» Dismissal

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&… Read More

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… Read More

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… Read More

What is animal cruelty? Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 272, Section 77 it is illegal to treat an animal with cruelty. Cruelty means inflicting severe or unnecessary pain upon an animal without any justifiable cause. The maximum penalty is s… Read More

What is an inference? A permissible deduction accepted as believable is an inference. In other words, inferences are little steps in reasoning in which a person takes some known information, applies his or her experience in life to it, and then draws… Read More

What does the law say on shoplifting? Massachusetts law states: “Any person who intentionally takes possession of, carries away, transfers or causes to be carried away or transferred any merchandise displayed, held, stored or offered for sale by a… Read More

What is disturbing the peace? Disturbing the Peace is a crime punishable in Massachusetts under M.G.L. c. 272, § 53. A first offensive could result in a fine of up to $150. A subsequent offense could lead to jail time of up to six months and/or a fi… Read More