The police say you, or someone in your family, used a car without permission. Now there’s a court date for “use of a motor vehicle without authority.” That’s stressful, especially when the car belongs to a friend, a relative, or a rental comp…
Read More
A defendant is charged with the crime of “use of telephone for betting” when he or she unlawfully is (ONE OR MORE): Using a telephone Permitting a telephone …for betting purposes. What is the law on phone betting? Commonwealth law states: “Wh…
Read More
You’ve been charged with making harassing or obscene phone calls, or someone in your family has. The charge may be about calls, texts, emails, or social media messages. It’s a lot to take in, and you probably want to know what the law actually sa…
Read More
Resisting arrest is a crime in Massachusetts under G.L. c. 268, § 32B. The charge covers two kinds of conduct: using or threatening force against an officer, or doing something that creates a substantial risk of bodily injury. Simply pulling awa…
Read More
Tags: Arraignment, Arrest, Assault and Battery, Dismissed, Diversion, Felonies, Felony, Immigration Consequences, Misdemeanor, Proof Beyond a Reasonable Doubt, Reckless Conduct, Resisting Arrest, Wanton Conduct
Disorderly conduct and disturbing the peace are two of the most common charges in Massachusetts District Court, and two of the most misunderstood. They share one sentence of the statute, G.L. c. 272, § 53(b), and one penalty: a fine of up to $15…
Read More
CIVIL INFRACTION: A civil infraction is a minor violation. Many traffic violations are civil infractions, such as speeding and running a red light. The punishment for a civil infraction is usually a fine. The fine may be a modest amount of money, but…
Read More
