Philip L. Arnel

PRO

Philip L. Arnel

5.0
191 reviews
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
Rating: 9.3

Licensed for 31 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Westwood, MA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Expungement, Domestic Violence ... +4 more

355 Providence Hwy Ste 100, Westwood, MA

Free Consultation

About Philip

Biography

RELENTLESS PERSEVERANCE

Practice Areas

7

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 20%

All criminal defense, including assault; domestic violence; restraining order violations; firearms charges; sex offenses; theft/property crimes; white collar crime; expungement. Please visit www.arnellaw.com for complete detailed information.

34 years

20%
Car Accident 15%

Auto accidents; motorcycle accidents; truck accidents; premises accidents; recreational accidents; slip and fall cases; wrongful death. Please visit www.arnellaw.com for complete detailed information.

34 years

15%
DUI and DWI 15%

All DUI, DWI, & OUI; Breathalyzer refusal charges; vehicular homicide, assault, manslaughter and other alcohol & drug-related motor vehicle charges

34 years

15%
Domestic Violence 15%

Defending against the civil issuance of restraining orders (i.e., 209A Abuse Prevention Order and/or 258E Harassment Prevention Order); criminal defense of restraining order violations; expunging records of 209A and 258E orders. Please visit www.arnellaw.com for complete detailed information.

34 years

15%
Expungement 15%

Sealing & expunging state criminal records (CORI); updating and correcting FBI arrest records; expunging civil records of restraining orders (i.e. 209A Abuse Prevention Order and/or 258E Harassment Prevention Order). Please visit www.arnellaw.com for complete detailed information.

34 years

15%
Cannabis Law 10%

Marijuana & Cannabis charges including underage possession; DUI, DWI, OUI & traffic citations; cultivation & trafficking; school zone drug violation. Please visit www.arnellaw.com for complete detailed information.

10%
Drug Crime 10%

Drug possession and drug trafficking — drug possession, distribution, manufacturing; cultivation & trafficking in cocaine, crack cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine, prescription drugs, heroin, Ecstasy & other controlled substances.

10%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check

Awards

Platinum Client Champion
Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2021 2020 2019

Licenses

Licensed in Massachusetts for 31 years

State: Massachusetts

Acquired: 1994

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Law Office of Philip L. Arnel

355 Providence Hwy Ste 100, Westwood, MA, 02090-1909

arnellaw.com/

Online Presence

Other places you can find Philip online.

Philip L. Arnel's Reviews

5 star

(55)

4 star

(0)

3 star

(0)

2 star

(0)

1 star

(1)

Posted by John | November 1, 2024 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

Real deal

Phillip Arnell is old school in the best possible way. I'm not even a paying client yet, but I thoroughly enjoyed my conversation with him and he was invaluable in providing information on the mechinations of the local courts and FBI background checks. I am prompted to write this review in part becau...se I thoroughly appreciate his taking time, whilst in the middle of a visit with his family, to speak with me over the phone regarding a relatively minor issue. To be honest, my review stems more from the fact that he extended this courtesy to me, moreso than anything concerning law. Now, concerning law, you might consider him an "attorney's attorney". As someone who appreciates dedication to craft, I was genuinely impressed with his accomplishments. This review might sound over the top, but Arnell is over the top. I suspect watching him go to work in the courtroom would be a sight to behold. Legally beneficial, absolutely, but with this sort of person you may moreso find yourself walking away both educated and entertained. And that might be worth the price of admission. He just seems like a good person, whether or not I proceed to retain legal services, you might consider this a "review of the person". Check out his other reviews, they aren't kidding. Somebody in another review said he treats his clients like family... maybe I'm misremembering that, but either way, that was my impression after talking to him on the phone. He's a real Bostonian too, if you dig that. For the record, my legal enquiry was concerning the sealing or expungement of FBI criminal history background check (Rap Sheet or IdHS). He is a subject matter expert on this particular topic, nationwide. What can I say, I like the guy and appreciated his help!

Posted by anonymous | December 10, 2021 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

saved me from an (unjust) criminal record

There are few things more terrifying than being accused of a crime you didn't commit. I am grateful to have had a strong defense lawyer like Phil on my side. He explained everything so that I could understand it, and thoroughly prepared me for the hearing. Phil was responsive and made me feel like my... case was important to him. I am happy to report that we won my case. I would recommend Phil to anyone.

Posted by Mary K | December 9, 2021 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

FBI CORI Seal & Update

Working with Attorney Philip was an amazing experience. Before meeting Philip, I was in a panic as I had received an offer from as a federal contractor and I had to do an FBI CORI which required fingerprints. I had called the lawyer who had worked on my case and tried to get him to Seal and Update my... FBI CORI but his response was “there’s nothing we can do.” That is when I went online to do my research and that’s how I landed on attorney Philip’s website. I read through the testimonies on his website but I had to say, I was skeptical at first because not everything that’s on the internet is real. I followed my gut & called attorney Philip’s office. Philip was extremely knowledgeable about the FBI Sealing and Updating CORI process and he was able to answer all my questions. It felt great working with a lawyer that was confident in his work. Philip returns phone calls and emails promptly. Once I handed all the required documents he needed to work on my case, it took him 5 days to give me the exciting news that my FBI CORI was sealed and that the FBI update will be effective within 17 weeks. I highly recommend Philip and I will hire him again for any legal issues.

Posted by anonymous | December 5, 2021 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Review

Based on my experience, I would highly recommend Phil to be your lawyer to represent you and your situation. I was able to quickly connect and talk to him about my specific difficult situation and without hesitation immediately started to work on my case. Throughout the process he was always availabl...e to talk and was very proactive in address the situation. He kept updated throughout the process. When it came to resolving the issue, he explained everything in detail and ultimately helped to mediate the case and resolve the issue to my complete satisfaction. He was able to communicate and keep me updated. Very professional and organized.

Posted by anonymous | November 20, 2021 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

258E summons

On September 27th, 2021 I received a summons to appear in court on October 8th, 2021 to defend myself against a 258E. Basically, I had sent some off-taste messages to an old worker who had essentially ghosted me. When I received the summons, I felt as if I had not harassed her, but was not sure how t...o defend myself. I also have a clean record, and did not want to risk having a restraining order on my record. That's when I contacted Phil. Phil responded within minutes, and had me gather all the needed documents so he could adequately defend me. Within a few days, he knew exactly how he was going to approach the case and he gave me confidence that we could win. The whole trial lasted about 10 minutes, and the judge even took a minute to acknowledge that Phil was very competent and knowledgeable about the law at hand. We won the case, and I definitely think Phil is the reason for that. I now still have a clean record, and have Phil to thank. Thanks Phil!

See All Client Reviews

Philip L. Arnel's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Philip
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."

Patrick T. Donovan headshot
Patrick Donovan

Car accident lawyer | Oct 13

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I wholeheartedly endorse Attorney Phil Arnel. Phil goes above and beyond for each of clients and gets great results. He is respected in every courtroom in Massachusetts."

Daniel L. Kron headshot
Daniel Kron

Domestic violence lawyer | Oct 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Simply said, Philip is an outstanding domestic violence attorney. Highly recommended!"

Jaye L. Samuels headshot
Jaye Samuels

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 14

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I recently worked with Phil handling a Restraining Order and divorce while he handled connected potential criminal issues. He is highly informative, incredibly experienced, and excellent to work with. He also provided an excellent overview of expungement proceedings. I would highly recommend Phil for work in either area."

Barry J. Barth headshot
Barry Barth

Litigation lawyer | Jul 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Phil to be a strong advocate and effective attorney for many years. I would strongly recommend Phil to individuals seeking representation in personal civil or criminal matters."

Michael P. Stapleton headshot
Michael Stapleton

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Highly professional. Excellent attorney that achieves great results."

Jonathan Samuel Levin headshot
Jonathan Levin

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have worked with Attorney Arnel on numerous legal matters. He is passionate about his practice and zealously advocates for his clients. He is very experienced and has great knowledge in many areas of law."

Matthew Aaron Bock headshot
Matthew Bock

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Attorney Arnel for many years now and have always known him to be unfailingly honest, doggedly diligent and determined, and exceedingly competent in the representation of his clients. I highly endorse Attorney Arnel in the areas of criminal defense, personal injury, sealing and expunging records, and restraining order related litigation and proceedings."

Joseph G Butler headshot
Joseph Butler

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Emmanuel V Meimaris headshot
Emmanuel Meimaris

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Philip is a seasoned attorney whose judgment I trust. I have consulted with him on various cases and his perspective and practical court experience is very helpful. I have referred clients to him and they have been very satisfied with his keen insight and professionalism."

James A. Bigos headshot
James Bigos

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Phil is diligent and has high success rates. He is always prepared and learned and is dogged and persistent in presenting and arguing his cases."

Adam S. Avratin headshot
Adam Avratin

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jun 11

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have worked with Philip on several matters over the years and he is the consummate professional with unmatched zeal and class. His skill and acumen before the judiciary is proof of his expertise, ability to advocate and his knowledge of the law."

Keith G Langer headshot
Keith Langer

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Phil for over 20 years and endorse him."

Patrick M. Culhane headshot
Patrick Culhane

Car accident lawyer | Mar 27

Relationship: Friend

"Phil is an excellent Attorney who has been recognized for legal expertise in the area of sealing criminal records Phil can get your case settled for the most money possible."

View All Endorsements
Patrick T. Donovan headshot
Patrick Donovan

Criminal defense lawyer

Jaye L. Samuels headshot
Jaye Samuels

Family lawyer

Jonathan Samuel Levin headshot
Jonathan Levin

Estate planning lawyer

Michael P. Stapleton headshot
Michael Stapleton

Criminal defense lawyer

Matthew Aaron Bock headshot
Matthew Bock

International law lawyer

Joseph G Butler headshot
Joseph Butler

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Emmanuel V Meimaris headshot
Emmanuel Meimaris

Immigration lawyer

James A. Bigos headshot
James Bigos

Divorce and separation lawyer

Adam S. Avratin headshot
Adam Avratin

Family lawyer

Peter G. Calabrese headshot
Peter Calabrese

Construction and development lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.3 (Superb)

Honors

2020

Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2020

Client Champion Award, Martindale-Hubbell

2019

Client Champion Award, Martindale-Hubbell

2019

Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2014

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

1991

New England Scholar Award, New England School of Law

Work Experience

1994 - Present

Owner, Law Office of Philip L. Arnel

Associations

2004 - Present

Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2004 - Present

Bar Association of Norfolk County

Member

1996 - Present

Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc.

Sponsor Member

1994 - Present

Massachusetts Bar Association

Member

2002 - 2011

Massachusetts Academy of Trial Attorneys

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

EXPUNGING THE PERMANENT RECORD OF A RESTRAINING ORDER

Won

See More Legal Cases

Education

1994

New England School of Law

JD

1983

University of Massachusetts, Amherst

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Languages

English

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