Maura J. Tansley, Esq.
Partner
Attorney Tansley is a highly experienced litigation attorney with a focus on all aspects of criminal defense. Attorney Tansley trained in the Boston University School of Law Criminal Defense Clinic before graduating law school and joining the Massachusetts public defender’s office. As a public defender, Attorney Tansley distinguished herself as a fierce advocate and skilled trial attorney.
Early in her career, Attorney Tansley led litigation challenging the use of standardized field sobriety tests in operating under the influence of drug cases. The resulting decision by the Supreme Judicial Court limited the scope of officer testimony and established new jury instructions. (Commonwealth v. Gerhardt (477 Mass. 775, 2017)
Throughout her career Attorney Tansley has represented clients from the initial stages of police investigation through trials in the District and Superior Courts. She has extensive experience handling rape, sexual assault and sexually dangerous persons matters as well as representation before the Sex Offender Registry Board.
Attorney Tansley handles both appointed and private murder cases across the Commonwealth. One of her murder trials was followed by the CBS investigative crime and justice show, 48 Hours. She understands the need to work closely with experts and investigators to provide her clients with the strongest possible defense.
Attorney Tansley recognizes that every case has the potential to have a lifelong impact on her clients and structures her representation to consider all of the implications on a client including immigration, employment, and criminal history.
Areas of Practice
Criminal Defense
Sex Offender Registry Board
Sexually Dangerous Persons Civil Commitment Trials
CORI Sealing
Operating Under the Influence (Alcohol and Drugs)
Registry of Motor Vehicle Appeals
Bar Admissions
Massachusetts, 2012
United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts, 2017
Honors and Awards
Qualified to accept court appointed Superior Court and Murder cases
Super Lawyers, Rising Star 2021 — Criminal Defense
National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys — Top 10 Under 40
Education
Simmons University, B.A.
Boston University School of Law, J.D. (Judicial intern with the Honorable Judge William Young, United States District Court, District of Massachusetts) (Criminal Law Clinic)
Professional Associations
Worcester County Bar Association, President Elect
Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Pro Bono Activities
Representation through the National Lawyers Guild
Mentor, Boston University School of Law Criminal Defense Clinic
Westover School, Past Member Board of Trustees, Secretary; Diversity Equity and Inclusion Task Force Member
