What is disorderly conduct? Disorderly Conduct, violent or tumultuous public behavior that causes inconvenience, annoyance, or alarm, is punishable in Massachusetts. Under M.G.L. c. 272, § 53 a first offensive could result in a fine of up to $150. A…
What is criminal harassment? Harassment can be a crime in Massachusetts and may result in a Harassment Prevention Order being issued. Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 265, Section 43A a person who engages in a knowing pattern of conduct or sp…
Tags: Bill Barabino, Burden of Proof, Criminal, Criminal Harassment, Defenses, Felony, Harassing Speech, Misdemeanor, Pattern of Conduct, Protected Speech, Susbstantial Emotional Distress, Wanton Conduct, Willfully and Maliciously
What is criminal intent? Many crimes require intent for conviction. Intent means being aware of the natural and probable consequences of an action. Specific intent is a conscious act with the determination of the mind to do it according to Commonweal…
What is entrapment? Entrapment occurs when a person who had no previous intention to violate the law is persuaded to commit a crime by a person working for the government. One case, Commonwealth v. Remedor, 52 Mass. App. Ct. 694, talks about the rule…
What is larceny by stealing? There are different types of larceny crimes. Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 266, Section 30 a person who intentionally takes the personal property of another can be convicted of Larceny by Stealing. What is larc…
What is forgery? A person who intentionally injures, defrauds, falsely makes, alters, forges, or counterfeits an official document can be punished under Chapter 267 of Massachusetts’ General Laws. To have forgery, something relating to a legal docu…
This post will answer some frequently asked questions on the legal defense of alibi. What is alibi evidence? Testimony suggesting that the defendant was not present at the place and time when the offense charged in the complaint is alleged to have oc…
According to M.G.L. c. 266, § 16 a person who breaks and enters into a building, ship, vessel, or vehicle with the intent to commit a felony can be punished. Violation of this statute carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in state prison. This post…
What is vandalism? Vandalism is the crime, punishable under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 266, Section 126A, of intentionally painting, marking, or injuring the property of another in a willfully malicious or wanton manner. This post will answer…
This post will answer some frequently asked questions about the crime of drug paraphernalia. What does the law say on selling or possessing drug paraphernalia? According to Massachusetts law: “No person shall sell or possess with intent to sell…d…
