police or courts, I decided that my selection had to be well-researched and that I would not settle for anything but the best pos...sible attorney. After reading all the reviews, all the accolades, and experiences of lawyers in my area, I chose Kristen Bonavita. That was the right choice. Upon my first meeting with her, I gathered that she was quick-thinking, laser-focused, and absolutely no-nonsense. Going forward, Kristen was openly available via phone and email to all my queries, whether they were informational or emotional. She helped me understand what each possible outcome of my case could be, the implications each of them carried, and helped me weigh my options based on her extensive experience. She did not sugar-coat anything, but was pragmatic in her her outlook, which helped me make an educated decision about how exactly to best bring my nightmare to a close without being guided by emotions (which were running high). She is a good person, and easily one of the smartest people I've ever met. I felt empowered having her on my side, and if she hadn't settled my case so beautifully without a trial, I know I would have thoroughly enjoyed watching her in action in my defense. I give Kristen Bonavita my highest recommendation!

Posted by Leslie Altimier | January 26, 2018 | Hired Attorney

With litigation expertise, extensive experience, & positive results, let Attorney Bonavita fight for you!

I hired Kristen Bonavita as my attorney last year for a civil case. Our condo association hired a company to perform a large repair of our condo unit. When all members of the HOA met with the company representative, he suggested that his company complete a task prior to completing the overall project... they were hired for and committed to perform this task. While performing the overall project, I was informed the company would not follow through with said committed task. I wrote a factual 7-sentence "review" on a 'Review Website' and was subsequently sued for over $ 20K for Defamation and Commercial Disparagement; all for a review that he perceived as "negative." I thought this lawsuit was a ridiculous and believed I could 'represent myself' because it seemed so trivial. After collecting the facts, preparing notes, and talking with the Plaintiff's attorney, it became instantly clear that I did not have the legal expertise or knowledge to represent myself. I contacted one 'reputable' attorney in town, who rather arrogantly suggested (without even seeing the case) that I pay him $1K to "write a letter" to the plaintiff stating I would take the review down. What happened to Freedom of Speech? What value do 'Review sites' have if you get sued for writing a factual review? I aggressively researched attorneys, their education, experience, track record and results; which is when I came across Kristen Farrell Bonavita, in my opinion, the best attorney in New England! Not only was Attorney Bonavita a former prosecutor with the Suffolk County District Attorney's office and Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General, she graduated from Boston College and Suffolk University Law School!!! Although Ms. Bonavita specialized in criminal defense, I saw her record, and emailed her from her website. Attorney Bonavita called me within 8 hours., yet she did not promise success, nor did she even offer to take the case; she wanted to first review the facts. After a thorough review, Attorney Bonavita agreed to take my case. Ms. Bonavita guided me through the entire legalese process, step by step. With the utmost trust and relief, I handed the entire case over to her. She took control, kept me constantly updated, called when she needed to, reviewed any decisions related to settlement offers, costs being incurred, and next steps depending on what option or choice I made. Kristen had the unique ability to consume an overwhelming amount of data and drill down to the absolute necessary details. She individually returned every email and/or phone call, immediately - even on weekends and evenings. She was honest, transparent, nonjudgmental, and respectful throughout our entire journey. What really impressed me, was her excellent listening skills and ability to read my personality. Although this seemed like a 'trivial' lawsuit, she supported me, and was willing to help me, the 'Underdog Victim', fight the Corporate Bully. The seemingly trivial case went to a jury trial, and WOW, this is where Kristen Farrell Bonavita ROCKS the Universe!! With Attorney Bonavita's previous experience as an Assistant Attorney General and prosecutor, her litigation skills and extensive courtroom experience trying hundreds of cases, was obvious to all. Needless to say, We WON!!!! Even if the outcome had been different, I would still be writing this glowing review. Attorney Bonavita was relentless and never gave up; she was beyond prepared. She was calm, cool, collected, AND, the most organized human being I have ever known. When the Judge asked for any documents, she had it at her fingertips, even documents that should have been provided by the Plaintiff's attorney. The best advice I can offer to anyone needing legal support, is to give Kristen Farrell Bonavita a call. Don't try fighting by yourself because you need the legal expertise, a trusted advisor, and a respected advocate that has your interests in mind at all times.

See All Client Reviews

Kristen Farrell Bonavita's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Kristen
Meredith Hurley Makin headshot
Meredith Makin

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Kristen is a tremendously skilled attorney with a tireless work ethic. I highly recommend Attorney Bonavita without reservation."

Theresa L. Gomes headshot
Theresa Gomes

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Stephen T. Novick headshot
Stephen Novick

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Farrell-Bonavita is an experienced and aggressive attorney. With her past experience as an Assistant Attorney General, she is extremely capable of handling cases in the criminal court. Without hesitation, I endorse this lawyer."

John Hancock Kimball III headshot
John Kimball

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Attorney Bonavita is a professional who is dedicated to serving her clients. I highly recommend her as she has a proven track record of success."

M. Todd Miller headshot
M. Miller

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Clint Bruce Muche headshot
Clint Muche

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 07

Relationship: Other

"I previously worked with Ms. Bonavita. At present, we both practice within the same communities. I endorse this Ms. Bonavita's skill and experience in criminal defense."

Keith Durden headshot
Keith Durden

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 16

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements
Craig J. MacLellan headshot
Craig MacLellan

Litigation lawyer

Meredith Hurley Makin headshot
Meredith Makin

Family lawyer

David M Owens headshot
David Owens

Criminal defense lawyer

Edward W. Krippendorf Jr. headshot
Edward Krippendorf

Criminal defense lawyer

Joseph Daniel Eisenstadt headshot
Joseph Eisenstadt

Criminal defense lawyer

William J. Galvin headshot
William Galvin

Criminal defense lawyer

Marjorie Pauleon Tynes headshot
Marjorie Tynes

Criminal defense lawyer

Theresa L. Gomes headshot
Theresa Gomes

Criminal defense lawyer

Fritz M. Pluviose headshot
Fritz Pluviose

Criminal defense lawyer

Lefteris K. Travayiakis headshot
Lefteris Travayiakis

Criminal defense lawyer

Stephen T. Novick headshot
Stephen Novick

Criminal defense lawyer

Kevin Michael Cloutier headshot
Kevin Cloutier

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2019

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers

2018

Top 100 Lawyers, American Society of Legal Advocates

2018

Client's Choice - Criminal Defense, Avvo

2017

Top 100 Lawyers, American Society of Legal Advocates

2016

Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers

2007

Prosecutor of the Year, Boston Municipal Court, Dorchester Division

Work Experience

2011 - Present

Attorney, Law Office of Kristen Farrell Bonavita

2008 - 2011

Assistant District Attorney, Suffolk County Districit Attorney's Office

2006 - 2008

Assistant Attorney General, Massachusetts Attorney General's Office

2005 - 2006

Tax and Legal Attorney, Ernst & Young

Associations

2015 - Present

Newburyport Bar Association

Member

2011 - Present

Newburyport Chamber of Commerce

Member

Essex County Bar Association

Education

2005

Suffolk University Law School

JD - Juris Doctor

1999

Boston College

BS - Bachelor of Science

Speaking Engagements

2017

What Every Lawyer Needs to Know about Immigration Law

What Every Lawyer Needs to Know about Immigration Law

2010

Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education

Trying Drug Cases

2009

Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education

Trying Drug Cases

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
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