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,…
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The highest court in Massachusetts decided a new case on stop and frisk this year. The case focuses on how suspicious police officers must be before they may lawfully pat a person down during a traffic stop.Like all cases decided by the Supreme Judic…
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When we hear “OUI” the first thing that comes to mind for many people is drunk driving. That makes sense. Operating under the influence of intoxicating liquor is one of the most frequently charged crimes in Massachusetts. TV shows and movies migh…
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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…
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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…
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In TV crime dramas there are often scenes where a person accused of a crime talks with prosecutors to get a favorable deal. These programs don’t usually reflect reality, but it is true that sometimes it is in the best interest of a person accused o…
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Massachusetts recently published a study on racial bias in police traffic stops. The study found no evidence of racial profiling. This is good news for everyone in Massachusetts. When a study comes out on selective police targeting attentive criminal…
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People who are convicted of an OUI or admit to sufficient facts (CWOF) for a 2nd offense OUI, 3rd offense OUI and so on, have to comply with certain conditions from the Registry of Motor Vehicles before they are allowed to drive again. One example of…
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People often say be careful what you post on social media. This is good advice. Although you may think your content is protected by the Constitution that is often not the case. For example, in a recent case called Commonwealth v. Carrasquillo the hig…
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When a person commits a crime that involves financial loss to someone else they might be ordered to pay restitution. What is restitution? When does it occur? How is it calculated? What factors do judges consider when they order restitution? What is r…
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