Criminal Defense in Bristol County MA
A criminal charge can show up in your life with very little warning. One moment you’re going about your day, and the next, you’re trying to understand what these charges mean for your job, your family, your record— and what you’re supposed to do now.
The most important thing to know right now is that you still have options.
Attorney Olivia Cataldo is a New Bedford criminal defense attorney who represents individuals facing misdemeanor and felony charges across Bristol County and throughout Massachusetts. Her approach focuses on uncovering where the prosecution’s case is vulnerable and crafting a custom defense strategy tailored to your unique situation.
The Benefits of Working with a Criminal Defense Attorney
Hiring a criminal defense attorney is about so much more than simply having someone stand next to you in court. A strategic lawyer will:
- Review the evidence before your first hearing
- Identify what can be challenged or suppressed
- File motions to protect your rights throughout the case
- Explain whether negotiating a plea deal or going to trial is the best option
Attorney Cataldo takes on a limited number of cases so that each one gets the attention it requires.
From your first conversation to final resolution, she explains every decision, prepares you for what’s ahead, and stays honest with you— even when the honest answer is a complicated one.
Criminal Defense Cases Attorney Cataldo Handles
Attorney Cataldo represents clients across a wide range of criminal charges. If you’ve been charged or received a hearing notice involving any of the following, reach out to discuss your options:
- OUI charges – Operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including first offenses, repeat offenses, and OUI causing serious bodily injury
- Domestic violence offenses – Charges arising under MGL c. 209A, including assault and battery on a family or household member, strangulation, and 209A order violations
- Violent crimes – Assault, assault and battery, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, strangulation or suffocation, and related charges under MGL c. 265
- Drug charges – Possession, possession with intent to distribute, distribution, and trafficking under MGL c. 94C, including school zone enhancements
- Clerk magistrate hearings – Pre-charge proceedings under MGL c. 218 § 35A, where a complaint has been applied for but not yet issued
- Traffic offenses – Including negligent operation, driving with a suspended license, and leaving the scene
- Firearm charges – Unlicensed possession, improper storage, and related weapons offenses
- Theft and larceny – Shoplifting, larceny by stealing, receiving stolen property, and related charges
- Probation violations – Hearings in District and Superior Court following an alleged violation of probation conditions
- Juvenile offenses – Criminal matters involving defendants under 18, handled through the juvenile court system
- Restraining orders and injunctions – Defense at 209A hearings and related civil proceedings with criminal implications
What to Expect in a Massachusetts Criminal Case
No two cases are exactly alike, but most follow the same general path through the court system. Understanding that path (and what matters at each stage) is one of the most useful things an attorney can help you with early on.
1. Arraignment
Your first court date. Charges are formally read, you enter a plea, and bail conditions are set. To be clear, this isn’t a simple formality. What happens at arraignment— including whether the prosecution seeks a dangerousness hearing under MGL c. 276 § 58A— can shape everything that follows. Attorney Cataldo will be there with you.
2. Pretrial Conference
Your attorney reviews the Commonwealth’s evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, bodycam footage, lab results, and search warrants. This is where your defense strategy takes shape and where opportunities to weaken the prosecution’s case begin to emerge.
3. Motion Hearings (if applicable)
If motions are filed, a judge determines what evidence comes in and what doesn’t. A successful suppression motion, whether for an unlawful stop, an improper search, or a Miranda violation, can fundamentally change the direction of a case. Sometimes it can lead to the full dismissal of your charges.
4. Trial or Resolution
Many cases resolve before trial through plea negotiation or dismissal. Which path makes the most sense to pursue in your case depends on your personal priorities and the details of your charges. Attorney Cataldo will walk you through every possibility and help you make the decision that fits your situation.
What Four Years Prosecuting in Bristol County Does for Your Defense
Before opening her defense practice in 2022, Attorney Cataldo spent years as a Bristol County Assistant District Attorney, serving as the dedicated domestic violence prosecutor at New Bedford District Court and Fall River District Court.
She also received specialized national training in strangulation and suffocation cases— the same training that shapes how prosecutors and law enforcement approach the most serious charges in that area.
What that means for you is that she doesn’t just know the law. She also knows how prosecutors build their cases, including what evidence prosecutors prioritize, how they evaluate witness credibility, and where their cases often have weaknesses worth leveraging.
That perspective informs every stage of your defense strategy, from her first review of a police report to determining whether to contest your charges, negotiate a resolution, or take your case to trial.
If you’re facing a criminal charge and want a clear, honest picture of where you stand and what your options are, Attorney Cataldo is available for a free, confidential consultation. Contact Bristol County Criminal Defense Attorney Olivia Cataldo today or call (508) 425-4144.
Criminal Defense FAQs
How quickly should I hire a criminal defense attorney after an arrest?
Immediately— ideally before making any statements to law enforcement. What you say in the hours after an arrest can be used against you, and early decisions about evidence and strategy are difficult to undo. Having an attorney before your arraignment gives your defense the strongest possible foundation from the start.
What questions should I ask a criminal defense lawyer before hiring them?
Before hiring, consider asking:
- Have you handled cases like mine in New Bedford District Court or Bristol County Superior Court?
- What is your honest read on the strengths and weaknesses of my case?
- Will you be the attorney handling my case from start to finish?
- How do you communicate with clients throughout the process?
An attorney who answers these directly and without overpromising is one you can trust.
How much does a criminal defense lawyer cost in Massachusetts?
Fees vary depending on the charge, the court, and the complexity of the case. A misdemeanor in district court typically costs less than a felony heading to superior court or trial. The best way to understand your options is through a conversation. Attorney Cataldo offers free confidential consultations to discuss these details. Call (508) 425-4144 to schedule yours.