The Palmer district court covers the jurisdiction of many rural western Massachusetts towns including Brimfield, East Longmeadow, Hampden, Holland, Ludlow, Monson, Palmer, Wales, Wilbraham.
Because there is an extensive stretch of the Massachusetts turnpike in this district, the court handles a lot of OUI charges from state police patrol arrests on the Pike. I have successfully defended many cases in this courthouse.
Where is the Palmer district court located?
The courthouse is isolated. address is:
235 Sykes Street
Palmer, MA 01069-1190
How is parking at the Palmer district court?
It is fine. There is plenty of free parking in the lot adjacent to the courthouse.
Can I get to Palmer via public Transportation?
No, you are out of luck. the courthouse itself is quite isolated, even for Palmer.
You will have to take a cab or an uber if you don’t have someone to give you a ride.
Can I bring my phone inside the courthouse?
Yes, phones, tablets, laptops, and electronic devices are allowed in the building.
you will not be allowed to use your phone at any time inside one of the courtrooms, or even text.
You also can’t be disruptive while talking on the phone in the hallways, or take photos at any time while inside the building.
Where do I go for a Clerk Magistrate’s Hearing?
The Clerk’s office will inform you as to where the Clerk-Magistrate is holding hearings. You will want to check in with the Clerk, in any case,to confirm that you are there and that your hearing is scheduled.
Where do I go for an Arraignment?
IF you are being arraigned on a criminal charge in Palmer, such as after an OUI arrest, there is a lot you want to know about how arraignments work.
Specific to court procedures, you need to go to the Probation department before you are arraigned. You can be evaluated for a court-appointed lawyer by probation and find out if you meet the income requirements needed.
They will direct you to the general arraignment courtroom in the building used that day.
At the arraignment, the charges will be read in open court, and you will plead not guilty before the judge on the charges. A not guilty plea is completely standard by everyone, and will essentially be entered on your behalf if you haven’t acquired legal representation yet.
An attorney at an arraignment is not required. But having an attorney at your arraignment can have a number of significant benefits. Sometimes we can actually resolve the case that day, for the minimum plea deal allowed under the law, saving you from having to come back at a later day to resolve your case.
What about a trial?
I have defended cases at bench trials and jury trials in Palmer. The courtroom and judge assignments always depend on the court activities and availability of judges on that day.
Is there anything nearby the courthouse for lunch?
There is nothing within immediate walking distance.
The Burgandy Brook Cafe is a little more than half a mile north on Palmer St.
To the west, down main st about a mile and a half are Pinocchios Italian restaurant and Saporito’s pizza.
