In the state of Massachusetts, the personal use of marijuana is now legal. Indeed, a person can have up to 10 ounces of the drug within their home and not face a penalty. But while it may be legal to use the drug, driving while impaired is still against the law. Which means that the state of Massachusetts is facing … Read More
The Cop that Stopped Me for a DUI Didn’t Have Probable Cause – What Are My Rights?
Most people who have been charged with a DUI in Massachusetts don’t understand two fundamental elements of the criminal process: First, in order to pull someone over for a DUI or other traffic stop, a police officer must have reasonable suspicion that the person has committed a crime. This is a fairly low standard, and can be met if the … Read More
How Many Times Can I Appeal the Outcome of My Criminal Case?
If you are charged with a crime, you have the right to plead guilty to the crime (often after striking a plea bargain with the prosecution) or defend yourself against charges. If you defend yourself against charges, you may attend a lengthy trial that involved the prosecution presenting evidence against you, and you and your attorney attempting to prove your … Read More
What Is Expungement?
Being charged with a criminal offense, or being convicted of a crime, can have a serious effect on your life and future opportunities. In fact, even if you are not convicted of the crime–just arrested and charged–your arrest record alone may limit your ability to secure certain employment positions, housing, or other opportunities. Fortunately, for those who have previously faced … Read More
Can Police Lie During an Interrogation?
If you are arrested and charged with a crime, you have certain rights. For example, you have the right to know what charges are being pressed against you at the time of your arrest, the right to remain silent, and the right to an attorney. What you do not have the right to, however, is the full truth. In fact, … Read More
Criminal Charges for a Hit and Run in Boston
If you are involved in a car accident in Boston or anywhere else in the state of Massachusetts that results in property damage, you are required under law to stop your vehicle and exchange information with the other driver. In some cases, reporting the accident to the authorities is required, too.
When Can You Be Charged as an Adult for a Crime in Boston?
For a parent, there is nothing easy about seeing one’s child be charged with a crime. However, there may be some comfort in knowing that depending on the child’s age, the youth may be charged in the juvenile court system rather than the adult criminal system. Consider the following about what you need to know regarding when a youth under … Read More
The Most Important Thing to Do after a Criminal Arrest: Call a Lawyer
If you are arrested and charged with a crime in Boston, at the time of your arrest, you will be read your rights. These rights include the right to remain silent, to know that any evidence you provide can be used against you, and the right to an attorney. Further, if you’ve read other criminal law blogs, you may have … Read More
What Happens if I Violate a Restraining Order in Boston?
Restraining and harassment orders are legal protections issued by a court that are designed to protect alleged victims from abuse. If you have had a restraining order or harassment order issued against you, it is critical that you adhere to the order’s stipulations; the failure to do so can result in criminal penalties. If you have been accused of violating … Read More
The Basics of Parole
If you are convicted of a crime in Massachusetts, your sentence may include the possibility of parole. Different from probation, parole allows a convicted person to get out from behind bars in exchange for good behavior and adherence to the requirement of following a specific set of rules and guidelines. If you are facing criminal charges, have been convicted of … Read More