JH@Hennesseylaw.net
508-881-9500

Joseph Hennessey

A Defendant in a criminal case is presumed to be innocent until the contrary is proved, and in case of a reasonable doubt whether his guilt is satisfactorily shown, he is entitled to a verdict of not guilty.

Joseph Hennessey

Joe is a trial lawyer who represents clients in the areas of criminal defense, civil rights cases and catastrophic injury litigation. He has been recognized by Massachusetts Super Lawyers and Boston Magazine as a Rising Star and a Top 100 Defense Attorney by the National Trial Lawyers Organization, and has served as a panel member at statewide MCLE seminars. He is a bar advocate for the Worcester Bar Advocates and also takes court appointments in District Court, Superior Court, Murder list cases, SDP, SORB and Appeals. Joe has tremendous white-collar investigative experience as a former Senior Global Investigator for a Fortune 500 company, where he oversaw internal investigations and worldwide corporate compliance programs. His areas of focus included high-value cybercrime, industrial espionage, and theft of trade secrets along with policy writing. One of his spotlight investigations was a multi-million dollar platinum theft for a Fortune 500 Company assisting the FBI and Irish Garda.Before his legal career, Joe was a police officer for 23 years. Joe was trained by the Criminal Justice Training Council, FBI, and Massachusetts State Police in homicide investigations, crime scene and narcotics investigations, and fingerprint recovery and analysis, and served as a certified sexual assault investigator. He attended numerous training classes in OUI enforcement techniques and field sobriety testing by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and was a certified breathtest operator. Joe was assigned to 3 regional drug task forces during his career working undercover for seven years and assisting in investigations with DEA, ATF, FBI, AGs Office and CPAC units.
AREAS OF PRACTICE• 80% Criminal Defense• 20% Civil Litigation
LITIGATION PERCENTAGE• 100% of Practice Devoted to Litigation
BAR ADMISSIONS• Massachusetts, 2007• U.S. District Court District of Massachusetts, 2008
EDUCATION• J.D., Massachusetts School of Law, Andover, Massachusetts focus on Criminal Law• B.S., M.S., Western New England College School of Law, Springfield, Massachusetts• Major: Law Enforcement & Criminal Justice Administration
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS & MEMBERSHIPS• National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys• Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys
PAST EMPLOYMENT POSITIONS• Dhar Law, LLP, Senior Counsel, 2012- 2017• Law Office of Joseph Hennessey, Attorney, 2007 – 2012• Boston Scientific 2007-2008• Defilippis, Kaldis and Hennessey, PC, Partner, 2007 – 2009• Town of Sherborn, Police Officer, 1992 – 2007• City of Waltham, Police Officer, 1991 – 1992• Town of Ashland, Police Officer, 1984 – 1991


Being a criminal defense attorney, espcially a bar advocate in Worcester, allows me to advocate for individuals who may not have anyone else to stand up for them. The justice system can be overwhelming and in most situations intimidating, and it’s my privilege to ensure that everyone receives a fair trial and that their rights are protected. This role demands not only a deep understanding of the law but also a genuine commitment to justice and compassion for my clients' situations. One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is being able to help clients navigate difficult and often life-changing legal challenges. It's incredibly fulfilling to obtain favorable outcomes for my clients, knowing that my efforts have made a significant positive impact on their lives. Each case presents unique challenges that require thorough investigation, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving. Furthermore, working in criminal defense allows me to constantly learn and grow as a professional. The legal field is ever-evolving, and staying up-to-date with new laws and legal precedents helps me provide the best possible representation. Each case enhances my experience and skills, making me more effective in advocating for my clients in the future. In addition to the professional rewards, there is a profound personal satisfaction in knowing that I have made a difference. Helping clients, who are often at their lowest point, to move forward and rebuild their lives is incredibly gratifying. It’s inspiring to witness their resilience and to support their journey towards a better future. Since graduating law school, I have been asked hundreds of times about the type of law I practice or how could I go from being a police officer to a criminal defense attorney. I always find it amusing to watch people raise their eyebrows when I respond, “criminal defense!”. Being a police officer was rewarding but I didn't feel I was helping any longer. I needed a change and I can honestly say that I love the change I made. I love my job.

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