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Premier Criminal Defense Attorney In Boston

Choosing the right defense attorney is one of the most important decisions you can make when facing criminal allegations. When selecting your legal resource, consider a firm headed by one of the most successful and renowned criminal defense attorneys in Massachusetts, if not the country. J. W. Carney Jr. is highly praised in the legal community by fellow defense lawyers, judges, prosecutors and especially his clients. Jay and our skilled legal team are a strong line of defense for your reputation and your future.

Featured Cases

James “Whitey” Bulger Case

Jay Carney defended alleged – and notorious – organized crime boss James “Whitey” Bulger during his high-profile murder trial.
Tarek Mehanna Case

Mr. Carney defended Tarek Mehanna, accused terrorist, during his 2012 trial for conspiracy to provide support to al Qaeda.
John Salvi Case

John Salvi was charged with murder after opening fire at two Brookline Planned Parenthood clinics. Jay Carney provided his defense.

Nationally Recognized Defense Lawyer With Unparalleled Experience

Jay Carney has a passion for challenging cases. He has overcome difficult odds to win numerous not-guilty verdicts and mitigate criminal charges for his clients. With over four decades of experience practicing law, Jay is nationally recognized for representing high-profile clients such as "Whitey" Bulger, Tarek Mehanna and John Salvi. He has been spotlighted on television shows and in publications such as CNN, The Boston Globe and the Wall Street Journal for his work. Jay Carney is named as one of The Five Best Private Criminal Defense Attorneys in the state by Boston Magazine.

Jay is a true advocate for his clients, listening to their story and fighting to achieve beneficial results. He is known for his strategic defense in both state and federal courts. While he is recognized for representing high-profile cases, Jay spends most of his time helping people navigate their first and possibly only encounter with the justice system. He and the attorneys at our firm represent clients in Suffolk County, Norfolk County, Middlesex County and throughout Massachusetts.

Areas Of Practice

As Seen on

Attorney Carney recently appeared in a full-length documentary regarding the trial of James "Whitey" Bulger.

The film aired in movie theaters and on CNN. He has participated in several panel discussions regarding the film.

Why Choose J. W. Carney, Jr. & Associates

Our attorneys work together as a team, investigating legal matters to the fullest extent. We listen to your goals to dictate a defense strategy based on what you find most important. We strive to empower you with the knowledge to make the best decisions.

We advocate for clients facing all types of criminal charges including fraud, drug crimes, violent crimes, OUI charges, sex crimes and more. Our legal team is skilled at staying one step ahead during federal and state criminal investigations. We help clients either clear their name or secure lesser, more appropriate charges. We also counsel parents and students for campus disciplinary hearings on campus crimes. Our attorneys will follow through to fully protect your rights throughout the justice system process, including in criminal appeals.

Our Law Firm In The News

“#8 of the 30 most memorable trials of the past 30 years”

- Lawyers Weekly 2002

“One of the 81 most influential lawyers in Massachusetts”

- Lawyers Weekly 2009

Listed as one of the top criminal defense attorneys in Boston

- Boston Magazine

“Best Firm to Keep You Out Of Prison”

- Above The Law

Listed as “one of the top 14 criminal defense attorneys in the country”

- Newsweek

“Jay is an extraordinarily well-prepared, hard-working, and able advocate, and when he gets in the courtroom, he’s the guy who is calm and deliberate and at the same time knows how to move a jury.’’

– Attorney Howard Cooper, stated in The Boston Globe, 7/01/2011

“He has become in my view one of the most sophisticated, effective trial attorneys here both in state and federal court,’ said former Massachusetts state Attorney General Scott Harshbarger, who served as Middlesex County District Attorney during Mr. Carney's tenure there.”

– Wall Street Journal, 06/12/2013

The Firm In The News

Contact Our Boston Criminal Defense Lawyers Today

Our attorneys want to hear your story. Contact our firm to find out how we can help you. We are in the Park Plaza Building, located in the heart of downtown Boston. Call 617-830-6760 to speak with an attorney or fill out our convenient online contact form.

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Firm Contact Information

J. W. Carney, Jr. & Associates
20 Park Plaza
Suite 1405
Boston, MA 02116
Phone: 617-830-6760
Fax: 617-338-5587
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Experienced criminal defense attorneys in Boston