Richard J. Sweeney

PRO

Richard J. Sweeney

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 25 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Quincy, MA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Sex Crime, DUI & DWI ... +2 more

225 West Squantum St., Suite 100, Quincy, MA

Virtual Consultation Available

About Richard

Biography

AVVO highest rating and 2021 Boston Magazine Top Laywer! Criminal Defense, OUIs, Drug & Sex Crimes, Child Porn, Traffic Tickets. Call today.

AVVO highest ratings for Criminal Defense, DUIs, Drug and Sex Crimes, Trafficking & Child Porn.

AVVO highest ratings Drug and Alcohol DUIs any offense level. Excellent results.

AVVO highest rating. 15 yrs as a police officer & over 15 yrs as an attorney. Save Insurance $

AVVO highest ratings. Experienced in Federal and State Sex Crimes, Trafficking & Child Porn.

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 35%

All Crimes including Drug, Rape, Robbery, Child Porn & Internet crimes to College Student issues. Retired Boston Police Drug Unit Sgt. now defense attorney we have successfully tried cases from murder, rape drug trafficking to resolving traffic tickets. Extensive experience in drug cases involving trafficking, distributing and search warrant cases. When experience counts you need a firm that has an outstanding reputation & the personal concern you need for your problem. We handle all crimes.

26 years

35%
Sex Crime 30%

Recognized as one of the top firms in Child Pornography and Sex Crimes. In Massachusetts and most other states, convicted sex offenders are required to register with the state's Sex Offender Registry Board (SORB). This is one of the worst consequences of a sex crime conviction. Even misdemeanor sex offenses require SORB registration for 20 years, even if you were a juvenile at the time you committed the offense. Call us now.

30%
DUI and DWI 15%

Intelligent, experienced and aggressive defense of dui cases. Extensive knowledge of police practices in this area that could lead to a verdict of NOT GUILTY.

26 years

15%
Drug Crime 15%

Many drug offenses are felonies, which means lengthy jail terms. Depending on the amount a person has in possession, you can be charged with intent to distribute. We can fight the warrant and the charges on your behalf.

15%
Speeding and Traffic Ticket 5%

You need someone with experience and knowledge of police practices in this area involving the use of speed traps and speed guns.

26 years

5%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Retainer

Sometimes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2021 2019 2017
...
+ 1

Licenses

Licensed in Massachusetts for 25 years

State: Massachusetts

Acquired: 2001

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Sweeney & Associates, LLC

225 West Squantum St., Suite 100, Quincy, MA, 02171

rsweeneylaw.com/

Sweeney & Associates, LLC

785 Washington Street, Suite 11b, Canton, MA, 02021

rsweeneylaw.com/

Law Offices of Richard J. Sweeney

Washington Street, Westwood, MA, 02090

rsweeneylaw.com/

Online Presence

Other places you can find Richard online.

Richard J. Sweeney's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

44 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 12 reviews | General Knowledge

Posted by anonymous | October 27, 2025 | Criminal Defense

college student fake ID

I am a 20 year old college student and was summoned to appear in court for use of a fake ID. Mr. Sweeney was not only incredibly knowledgeable and helpful in getting my friend and I out of the situation, he was also kind and considerate and a pleasure to work with and get to know. I was not fortunate... enough to be able to acquire a lawyer; he was actually hired to represent my friend who was called into court with me. Mr. Sweeney saw that I had no one to help me and took the time and effort to give me advice and speak on my behalf as well as my friend out of the kindness of his heart. Mr. Sweeney is worth the hire, I would recommend him to anyone in my same boat.

Posted by Nabil | December 06, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Honest, knowledgeable and straight to the point.

I hired attorney Sweeney in November 2021. At our meeting, he listened carefully, asked the right questions, laid the plan ahead and reassured me of what can ,and can not, be done. Attorney Sweeney answered all my follow up questions and always answered my unannounced phone calls. Attorney Sweeney wa...s very honest with me, he is very knowledgeable and committed to his clients. His representation in court was flawless and diplomatic. I would hire attorney Sweeney in the future.

Posted by William | January 19, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Mr.Rick Sweeney is fantastic with his knowlege of the court system.

Mr.Sweeney,had heard that for the last 2 yrs.trying to resolve my daughter's Default warrant from 3 yrs ago.I made numrous calls to clerks,probation ,DA,and understandable with covoid.Mr.Sweeney in 1 day had us in front of the judge to resolve this matter.Due to his expertise as a lawyer and Police o...fficer ,he has vast knowledge of the criminal justice system.He at the end of getting her 90 days probation .He at the end because of his Expertise asked the judge to dismiss the felony of A+B over 65 which he did as it was her 1st run in with the law.I highly recomend mr.Sweeney because of his kindness and sharpness navigating the courts and his track record is great!!!!

Posted by Ed | January 30, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Great Law Firm

I got tied into a very messy criminal case with 2 serious felony charges against me. I hired the law firm of Sweeney and associates at the recommendation of a good friend (who was an assistant DA in Suffolk County). Rick Sweeney and Sabrina Bonanno were a great team for me. I had to go to cou...rt 16 times before these charges got dismissed. Either Rick or Sabrina showed up on time, all 16 times and on several occasions they both were there for me. Their were several other defendants in this case and ALL of them had their lawyer at least once no-show at their court appearance because they went to another court appearance, some of them no-showed several times. Rick and Sabrina were very thorough, spending many hours questioning me in there office and doing their own research on this case, making sure they had all of the information they needed to get the felony charges dismissed. I'd like to thank Rick and Sabrina for all the hard work they put into my case and of course for getting the felony charges dismissed. Sorry this review took so long to write, I guess I just wanted to forget the whole ordeal and put it behind me.

Richard Sweeney

Replied last January 30, 2020

Happy we were able to resolve it Ed. Thanks for your patience as it played out.

Posted by anonymous | March 27, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Richard Sweeney

I retained Rick Sweeney to guide me through the difficulties and unknown that come with the court system, His time a police officer, then as a lawyer give him the understanding, intelligence and tact that is needed. Rick worked hard to enlighten us of our options what his realistic goals for the outc...ome were. Rick's diligence lead to the positive outcome His office was professional, helpful, and extremely sympathetic.

See All Client Reviews

Richard J. Sweeney's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Richard
Mary Guy Mendini headshot
Mary Mendini

Speeding and traffic ticket lawyer | Nov 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I HIGHLY endorse this lawyer. Mr. Sweeney took time out of his busy schedule to give me necessary info on RMV policies and MA law. I was in court here in NC representing a MA driver who faced some serious traffic charges- and I didn't want to do anything here which would cause her problems in her home state. I called his office and Mr. Sweeney assured me that my defense strategy was sound and I went back into the courtroom feeling confident rather than concerned for my client's well-being once her court case had concluded. THANK YOU RICHARD!"

Tracy L. Wilson headshot
Tracy Wilson

Speeding and traffic ticket lawyer | Nov 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I highly endorse this lawyer. I don't hesitate to refer clients to Attorney Sweeney. Attorney Sweeney is very knowledgeable and well respected in his practice areas. Attorney Sweeney gives his cases and clients his all and exudes great confidence in the courtroom."

Colin Smith headshot
Colin Smith

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Rick since he was in law school. I have suggested him to many potential clients and fellow members of the bar for years. I have consulted with him on difficult matters. Rick is excellent in his field."

John David Grandfield headshot
John Grandfield

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 27

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Sweeney has extensive experience in successfully representing clients in criminal matters and motor vehicle related infractions. Believe what he tells you and do what he directs you to do."

Courtney C. Linnehan headshot
Courtney Linnehan

Unknown lawyer | Feb 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Erin McBee headshot
Erin McBee

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

John E DeVito headshot
John DeVito

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements
Michael F Walsh headshot
Michael Walsh

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Tracy Wilson

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Michael Callanan

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Colin Smith

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John Grandfield

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Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2022

Client's Choice, Avvo

2022

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers

2021

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers

2021

Boston magazine Top Lawyers™ 2021 – Criminal Defense, Boston Magazine

2020

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers

2020

Best DUI Lawyer in Boston, Expertise

2019

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers

2018

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers

2017

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers

2016

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers

2015

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers

2014

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers

2013

Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell

2013

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers

2012

Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell

2011

Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell

2010

Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell

2009

Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell

2008

Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell

2007

Bar Register Of Preeminent Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell

2006

Bar Register Of Preeminent Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell

2000

Cali Award - Top Student in Mass Practice, New England Law - Boston

1993

Theodore Roosevelt Award, Theodore Roosevelt Association

Work Experience

1983 - 1996

Sergeant - Drug Unit, Boston Police Department

1978 - 1983

Emergency Medical Technician, Boston Emergency Medical Services Ambulance

Associations

2009 - Present

Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2001 - Present

Quincy Bar Association

Member

2001 - Present

Massachusetts Academy of Trial Attorneys

Member

2001 - Present

Massachusetts Bar Association

Member

2014 - 2020

Massachusetts Bar Association

The Joint Bar Committee on Judicial Appointments

2013 - 2014

Bar Association of Norfolk County

President

2012 - 2013

Bar Association of Norfolk County

President-Elect

2012 - 2014

Norfolk County Prosecutor's Association

Secretary

2011 - 2012

Bar Association of Norfolk County

Vice President

2010 - 2011

Norfolk County Bar Association

Secretary

2009 - 2010

Norfolk County Bar Association

Treasurer

2008 - 2009

Norfolk County Bar Association, CLE Committee

Chairman

2008 - 2009

Norfolk County Bar Association, Legislative Committee

Member

2008 - 2015

Norfolk County Bar Association, Public Relations Committee

Chairman

2006 - 2015

Norfolk County Bar Association, Bench/Bar Relations Committee

Chairman of the District Courts Bench Bar Committee

2003 - 2014

Norfolk County Bar Association

Board of Governors

Sample of Legal Cases

Commonwealth v Client Name Withheld

Nolle Prosequi

Comm v Client name Withheld

Nolle Prosequi

Comm v Client Name Withheld

Not Guilty

Comm v Client Name Withheld

Case Dismissed

Comm v Client Name Withheld

Case Dismissed

State Police Officer Denied Gun Permit Renewal

License Issued -Return to Full Duty

Commonwealth v Local Police Officer

No Charges Filed Returned To Full Duty

Commonwealth v Robert Diduca

Plea to minimum mandatory plus 3

Mass couple win $100,000 from Insurance Company after battle lasting several years

Case settled for $100,000

Commonwealth v Numerous Clients

Dismissed PRIOR TO ARRAIGNMENT

Commonwealth v John Doe

Drug Possession Charges Dismissed

Name Withheld

Not Guilty

Comm v Name Withheld

Charge dismissed by the Commonwealth.

Comm v Client Name Withheld

Not Guilty

Commonwealth v John Doe

Not Guilty

Commonwealth v John Doe

Dismissed

Comm v Name Withheld

Case dismissed

See More Legal Cases

Education

2000

New England School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

N/A

Suffolk University

Bachelors

Speaking Engagements

2016

Community Policing

Guest Class Lecturer

2012

Community Policing

Guest Class Lecturer

2011

Community Policing

Guest Class Lecturer

2010

Community Policing

Guest Class Lecturer

Publications

2011

Massachusetts Criminal law Issues Mass Criminal Law Blog

2010

Career Services Blog New England Law-Boston

Languages

English

Activity

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