---
title: "Thomas S. Kaplanes | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/thomas-s-kaplanes-ma"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-10-07"
---

# Thomas S. Kaplanes

Massachusetts Boston Municipal Court · Justice

## Profile

- Court: Massachusetts Boston Municipal Court
- State: Massachusetts
- Role: Justice
- Service status: active

## Summary

Thomas S. Kaplanes — Massachusetts Boston Municipal Court

## Sources

- [Boston Municipal Court Justices](https://www.mass.gov/info-details/boston-municipal-court-justices)

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## Biography

### Professional career

- Appointment: Kaplanes joined the Boston Municipal Court by former Governor Deval Patrick in 2013, filling a vacancy left by the retirement of Judge Robert P. Ziemian
- In 2007, he opened his own practice specializing in criminal defense and civil matters

### Education


### Additional information

- After six years, he transitioned into private practice
- handling complex personal injury cases and criminal defense matters.
- Legal Career: He began his legal career as an assistant district attorney for the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, where he focused on prosecuting gang violence and felonies.
- He serves in the Dorchester Division, which handles a variety of cases, including criminal, civil, and housing matters
- Also fluent in Greek, which enhances his ability to serve diverse communities
- Volunteer Work: Outside of his judicial duties, Judge Kaplanes has been active in the community, volunteering for organizations such as the New England Shelter for Homeless Veterans and the Dorchester Boys and Girls Club.



## Published courtroom rules

### Shared court rules

- [Supreme Judicial Court Rule 1:19: Electronic access to the courts](https://knowjudges.com/courtroom-rules/national-shared-set-20acbd9da185f40e1f10b2b2) — Scope is limited to the court class in the source claim.  Shared court context only; case-type restrictions, exceptions, later amendments and case orders apply. This is not a personal preference or a complete rules inventory. [Official source](https://www.mass.gov/supreme-judicial-court-rules/supreme-judicial-court-rule-119-electronic-access-to-the-courts). Collected 2026-07-26.