Practice Areas

Experienced Defense Across Every Charge

Attorney Maltby defends clients facing serious criminal charges throughout Norfolk, Plymouth, and surrounding Massachusetts counties. Whatever you're facing, she's handled it — and she knows how to fight it.

Christine Maltby has spent nearly two decades in Massachusetts criminal courts — first as a prosecutor, then as a defense attorney. That experience on both sides of the aisle means she understands exactly how the Commonwealth builds its cases, and exactly where those cases can be challenged.

01

OUI / DUI Defense

An OUI charge in Massachusetts carries serious consequences — license suspension, fines, potential jail time, and a permanent criminal record. The stakes rise sharply with each subsequent offense.

Attorney Maltby has handled hundreds of OUI cases ranging from first offense to eleventh offense. She scrutinizes every element of the Commonwealth's case: the reason for the stop, the administration of field sobriety tests, the calibration and operation of breathalyzer equipment, and the arresting officer's observations. A conviction is not inevitable. Many OUI cases turn on procedural errors, improper stops, or unreliable test results — and Christine knows where to look.

What's at Stake

License suspension, fines, potential incarceration, ignition interlock device, and a permanent record affecting employment and insurance.

Christine's Approach

Challenging the stop, the sobriety tests, and the breath or blood test results. Negotiating for reduced charges or dismissal where the evidence supports it.

02

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence charges move fast. An arrest often triggers an automatic no-contact order, separation from your home, and immediate consequences before any facts are established in court.

Christine served as a designated domestic violence prosecutor in Middlesex County, which means she knows precisely how these cases are investigated, charged, and tried. As a defense attorney, she uses that knowledge to identify weaknesses in the Commonwealth's case — inconsistent statements, lack of corroborating evidence, or circumstances that tell a different story than the initial police report. She handles these cases with discretion and without judgment.

What's at Stake

Criminal record, restraining orders, loss of firearm rights, immigration consequences, and impact on child custody proceedings.

Christine's Approach

Early intervention, challenging the evidence, and working to protect your rights and your family relationships throughout the process.

03

Larceny & Theft Offenses

Larceny charges in Massachusetts range from misdemeanor shoplifting to felony larceny. Even a first offense can result in a criminal record that follows you for years.

Theft-related charges often hinge on intent — and intent is something the Commonwealth must prove beyond a reasonable doubt. Attorney Maltby examines the evidence carefully: surveillance footage, witness accounts, and the circumstances of the alleged offense. She has successfully defended clients against larceny charges by challenging the sufficiency of the evidence and negotiating outcomes that protect her clients' records.

What's at Stake

Fines, probation, potential incarceration, and a criminal record that can affect employment, housing, and professional licensing.

Christine's Approach

Challenging intent, contesting the evidence, and pursuing diversion or continuance without a finding where appropriate.

04

Drug Charges

Drug charges in Massachusetts range from simple possession to trafficking. The severity of the charge — and the potential sentence — depends on the substance, the quantity, and the circumstances of the arrest.

As a former prosecutor, Christine handled drug cases from possession to trafficking. She understands how law enforcement builds these cases and where they are most vulnerable. Fourth Amendment issues — unlawful stops, searches, and seizures — are often central to drug defense. If evidence was obtained illegally, it may be suppressed entirely. Attorney Maltby also has experience with Massachusetts drug diversion programs and Recovery Court, which can offer treatment-focused alternatives to incarceration for eligible clients. As one of the attorneys for Quincy's Recovery Court, Attorney Maltby has access to the best detox programs, outpatient treatment programs, sober living and halfway houses.

What's at Stake

Mandatory minimum sentences for trafficking, license suspension, probation, and a record that can affect employment and housing.

Christine's Approach

Suppression motions, challenging the chain of custody, and exploring diversion and Recovery Court options where appropriate.

05

Firearms Offenses

Massachusetts has some of the strictest firearms laws in the country. A conviction for an unlicensed firearm can carry a mandatory minimum sentence — even for a first offense.

Firearms charges require careful attention to the circumstances of the stop or search that led to the discovery of the weapon. If law enforcement lacked reasonable suspicion or probable cause, the evidence may be suppressible. Attorney Maltby has defended clients against a range of firearms charges, from unlicensed carrying to armed career criminal allegations, and understands the constitutional issues that are often at the heart of these cases.

What's at Stake

Mandatory minimum sentences, loss of firearm rights, and a felony record with long-term consequences.

Christine's Approach

Fourth Amendment challenges, suppression motions, and contesting the elements of the charge.

06

Mental Health Court

Mental Health Court offers an alternative path for individuals whose criminal charges are connected to an underlying mental health condition. Attorney Maltby is one of the designated Mental Health Court attorneys in Norfolk County.

As a court-appointed Mental Health Court attorney, Christine has guided many clients through this specialized program. Mental Health Court focuses on treatment and stability rather than punishment, and successful completion can result in reduced or dismissed charges. Christine works closely with clients, their treatment providers, and the court to build a plan that addresses the underlying issues and protects her clients' futures.

What's at Stake

Without intervention, mental health-related charges can result in incarceration and a record that makes accessing treatment and housing more difficult.

Christine's Approach

Advocating for Mental Health Court placement, coordinating with treatment providers, and supporting clients through the program.

07

Recovery Court

Recovery Court is a treatment-focused alternative for individuals whose charges stem from substance use. Attorney Maltby is one of Norfolk County's designated Recovery Court attorneys.

Christine has served as a Recovery Court attorney in Quincy District Court, working with clients who are committed to addressing their substance use as part of their legal defense. Recovery Court participants receive intensive supervision and support, and those who complete the program can avoid a criminal conviction. Attorney Maltby is a strong advocate for clients who are ready to do the work — and she will fight to get them into the program.

What's at Stake

Without diversion, substance-related charges can result in incarceration and a record that creates barriers to employment, housing, and treatment.

Christine's Approach

Advocating for Recovery Court placement and supporting clients through the requirements of the program.

08

Restraining Orders

A restraining order — whether a 209A or a harassment prevention order — can remove you from your home, restrict contact with your children, and affect your employment. Violations carry criminal penalties.

Attorney Maltby has argued before the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court in a case involving a restraining order violation. She understands both the civil and criminal dimensions of these proceedings. Whether you are facing an initial hearing, a violation charge, or seeking to modify or terminate an existing order, Christine provides experienced, strategic representation. She handles these matters with the seriousness and discretion they require.

What's at Stake

Removal from the home, loss of firearm rights, criminal penalties for violations, and impact on custody and divorce proceedings.

Christine's Approach

Contesting the basis for the order, representing clients at hearings, and defending against violation charges.

Facing Criminal Charges in Massachusetts?

Attorney Maltby offers free consultations and is available seven days a week, 24 hours a day. The sooner you call, the more options you have.