Dedham District Court

Open Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Dedham hears the full range of District Court criminal cases: all misdemeanors, felonies punishable by up to five years, and some more serious felonies. It also hears civil cases likely worth no more than $50,000 and runs a Veterans’ Treatment Court. The Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office prosecutes criminal cases here.

Mass.gov says a large paid parking lot behind the Registry of Deeds is open to the public. MBTA bus routes 34E, 35, 36, and 52 serve the court.

Expect screening with metal detectors and X-ray machines. Weapons are banned, and photos and video are not allowed inside.

When you arrive for your first court date, go to the probation office for an intake interview, then to the courtroom. Answer “Present” when your name is called. The charges are read and a not guilty plea is usually entered. If you face possible jail and cannot afford a lawyer, the judge will appoint one. The judge may address bail or hold a dangerousness hearing, and usually sets a pretrial conference date.

Some cases begin with a clerk-magistrate show cause hearing. You are generally entitled to one if you are accused of a misdemeanor and were not arrested. Our show cause hearing guide walks through it.

When a breath or blood test shows 0.08 or more (0.02 under 21), police generally suspend the license right away. If they did not, the judge must suspend it at arraignment once the prosecutor makes the required showing. The suspension lasts until the case ends, up to 30 days (M.G.L. c. 90 § 24N). A test refusal carries a separate, longer suspension.

MassCourts (masscourts.org) lists case information and court dates for free. Most criminal cases can only be found by docket number, typed exactly. Bring all of your case papers and plan to be there at least three hours.

Before resolving a case at arraignment, get advice. The court system warns that a plea can affect immigration status, public housing, and student loans. We review the charges, prepare you, and appear with you. Lisa DiLibero, Esq., is admitted in Massachusetts and handles the firm’s Massachusetts matters, and Dylan C. DiLibero, Esq., appears in all Massachusetts state courts. We answer. We listen. We fight.