Criminal Defense
Rankin & Sultan concentrates on vigorously defending individuals and companies facing criminal investigations or prosecution. Our firm provides aggressive advocacy in a variety of contexts.
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Civil & Administrative Litigation
Rankin & Sultan also handles selected civil matters. Most often, it is our commitment to defending individual liberties and fighting against government misconduct that brings us into the civil arena.Read More
Rankin & Sultan News
First Circuit Court of Appeals
Our client had been wrongfully sentenced in the Rhode Island federal district court to 140 months in prison (more than 11 years) for convictions that actually carried only a one-year maximum term. Michelle Menken, hired for the appeal, discovered the error and persuaded the First Circuit that the entire sentence (on seventeen counts of conviction) must be vacated. The case was remanded for re-sentencing.
Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS)
Jamie Sultan spoke at the CPCS criminal appellate brown bag luncheon about how to approach investigating, preparing, and litigating new trial motions based on ineffective assistance of counsel. Jamie discussed a broad array of information based on his experience litigating new trial motions, including how to interview trial counsel and how to conduct the hearing.
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About Us
Attorney Charles “Charlie” Rankin and Attorney James “Jamie” Sultan founded our boutique criminal defense firm on June 1, 1986. They had graduated from Harvard Law School in the same class (1980) and worked together as associates at the small criminal and constitutional litigation firm of Silverglate & Gertner. After each subsequently enjoyed a successful tour in private solo practice, the two reunited to join forces as Rankin & Sultan.
Rankin & Sultan quickly developed a reputation for providing highly sophisticated and effective criminal defense at both the trial and appellate levels. Increasing demand for their services led them to grow. Catherine Hinton became a partner in 2002, followed by Michelle Menken, who became a partner in 2008.
Today, Rankin & Sultan is at the forefront of the field, having forged some of the most significant advances in criminal justice in Massachusetts over the past two decades. Our attorneys practice regularly in state and federal trial courts throughout Massachusetts. We also practice regularly in state and federal appellate courts in Massachusetts and in other jurisdictions. The firm is one of very few Boston criminal firms listed in the Martindale-Hubbell Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers.
All of our attorneys are passionate about fighting zealously on behalf of the accused. We believe that the power of government is immense, and the process fraught with pitfalls. Our mission is to marshal our skill and experience to protect the underdog – to even the playing field; to safeguard liberty, property, and sometimes life; and to champion fundamental principles of justice, equity, and human dignity.