When the Commonwealth Seeks to Hold a Defendant Without Bail A 58A dangerousness hearing is one of the most powerful tools available to prosecutors in Massachusetts. When the Commonwealth files a motion under General Laws Chapter 276, Section 58A, it…
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Being arrested is frightening for the person in custody and for the family waiting for news. In Massachusetts, the hours after an arrest usually follow a practical sequence: transport to a station or barracks, booking, a decision about release or con…
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Most criminal cases in Massachusetts end without a trial. Many end with a plea deal. If you or someone you love has been offered one, you probably have two questions: is this a good deal, and what happens if I say yes? This guide walks through a plea…
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After arraignment, most Massachusetts criminal cases do not jump straight to a jury trial. The next major court milestone for many District Court defendants is what people commonly call a pre-trial conference — often shortened to “PTC.” It is e…
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G.L. c. 279, § 6B — How Massachusetts Courts Consider Parental Responsibilities at Sentencing When a parent or primary caretaker faces sentencing, the consequences of incarceration extend far beyond the defendant. Children can lose their primary s…
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A Massachusetts criminal record can follow a person long after a case ends. Sealing hides a record from most people; expungement destroys it. The law allows expungement only in narrow situations. This guide walks through expungement in the order it h…
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Questions about immigration status can arise in criminal cases in several different settings: during police encounters, at booking, in the courtroom when witnesses are examined, and in discussions about collateral consequences...
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Immunity, Intervening Acts, and Lessons for Criminal Defense In 2019, Navy SEAL Chief Edward “Eddie” Gallagher stood trial by court-martial on charges that included premeditated murder, attempted murder, and obstruction of justice arising from ev…
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Tags: Corey Scott, Eddie Gallagher, Iraq Murder Case, ISIS, Islamic State Insurgent Fighter, Mosul, Murder Trial, NAVY Seal, Primary Prosecution Witness, Seal Medic, Special Operator Corey Scott, Tim Parlatore
How should I dress for court? In this post we will discuss the topic of how to dress when going into court. As a disclaimer, what we have to say are recommendations on how to dress. In the end, the decision of how you wish to physically present yours…
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