Atty. Michael A Frates
Michael A Frates is a lawyer practicing criminal defense, criminal law, dui/dwi and 4 other areas of law. Michael received a B.A. degree from University of Massachusetts in 2002, and has been licensed for 19 years.
Criminal Defense & More Attorney · Serving New Bedford, MA · 19+ Years Experience
Profile Summary
About Michael A Frates at a Glance
Michael A Frates is a Member based in New Bedford, Massachusetts, practicing at Law Office of Michael A. Frates. They have 19+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 2007. Their practice focuses on dui/dwi, drug crimes, and criminal defense. Admitted to practice in Massachusetts (2007) and Connecticut (2008). Educated at Roger Williams University School of Law (J.D., 2007) and University of Massachusetts (B.A. Philosophy, 2002). Active member of Bristol County, Worcester County, Massachusetts Bar and Boston Bar Association The American Civil Liberties Union National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (Massachusetts Chapter) American Association for Justice. Serves clients in New Bedford, MA and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About Michael A Frates
- Michael A Frates is a lawyer practicing criminal defense, criminal law, dui/dwi and 4 other areas of law
- Michael received a B.A. degree from University of Massachusetts in 2002, and has been licensed for 19 years
- Michael practices at Law Office of Michael A. Frates in New Bedford, MA
Practice Areas Explained
Michael A Frates's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Michael A Frates handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in New Bedford.
DUI / DWI Defense in New Bedford
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Michael A Frates is one of 29,739 dui/dwi attorneys indexed nationally. Browse dui/dwi attorneys in Massachusetts →
Drug Crimes in New Bedford
Michael A Frates is one of 6,914 drug crimes attorneys indexed nationally. Browse drug crimes attorneys in Massachusetts →
Criminal Defense in New Bedford
A criminal defense attorney protects your rights from arrest through trial. Find experienced lawyers handling DUI, drug, federal, theft, and violent-crime charges.
Michael A Frates is one of 212,605 criminal defense attorneys indexed nationally. Browse criminal defense attorneys in Massachusetts →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in New Bedford
Practicing law in Massachusetts. Legal matters in Massachusetts are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in New Bedford are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Massachusetts state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Massachusetts brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Massachusetts courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
New Bedford Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a New Bedford-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
Looking for additional Massachusetts attorneys? Browse all attorneys in New Bedford or all attorneys in Massachusetts.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in New Bedford Choose Michael A Frates
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish Michael A Frates's practice in the field of dui/dwi, drug crimes, and criminal defense.
Decade-Tested Legal Experience
Michael A Frates brings 19+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.
Multi-State Bar Admission
Licensed in Massachusetts and Connecticut, Michael A Frates can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering dui/dwi, drug crimes, and criminal defense, Michael A Frates can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in New Bedford
A New Bedford-based practice means Michael A Frates attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
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Michael A Frates's Practice Areas & Specializations
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