Alyssa Hackett brings creativity and pragmatism to her criminal defense practice, blending big-picture thinking and hands-on experience.

Attorney Hackett began her practice as a public defender in the District and Superior Courts in Bristol, Plymouth, and Suffolk County, where she gained substantial trial experience in a variety of criminal matters. She began her federal practice as an assistant federal defender in the Boston Federal Defender’s Office.  She is a member of the criminal justice act panel and is certified to accept appointments in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts.

Attorney Hackett is committed to strengthening and supporting the Massachusetts criminal defense community and is the co-chair of the Criminal Law Steering Committee of the Boston Bar Association and the Vice President of the Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.  She is also committed to Due Process for all and donates her time through pro bono representation of protestors through the National Lawyer’s Guild and immigrants seeking habeas corpus relief through the Habeas Project.

Accomplishments

Attorney Hackett has experience trying dozens of cases to a jury in Suffolk, Bristol, and Plymouth County Superior Courts, several district and municipal courts, as well as the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts. She has represented clients who were found not guilty of armed assault with attempt to murder, murder, armed weapons offenses, drug trafficking, sexual assault, assault, larceny, threats, and other offenses.  She has also successfully won motions to suppress evidence resulting in dismissal of charges, negotiated pre-charge dismissal of charges, successfully moved to dismiss pending charges on constitutional or statutory grounds, successfully appealed to the Massachusetts Appeals Court, and overturned conviction through post-trial motion.  In addition, she brought the emergency appeal that resulted in the Massachusetts rule forbidding law enforcement to hold a defendant on an immigration detainer. 

Education

Boston University, B.A., cum laude

Suffolk University Law School, J.D., cum laude

Awards

Hines-Burnham Award - Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

John E. Fenton Public Service Fellowship Award

Bar Admissions

Massachusetts

United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts

First Circuit Court of Appeals

Professional Activities

Vice President, Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (MACDL)

Co-Chair, Boston Bar Association Criminal Law Steering Committee