Kevin J Mahoney

Kevin J Mahoney

4.9
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 36 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Cambridge, MA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI, White Collar Crime ... +2 more

545 Concord Avenue, Suite 22, Cambridge, MA

About Kevin

Biography

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 65%

Mahoney has won 44 of his last 47 trials* and has been lead counsel in more than 100 trials and appeals. He regularly provides on-air legal analysis for Fox News Live, Fox & Friends, CNN, Nancy Grace, and Court TV's Catherine Crier Live. Court TV's Forensic Files chronicled his successful defense of Christina Martin, the "Jell-O Murderer." His new book, Relentless Criminal Cross-Examination is available from James Publishing Company.

34 years | 5,000 cases

65%
DUI and DWI 15%

Mahoney has been representing those accused of driving while intoxicated for almost two decades. He dedicated an entire chapter of his best selling book, Relentless Criminal Prosecution, to teaching lawyers how to cross-examine the police officer who arrested a driver for OUI.

34 years | 500 cases

15%
White Collar Crime 10%

Relying on a variety of forensic experts, Mahoney has won acquittals for those accused of embezzlement (allegedly over $400,000.00) and other white collar crimes.

34 years | 100 cases

10%
Animal Law 5%

Mahoney has developed a niche practicing representing individuals in custody disputes over pets, and defending those accused of stealing a domestic companion animal. He is also available to defend dogs at risk for being put down.

23 years | 5 cases

5%
Appeals 5%

Both as an Assistant District Attorney and as a Defense Lawyer, Mahoney has been successfully winning appeals before the Appeals Court and the Supreme Judicial Court. As an Editor of the New England Law Review and author of the best selling book on cross-examination, Relentless Criminal Cross-Examination, he has nearly unmatched writing and legal research skills.

34 years | 100 cases

5%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Check

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Licenses

Licensed in Massachusetts for 36 years

State: Massachusetts

Acquired: 1989

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in New York for 19 years

State: New York

Acquired: 2006

Resigned

No misconduct found

Licensed in District of Columbia for 34 years

State: District of Columbia

Acquired: 1992

Administratively Suspended - Non-Payment of Dues

No misconduct found

Location

Mahoney Criminal Defense Group

545 Concord Avenue, Suite 22, Cambridge, MA, 02138

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Kevin J Mahoney's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

48 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 11 reviews | Responsiveness

Posted by anonymous | July 22, 2016 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

Class Act

I contacted Attorney Mahoney following a DUI charge that involved a minor motor vehicle accident. During my consultation with Attorney Mahoney, I was concerned that a potential guilty charge would impede my travels, to visit my elderly parents in Canada. On my behalf, Attorney Mahoney promptly cont...acted an immigration lawyer who determined that with my dual citizenship I still would be granted reentry to Canada. Since I could have been barred entry for five years, this knowledge was invaluable and decreased my stress considerable. Attorney Mahoney was not only receptive to my concerns, but also accommodated my work schedule when he arranged court dates and his appointments. Over twelve months, I met Attorney Mahoney several times and always found him to be professional, knowledgeable and extremely supportive. He was generous with his time during appointments and always returned telephone calls. Attorney Mahoney, was very thorough in my trial preparation and even took pictures of the accident site on a Sunday morning. The morning of my trial his diligence was extremely reassuring; fortunately, my case was dismissed. I am grateful that I contacted Attorney Mahoney after reading positive Web reviews and I would unequivocally endorse him, since he exceeded my expectations.

Posted by anonymous | May 15, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Genuine, Dedicated, Capable

Before I retained Attorney Mahoney I spoke with half a dozen other lawyers about my legal troubles. After six disheartening meetings at these other firms, I arrived at his consultation with low hopes. When I walked out an hour later, however, I knew he was the man to help me. Unlike anyone else I spo...ke with, Mr. Mahoney began strategizing immediately. He took me seriously and didn't bullshit me in the hopes of winning my business. Instead he was honest, forthright, and his command over the law was immediately apparent. His expertise got me through a very trying time in my life. Attorney Mahoney worked hard and impressed me with his dedication to my case, often helping me late into the night. Despite our packed schedules, he made himself available when I needed him and was very supportive. He's a fighter who cares strongly for his clients. By his own description, Attorney Mahoney is relentless. In everything that he did to help me, he more than lived up to that reputation. I would recommend him to anyone.

Posted by anonymous | April 15, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Skilled, committed, thorough.

I had an excellent experience with Attorney Mahoney and his staff. I was charged with a drug-related misdemeanor that could have jeopardized my career. During my consultation, Mr. Mahoney reviewed my case with an analytical eye, presenting my options to me in a fact-based, yet non-judgmental approach.... His years of experience in this field were apparent based on his skillful and professional presentation of my case during my hearing, which ultimately resulted in community service, saving me from losing my professional license. Additionally, throughout the entire process, his administrative staff was polite, responsive and highly organized, making the experience much less unpleasant. I highly recommend Attorney Mahoney.

Posted by Susan | October 13, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

A Compassionate, Honest, Godly Man

As Albert Einstein said, "Only a life worth living, is a life living for others." This truly portrays Mr. Mahoney! Mr. Mahoney initially came to meet our family member because he had been sent money and asked to represent her by a "so-called friend." After meeting with our family member, he discover...ed the money was unethical & refused the money but he most generously and graciously took the case Pro-Bono (as I am on minimum wage and unable to afford an attorney). What an exception to the rule and reputation of attorneys! Our family member's first attorney, court appointed, barely could give her the time of day, yet, Mr. Mahoney has made numerous trips to the correctional facility to spend quality time at great length. He makes sure to follow up with either me or another family member, by phone, to keep us updated. In the visits, phone calls & court appearances, Mr. Mahoney has been of the utmost respectful, compassionate, patient, never brushing us off or giving us the feeling he's too busy to discuss or give helpful advice, especially taking into consideration, he in NOT receiving one cent! His generosity has gone over & above - he has even sent books that she desired to read & support for supplies, to our loved one. He truly has a heart from God! This case is very challenging & trying & without complete cooperation from our family member. Although we (the family) never dreamed a loved one would be incarcerated & as emotionally devastating & crippling as this has been for our family, God truly blessed us with Mr. Mahoney! He has relentlessly continued to work for the best outcome & future for our loved one! Mr. Mahoney is an unbelievably honest, dedicated, sincere hearted, compassionate, Godly man, that unequivocally utilizes God's purpose - for him to help other people. I feel blessed that God sent Mr. Kevin Mahoney to represent our loved one!

Posted by Jay | July 24, 2015 | Domestic Violence

Be aware of this attorney's quiting in the middle of a case and keeping the flat fee he charged

Both of my 80+ years old parents were charged domestic violence and I asked Mr. Mahoney for help (largely based on the reviews here). During the first 'free' consultation, he was very optimistic, expressing that the case could be dismissed even before the scheduled court appearance in August. He coll...ected a flat fee, saying he would discuss the case after gathering all related paper works. But that promised discussion never happened, despite of my many requests. His excuse was always "I am busy with other cases". He wrote to DA’s office a letter that hurt rather than helped the case. He later argued that's his “assumption”. Not satisfying Mr. Mahoney's letter, the judge on the court day had the case continue to October. Mr. Mahoney seemed not happy with the extension of his time and was out of contact for about two months (he later blamed the turnover of his staff at that time). Before the Oct court day when he was finally on the phone and was asked about the out-of-contact, he claimed to 'quit' the case (I had to find other resources to defend my parents case and got it dismissed after two additional court hearings). However Mr. Mahoney still kept the flat fee for the whole case by switching from his flat fee agreement to his hourly rate charges, without my consent, including charging the first 'free' consultation he advertised. He later wrote a letter to me explicitly disallow me from contacting him with any forms. In short, Mr. Mahoney is not trustworthy, responsive and keeping client informed, but aggressive in maximizing his fees. He is the worst attorney that I experienced, among many good ones.

Kevin Mahoney

Replied last July 24, 2015

This client hired me to represent his parents, after his first attorney declined to further represent him/his parents following the clerk magistrate's hearing. At the initial meeting, the client explained to me that the Clerk had issued a criminal complaint against his father for Domestic Assault and Battery and against his mother for Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon (she was accused of stabbing her husband), and that the Disitrict Attorney's Office agreed to dismiss the charges against both parents, if one parent moved out of the apartment building (the police had been called to the apartment on multiple occasion to address disturbances between them). Because it seemed like the cases would require very little of my time, I charged him an extremely small fee ($3,500.00). The client, unfortunately, was not completely honest with me. Though he removed his father from the building, I later learned that he had not terminated the lease. This was unacceptable to the District Attorney's Office, which was apparently concerned that the client would move the father back into the apartment following dismissal of the charges. I explained to the client that the District Attorney's Office would only dismiss the charges, prior to arraignment, if he terminated the lease. He refused, insisting that there must be a way persuade the court to dismiss the charges prior to arraignment, which I explained to him was not possible. Three days before the scheduled arraignment, the client telephoned my office and asked to meet with me the following day. I explained to him because I was preparing for a trial, I could not meet with him. Undeterred, he repeatedly telephoned my secretary, and emailed me, throughout the day, insisting that I meet with him prior to the arraignment. Speaking with him again, I patiently explained to him that I had an obligation to the other client to be fully prepared and I certainly could not meet with him during the trial. He remained adamant that I set aside time to meet with him at 7:00 a.m. on the morning of the trial. I finally informed him that I believed he would be better served by another attorney. I agreed, however, to appear at court for the arraignment, and that day only, because he did not have enough time to locate another attorney. I appeared at the arraignment as promised, and successfully persuaded the judge to postpone the arraignment. Following the court appearance, the client apologized to me for his behavior. I was, however, unwilling to continue with the cases. During a telephone conversation with the client many weeks later, he expressed his outrage that I had not telephoned him since the court date. I reminded him that I was no longer representing his parents. Becoming further incensed, he threatened to report me to the Board of Bar Overseers if I did not continue with the case. I declined to resume representing his parents. He filed a complaint with the Board of Bar Overseers, raising all the issues he raises in this review. I proved to the Board of Bar Overseers that this former client was lying and, after a seven month investigation, it absolved me of any wrong doing. With regard to his claim that I billed him unfairly, my fee agreement with the client was a fixed fee agreement; the fee agreement (which he reviewed and signed) specifically states that I will bill the client at my hourly rate (up to the fixed fee) if, for any reason, my representation is terminated prior to the conclusion of the case. Because I charged him such a small fee, and I invested far more time in the case than I had anticipated, my hourly rate exceeded the fee. Nevertheless, I offered to refund a portion of the fee he had paid me. He refused my offer.

See All Client Reviews

Kevin J Mahoney's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Kevin
David R Yannetti headshot
David Yannetti

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Kevin since the early 1990's, when we were colleagues together at the Middlesex District Attorney's Office. As criminal defense attorneys, we have represented co-defendants in a high-profile perjury case. I have found Kevin to be a well-prepared, articulate fighter for his clients. I enthusiastically endorse him for those seeking representation for a criminal defense matter."

David James Reger Ionson headshot
David Ionson

Lawsuits and disputes lawyer | Aug 18

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have had the pleasure of working with Attorney Mahoney on various cases and routinely solicit Attorney's Mahoney's council on litigation matters. Attorney Mahoney relentlessly and diligently represents his clients using the full extent of his vast abilities. Drawing upon his comprehensive trial experience combined with a brilliant legal mind and meticulous attention to detail make Attorney Mahoney a powerhouse in the courtroom and across the negotiation table. I would recommend Attorney Mahoney without reservation."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | May 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Kevin. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Inna Rifman headshot
Inna Rifman

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer.His responses on avvo evidence a deep understanding and knowledge of the law."

View All Endorsements
Joan Marie Legraw headshot
Joan Legraw

Litigation lawyer

David R Yannetti headshot
David Yannetti

Criminal defense lawyer

David James Reger Ionson headshot
David Ionson

Business lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2016

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers

2015

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association

2014

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers

2013

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers

2012

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers

2011

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers

2010

The Top 100 Trial Lawyers, American Trial Lawyers Association

2008

The Top 100 Trial Lawyers, The American Trial Lawyers Association

1999

Member, National Registry of Who's Who

1989

American Jurisprudence Book Award for Advanced Trial Practice, New England School of Law

1989

Listed, Who's Who Among American Law Students, 9th Ed.

1988

Listed, Who's Who Among American Law Students, 8th Ed.

1987

Member, New England Law Review, New England School of Law

Work Experience

2005 - Present

On-Air Legal Analyst, Fox News

1993 - Present

President, Law Offices of Kevin J. Mahoney, PC

1993 - 1993

Associate, Lecomte, Emanuelson, Tick & Doyle

1991 - 1993

Assistant District Attorney, Middlesex County District Attorney's Office

1989 - 1990

Judicial Law Clerk, Connecticut Superior Court

Associations

2006 - Present

American Bar Association

Member

1997 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Life Member

1997 - Present

Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Commonwealth v. F.S.

Not Guilty

Commonwealth v. DM

Not Guilty

Commonwealth v. B.M.

Not Guilty

Commonwealth vs. S.L.

Not Guilty

Commonwealth vs. J.R.

Dismissed

Commonwealth vs. J.R.

Dismissed, Not Guilty

Commonwealth vs. D.D.

Not Guilty

Commonwealth vs. D.D

Not Guilty

Commonwealth vs. W.T.

Not Guilty

Commonwealth vs. J.K.

Not Guilty

Commonwealth vs. M.P.F.

Not Guilty

Commonwealth vs. L.B.

Not Guilty

Commonwealth vs. J.R.

Not Guilty

Commonwealth vs. Matthew Lavoi

Not Guilty

Commonwealth vs. T.W.

Not Guilty

Commonwealth vs. John Doe

Not Guilty, Guilty

Commonwealth vs. J. M.

Not Guilty

Commonwealth vs. Ming Chen

Not Guilty

Commonwealth vs. Herman Medeiros

Not Guilty

Commonwealth vs. Corey M.

Dismissed

Commonwealth vs. Doug W.

Not Guilty

Commonwealth vs. Dion D.

Dismissed

Commonwealth vs. Gregory W.

Not Guilty

Commonwealth vs. Ed T.

Not Guilty

Commonwealth vs. John B.

Pled, Dismissed

Commonwealth vs. John Merlino

Not Guilty

Commonwealth vs. Heriberto T.

Not Guilty

Commonwealth vs. Cheryl C.

Not Guilty

Commonwealth vs. Marianne S.

Not Guilty

Commonwealth vs. Michael D.

Not Guilty, Guilty

Commonwealth vs. Deborah R.

Not Guilty, Guilty

Commonwealth vs. Raymond H.

Not Guilty

Commonwealth vs. William J. T.

Not Guilty

Commonwealth vs. George R.

Not Guilty

Commonwealth vs. James W.

Not Guilty

Commonwealth vs. Heriberto T.

Not Guilty

Commonwealth vs. Aldaberto O.

Not Guilty

Commonwealth vs. Edwin M.

Not Guilty

Commonwealth vs. Eliot M.

Not Guilty, Hung

Commonwealth vs. Robert R.

Guilty

Commonwealth vs. Michael K.

Not Guilty

Commonwealth vs. Terry K.

Guilty

Commonwealth vs. Gary B.

Not Guilty, Dismissed

Commonwealth vs. Andrew T.

Guilty

Commonwealth vs. Mark W.

Not Guilty

Commonwealth vs. Gary S.

Not Guilty

Commonwealth v. Edwin O.

Guilty

Mahoney Wins Verdict of $385,000.00

Verdict for Plaintiff of $385,000.00

See More Legal Cases

Education

1989

New England School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1986

University of Massachusetts, Amherst

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2011

Inaugural Conference

Cross-Examination

2008

Greater Boston, with Emily Rooney

Mahoney discusses the trial of Joseph Nee, who allegedly masterminded a Columbine style attack on Marshfield High School.

2007

WCVB

WCVB interviews Mahoney outside Framingham District Court following client’s arraignment on charge of motor vehicle homicide.

2007

Fox News Live

Mahoney analyzes developments in Duke rape case.

2007

Fox News Live

Mahoney analyzes three recent 1st Amendment cases pending before the Supreme Court.

2007

Fox News Live

Mahoney comments on prosecution’s forensic evidence against Phil Spector

2007

Fox News Live

Mahoney provides three hours of on-air coverage of breaking news on Bobby Cutts, Jr. arrest for the murder of Jessie Davis.

2007

Fox News Live

Mahoney analyzes prosecution’s case against Phil Spector.

2007

Fox & Friends

Mahoney discusses prosecutorial immunity from civil lawsuits with morning show in aftermath of dismissal of Duke Lacrosse rape charges.

2006

Fox News Live

Mahoney comments on Mary Winkler murder case

2006

Fox News Live

Mahoney discusses preferential treatment of Patrick Kennedy in OUI accident.

2006

Fox News Live

Mahoney analyzes Duke rape case.

2006

Fox News Live

Mahoney discusses Duke rape case.

2006

Fox News Live

Mahoney analyzes Duke rape case.

2006

Fox News Live

Mahoney analyzes Duke rape case.

2006

Fox News Live

Mahoney analyzes Duke rape case.

2006

Fox News Live

Mahoney discusses Duke rape case.

2006

Fox News Live

Mahoney comments on Duke rape case.

2006

Fox News Live

Mahoney examines Secret Service involvement in Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt stolen baby photographs

2006

Fox News Live

Mahoney comments on JonBenet Ramsey murder investigation.

2006

CNN/Nancy Grace

Mahoney defends Attorney Elliot Weinstein’s handling of Neil Entwistle’s murder case.

2004

Forensic Files

CourtTV’s Forensic Files airs “Dessert Served Cold,” chronicling Mahoney’s successful defense of Christina Martin, dubbed the “Jell-O Murderer” by the national press.

2004

CourtTV’s Catherine Crier Live

CourtTV’s Catherine Crier Live. Outside the Cambridge Superior Court, Mahoney discusses the prosecution’s case against Alexander Pring-Wilson, accused of stabbing victim to death.

2004

CNN

CNN interviews Mahoney on case against Martha Stewart.

Publications

2018

James Publishing publication The Title IX Sexual Harassment Handbook

2008

Relentless Criminal Cross-Examination Relentless Criminal Cross-Examination

1990

New England Law Review United States vs. Stanley, Has the Feres Doctrine Become a Grant of Absolute Immunity?

Languages

Spanish

Portuguese

Armenian

Activity

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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