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 | DUI & DWI

Posted by Jonathan | June 21, 2018 | Hired Attorney

2nd OUI Non-Guilty Verdict

If you live in the Greater Boston area and need representation for your criminal case, call Kristen F. Bonavita. Kristen's extensive professional career within Massachusetts Criminal Law, exceptional litigation talents, and down-to-earth honesty makes her a venerated attorney within the courthouse. ... A year and a half ago, I was stopped by Massachusetts State Police for 2nd Offense OUI, Negligent Operation, Speeding, among a few other charges. Fearing the outcome these charges would have as an impact on my life, I turned towards Kristen Bonavita as my legal defense attorney. I initially chose to consult with Kristen because of her background as Criminal Prosecutor for both the Office of the Attorney General and the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office. She listened to my case, advised me on my options, and most importantly asked me what I was looking to accomplish. She quickly went to work to create a tactful, yet conclusive argument for my case. We went to trial in which I was found NOT-GUILTY for OUI, and ZERO jail time. Get the results you need, choose Kristen F. Bonavita as your legal defense attorney.

Posted by Patricia | February 17, 2018 | Hired Attorney

Simply the Best

I never thought that I would need a criminal defense attorney, but one night a police officer stopped me, and arrested me for DUI. I was shocked, since I my driving was not impaired, and my blood alcohol level was under the legal limit, but I did not pass the field sobriety test--particularly since I... have medical issues that affect my balance. I had no idea what my options might be, but I found Kristen on the internet. She responded immediately, and I instantly knew that she was outstanding. We ended up going to trial. Kristen was brilliant in court, but as importantly, she guided me through the difficult process, providing support and encouragement when I needed it. When the judge ruled "Not Guilty", I felt an enormous relief. I was so impressed with Kristen as my attorney and as a person, that I have asked her to help with my estate planning. Simply put, she is the best attorney I could ever hope for.

Posted by Joseph | January 29, 2018 | Hired Attorney

Highly recommended attorney

Attorney Kristen Bonavita represented my son for an OUI charge. My son was stopped at a Joint Operations Sobriety Checkpoint. Believing he was ok he completely cooperated with the police but was taken to the police station. Before Kristen took the case she asked for all the relevant details. Afte...r she took the case she reviewed all the options my son had to weigh from continued without finding to a possible trial. She was very direct, open, honest and gave her opinion the case was very defensible. That said, she did leave the final decision to my son. Kristen maintained consistent communication and support during the entire time when needed. (even weekends when needed though she has a family of her own to care for!) She did her homework and due diligence to be prepared herself and just as important be sure my son was prepared. (as was his parents) She made no promises but kept us apprised of the risks and benefits moving forward. I was impressed with her professionalism with us, the court staff and other counsel. She exhibited the experience and knowledge (and emotional support) to best work with my son and this case. Kristen can also be tough when needed, candid with my son, and direct in the court room. The case resulted in not guilty. No matter the outcome I was very impressed with Attorney Bonavita’s work ethic, experience, knowledge and obviously results. Having an OUI on one’s record can really hinder future employment. More than a year has passed since this incident and my son secured a good job. Kristen helped him in more ways the one. I’ve shared my story with family and friends (and other attorneys) Kristen is one of the best.

Posted by Nick | July 28, 2015

OUI Case

I hired Kristen over a year ago for an OUI charge. Unfortunately, this wasn't the first time I had been charged with OUI, so I was facing extremely severe punishments. Initially, my chances of prevailing seemed bleak. However, as time went on, Kristen was able to chip away important pieces of “eviden...ce” the government was trying to use against me and we proceeded to trial with better odds. During trial, Kristen did an excellent job cross-examining my arresting officer and defending me in general. Kristen suggested a bench trial because of the circumstances surrounding my case. I took her advice, which turned out to be a smart move, because at the end of the trial the verdict was not guilty. I couldn't have hired a better attorney. Kristen is an outstanding litigator and trial lawyer. She navigates the law so well that it’s impossible for her excellence to go unnoticed in the courtroom. Even more, it’s the things that do go unnoticed outside the courtroom that she may do even better – the private counsel from defense attorney to client. On more than one occasion her supportive words helped me get through difficult emotional bouts while the case was pending. At times she was firm with me when she needed to be regarding various legal approaches, all the while exhibiting honesty, integrity, and ethics. I could write for hours about how highly I think of Kristen and the reasons why. This is only a review though, so I'll say one last thing. If you're in trouble with the law, you need to speak with Kristen Bonavita. Period.

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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  • 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