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What Is a Hoax Device in…

What Is a Hoax Device in Massachusetts? Understanding the Charge, Penalties, and Defenses

A “hoax device” may look like a bomb, but it is not real. Even so, possessing, using, or placing one in Massachusetts can lead to serious felony charges...
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Stalking--In Violation of…

Stalking--In Violation of a Restraining Order

Stalking is a crime that is often discussed. There are different types of stalking. One type is stalking someone who already has a restraining order against you...
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What Is “Peeping Tom”…

What Is “Peeping Tom” Disorderly Conduct in Massachusetts?

Disorderly conduct is a broad crime in Massachusetts. It covers many different kinds of behavior...
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Wiretapping in Massachuse…

Wiretapping in Massachusetts: Is Recording a Conversation Illegal?

People often ask whether they can record a phone call, Zoom meeting, or in-person conversation in Massachusetts...
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Bias Jury Instruction in…

Bias Jury Instruction in Massachusetts: What It Means for Fair Trials

Massachusetts’ highest court has approved a model jury instruction on implicit bias for use in all criminal and civil trials across the Commonwealth...
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Massachusetts Identity Fr…

Massachusetts Identity Fraud Defenses: How to Fight Charges Under M.G.L. c. 266, § 37E

Identity fraud charges in Massachusetts are serious, but they are also defendable...
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Can Mental Health Affect…

Can Mental Health Affect Criminal Responsibility in Massachusetts?

Can Mental Health Affect Criminal Responsibility in Massachusetts? Understanding the Lack of Criminal Responsibility Defense When someone is charged with a serious crime and has a significant history of mental illness, one of the first questions fami…
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Property Hate Crimes in M…

Property Hate Crimes in Massachusetts: Understanding G.L. c. 265, § 39 and Your Rights

Property Hate Crimes in Massachusetts: Understanding G.L. c. 265, § 39 and Your Rights In Massachusetts, not every act of vandalism or property damage is treated the same under the criminal law. When the destruction or defacement of property is moti…
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Gang Affiliation

Gang Affiliation

Gang affiliation can be a powerful piece of evidence. It can also be deeply unfair if misused. Massachusetts courts take this seriously. They set clear limits on how gang evidence can be used at trial. So, what rules protect the fairness of a trial w…
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Consciousness of Guilt in…

Consciousness of Guilt in Massachusetts: What It Means, How Prosecutors Use It, and How the Defense Fights Back

Picture this: the police approach, and someone bolts. Or a defendant gives a false name. Or deletes a string of text messages the night of an arrest...
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