Coronavirus Update

This is an unprecedented time – whether here in Massachusetts, around the country, and even the world. The COVID-19 pandemic has wrought changes that most of us have never seen before. And it can be scary.

Amidst this turmoil, we want our existing and future clients to know that we are closely tracking the rapidly evolving public health situation related to COVID-19. Be assured that we are taking all available steps to remain fully accessible to our clients as we continue to react in accordance with state and federal directives, and in their best interests during this unprecedented time.

• Essential Businesses & Utility Company no Shut-Off Orders

In order to make sure that our clients’ cases are managed with maximum efficiency and attention, here are some answers to questions that you might have about how we are handling our clients’ cases, and accepting new ones, during this crisis. If you still have any questions after reading this, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us any time at: bill@kickhamlegal.com, or call us at Ph: 781-320-0062; Alternatively, you can also phone and text us at Ph.: 617-285-3600.

Is your office currently open during normal business hours?

Answer: Yes, you can contact us anytime during normal business hours, (9:00 am to 5:00 pm). Feel free to call us after hours if you have an emergency; we can respond 24 hours a day.

When and how can I contact you?

Answer: 1) Email: bill@kickhamlegal.com; 2) call us at Ph.: 781-320-0062, 3) Call and/or text us to Ph: 617-285-3600.

Because of travel restrictions, what video chat platforms do you offer for clients?

Answer: 1) Skype, 2) FaceTime (iphones), 3) Zoom; 4) freeconferencecall.com

Are you accepting new clients?

Answer: yes. We remain fully available to new clients, via videoconferencing, phone, email and text.

How can I get updates regarding the status of my case or legal matter?

Answer: simply contact us by email, phone, or text (see above).

Are Massachusetts courts still open? Will my court date be rescheduled? What if I can’t come to court because I’m sick or quarantined?

Answers: Per order of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court (SJC), All trials, whether jury or bench, in both criminal and civil cases, scheduled to begin in Massachusetts state courts on or before May 1, 2020, are continued to a date no earlier than May 4, 2020.

As a result of the SJC order, courthouses will continue to be closed to the public except to conduct emergency hearings that cannot be resolved virtually (i.e., by telephone, videoconference, email, or comparable means, or through the electronic filing system) until at least May 4, 2020. All court clerks', registers', and recorder's offices will continue to conduct court business, administratively – ex., to accept the filing of pleadings and other documents in emergency matters, to schedule and facilitate hearings in emergency matters, to issue orders in emergency matters, to answer questions from attorneys, litigants, and the general public, and to conduct other necessary business of the respective court. All such business will be conducted virtually (electronically), except when the filing of pleadings and other documents in emergency matters cannot be accomplished virtually.

Will Pre Trial Conferences with District Attorneys’ Offices (the prosecution) be held as planned?

Answer: these normally in-person events can be conducted by videoconferencing or phone conferencing, but dates will likely be changed somewhat. We will advise our clients if any dates for these events need to be changed, and we will set up necessary videoconferencing arrangements.

We know that all of this information is complicated, so please feel free to reach out to us with questions at any time. In the meantime, see the following links below for federal CDC, and Massachusetts state government updates regarding public health orders, court operations, and other information:

• Massachusetts State government updates on coronavirus/covid-19: (www.mass.gov/covid19). You can also sign up for text messages from state officials (“COVIDMA” to text #L 888-777). Another information source is the Massachusetts 211 website - OR call 211.

• Massachusetts Court system updates: https://www.mass.gov/guides/court-system-response-to-covid-19#-superior-court-

• Federal CDC updates: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/. At this website, you’ll find an easy-to-print COVID-19 household checklist. It would be a good idea to put this on your kitchen refrigerator or somewhere that it’s visible so that it’s always “in front” of everyone in your household. It includes tips on disinfecting your home as well as managing stress and anxiety.
• Non-Criminal Law - For tenants/renters: Tenants should not be forced to move during this time, and landlords will find it very difficult to pursue evictions during this time, as the Housing Court has rescheduled all non-emergency matters until no earlier than April 21, 2020 or later, and has also vacated all default judgments entered between March 1 and April 21. We recommend that tenants document all communications with your landlord in writing and photograph any health or safety violations present.

• Non-Criminal Law - For homeowners & mortgage payments: Mortgage borrowers have several legal rights, as well. In order to begin a foreclosure in Massachusetts, a mortgage lender must first issue the homeowner a “mortgage default notice” and also provide a 90-day “right-to-cure,” during which time you are allowed to make up any missed payments. It’s during this “right to cure” period, that, if you need it due to financial distress, you can ask your lender for a loan modification. Use that term when and if you contact your lender about such problems.

• For other legal advice not related to Massachusetts Criminal Law: While our firm can very much help you if you have been arrested or accused of a crime, for other legal issues that don’t involve criminal law, the best way to seek help is probably to first look online for lawyers who handle that specific legal area. The Massachusetts Bar Association website has resources, as well as “Dial-A-Lawyer” dates, when you can call in and speak to a lawyer who handles the specific area of law you may be facing. The Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office also accepts and mediates consumer complaints.

Attorney William Kickham and his colleagues have been known for more than twenty-five years as the “go-to” firm for legal defense of a wide variety of criminal law charges in Massachusetts.  Attorney Kickham has been consistently recognized as one of the top 100 criminal defense lawyers in Massachusetts, and is a member New England Super Lawyers, an invitation-only, peer-nominated and peer-reviewed organization that names only the top five (5) percent of Massachusetts lawyers to its ranks. We specialize in all areas of criminal defense law, including Domestic Violence, Drug Offenses, Clerk-Magistrate Hearings (“Show Cause” Hearings), OUI/DUI Charges, Theft Crimes, Sex Offenses, Gun & Firearms Offenses, Motor Vehicle Offenses, and more.  

We remain committed to serving our current clients and new clients during the COVID-19 state of emergency in Massachusetts. You can consult with us without any cost by calling either Ph.: 781-320-0062 or Phone or text us to Ph.: 617-285-3600. You can also click here, to send us contact form, or email us to: bill@kickhamlegal.com.

In the meantime, stay safe and healthy.