When we hear “OUI” the first thing that comes to mind for many people is drunk driving. That makes sense. Operating under the influence of intoxicating liquor is one of the most frequently charged crimes in Massachusetts. TV shows and movies migh…
In 2020, Massachusetts passed a new law on police reform. Among other things, the legislation created a commission to certify and decertify police officers called “POST.” This new law has impacted how law enforcement officers do their job and cou…
Last month the US Supreme Court made a major decision on gun rights. The change in law will have a significant impact on the right of people to carry firearms in self-defense. But as with many Supreme Court decisions, there are questions on how the h…
In TV crime dramas there are often scenes where a person accused of a crime talks with prosecutors to get a favorable deal. These programs don’t usually reflect reality, but it is true that sometimes it is in the best interest of a person accused o…
Massachusetts recently published a study on racial bias in police traffic stops. The study found no evidence of racial profiling. This is good news for everyone in Massachusetts. When a study comes out on selective police targeting attentive criminal…
People who are convicted of an OUI or admit to sufficient facts (CWOF) for a 2nd offense OUI, 3rd offense OUI and so on, have to comply with certain conditions from the Registry of Motor Vehicles before they are allowed to drive again. One example of…
People often say be careful what you post on social media. This is good advice. Although you may think your content is protected by the Constitution that is often not the case. For example, in a recent case called Commonwealth v. Carrasquillo the hig…
When a person commits a crime that involves financial loss to someone else they might be ordered to pay restitution. What is restitution? When does it occur? How is it calculated? What factors do judges consider when they order restitution? What is r…
There are several different ways a person in Massachusetts can have their driver’s license suspended or revoked. One way is by “immediate threat.” What is an immediate threat? An immediate threat is an indefinite suspension of your driver’s l…
In 2011, former Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick signed into law new legislation on gambling in Massachusetts. The law focuses mostly on using casino revenues to benefit the state, but it also creates criminal penalties for certain gambling crime…
