What is restorative justice? Restorative justice is a voluntary process by which offenders collectively identify and address obligations resulting from an offense. So, under the system, the offender accepts responsibility for his or her actions. The…
Young people sometimes make dangerous decisions involving alcohol. When someone becomes unconscious, needs medical attention, or is at risk of harming themselves or others because of intoxication, the last thing the law should do is discourage bystan…
What are mandatory minimum sentences? What are mandatory minimum sentences? How have changes to the law in Massachusetts impacted these sentences? What kinds of crimes have mandatory minimum sentences? Who do I contact if I need legal representation…
What are the punishments for being convicted of more than one OUI? The more times a person is found guilty of an OUI, “Operating Under the Influence” , the greater the penalties are for multiple or subsequent offenses. Massachusetts law has recen…
What is bail and how is it determined? Money given to court to hold until resolution of the case is called bail. A dismissed case; a plea agreement entered; or a trial with a verdict is a resolved case. The purpose of bail is to ensure that the perso…
Operating a motor vehicle without a valid license is a common charge in Massachusetts District Courts...
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How does the Commonwealth prove a defendant guilty of annoying or accosting a person? In order to prove a defendant guilty of annoying or accosting a person, the Commonwealth must prove the following four elements of the offense beyond a reasonable d…
Massachusetts law makes it a separate crime to be armed with, or to have under one’s control, a dangerous weapon at the moment of certain arrests...
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What is lawful gun storage? A safety device is properly engaged if it renders the firearm, rifle, or shotgun inoperable by any person other than the owner or other lawfully authorized user. Moreover, to qualify as a securely locked container, the con…
Certain drug offenses committed near schools or public parks carry enhanced mandatory-minimum penalties under Massachusetts law. G.L. c. 94C, § 32J creates these “school zone” and “park zone” enhancements
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