Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90, Section 24(2)(a) punishes people who use a motor vehicle without authority knowing that doing so is unauthorized. An important element to this offense is knowledge—a person must know that they are using the ve…
What is bail jumping? Bail Jumping. Under Massachusetts’s law, a defendant failing to appear in court after released on bail is committing a crime. Massachusetts law specifically states that: “A person who is released by court order or other lawf…
What is enticing a child under 16? The Child Enticement Statute, M.G.L. c. 265, § 26C, establishes that it is a crime to entice (attract or tempt) a child under 16 with the intent of committing a crime. Possible crimes could include rape, assault, o…
Does a jury see everything? The short answer is no. Often times courts sanitize or redact evidence. Normally, the attorney and the district attorney will discuss and either agree to the limit what the jury can see and not see. And if the parties can&…
What is homicide by a motor vehicle? Homicide using a motor vehicle can be a felony under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90, Section 24G(a). A person who is under the influence or drugs and alcohol and is driving a motor vehicle recklessly or neg…
This post will discuss three topics in criminal business law: (1.) Corporate Criminal Responsibility; (2.) Burning Insured Property; and (3.) Burning Personal Property. Can I sue a business just like I can sue another person? No, not quite. A corpora…
What is transferred intent? One of the elements of most crimes that the Commonwealth must to prove is “intent”. There is a related legal principle called “transferred intent.” This applies when a person intends to harm one person but instead…
What can I do with a license? It is the burden of the Commonwealth to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you did not have license or authority to do something when you are charged with a crime. However, under G.L. c. 278 § 7 a person relying on a…
Tags: Assault and Battery, Burden of Proof, Dismissal, Felony, Intent, License, License or Authority, Magistrate, Misdemeanor, Proof Beyond a Reasonable Doubt, Specific Intent
What does it mean to conceal a felony? Massachusetts law states: “Whoever, having knowledge of the commission of a felony, takes money, or gratuity or reward, or an engagement therefore, upon an agreement or understanding, express or implied, to co…
Under G.L. c. 268, §34A it is illegal to deliberately give false information to a police officer after being arrested. False information could include a false name, date of birth, home address, or phone number. Is it illegal to give a fake name to a…
