Human Trafficking in Massachusetts: A Clear Guide to the Law, Penalties, and Why Some Businesses Face Extra Scrutiny Human trafficking is a serious crime. Most people know it is illegal under federal law. What many do not realize is that Massachusett…

When a person is charged with a crime, they might reach a point in their case where they have to make an important decision. One of the most important is the decision of whether to take a case to trial or make a deal. At the end of the day, to go to…

When a person is arrested for operating under the influence of alcohol (OUI), police may ask them if they will agree to a breath or blood test. These tests are used to determine if a person has consumed enough alcohol to be above the legal limit for…

A big question in law is how much privacy a person should have in their cell phone. Smartphones are complex tools that allow a person to connect with people and places all over the world. Often we know how we are connecting. We send a text, an email,…

Being stopped and patted down by police, on the sidewalk or at the side of the road, is unsettling. But officers cannot do whatever they want. Massachusetts law limits when police may stop you, and sets stricter limits on when they may frisk you. Thi…

Operating under the influence is not only about alcohol. Massachusetts law makes it the same crime, with the same penalties, to drive while impaired by marijuana, narcotics, depressants, stimulants, or inhaled toxic fumes. But drug cases are proved v…

In 2020, Massachusetts passed a new law on police reform. Among other things, the legislation created a commission to certify and decertify police officers called “POST.” This new law has impacted how law enforcement officers do their job and cou…

Last month the US Supreme Court made a major decision on gun rights. The change in law will have a significant impact on the right of people to carry firearms in self-defense. But as with many Supreme Court decisions, there are questions on how the h…