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False License Plate

This post will answer some frequently asked questions on the crime of having the wrong license plate on a motor vehicle. What is attaching wrong plates to conceal identity? Under Commonwealth law, it is a crime to attach the wrong license plates to a…
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Duress Defense in Massach…

Duress Defense in Massachusetts Criminal Cases | Coercion as Excuse

Massachusetts criminal law recognizes that free will is essential to the commission of a criminal act
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Shoplifting in Massachusetts | G.L. c. 266 § 30A

Shoplifting is a specific criminal offense under Massachusetts law. G.L. c. 266, § 30A covers a range of intentional acts involving retail merchandise—taking it, concealing it, switching price tags or containers, under-ringing the price, or removi…
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Harassing or Obscene Phone Calls

What is the law on harassing or obscene phone calls? Massachusetts law states: “Whoever telephones another person or causes a person to be telephoned, contacts another person by electronic communication, or causes a person to be contacted by electr…
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Resisting Arrest

What is Resisting Arrest? In Massachusetts, under M.G.L. c. 268, §32B, a person can be convicted of Resisting Arrest. Resisting Arrest means knowingly preventing or attempting to prevent a police officer from making an arrest by using or threatening…
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Criminal Intent Explained

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 Commonwealth v. Nickerson, 388 Mass…
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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 larceny? Larceny or “stealing…
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What is Pre-trial Probation

WHAT IS PRE-TRIAL PROBATION G.L. c. 276, § 87 Pre-trial Probation or a “General Continuance” is a highly sought criminal disposition (result). It is a conditional disposition anticipating dismissal of criminal charges. It basically means that th…
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Criminal Defense--an Overview

The criminal justice system can be confusing and overwhelming. For guidance about criminal procedures and help building a defense, contact a skilled and knowledgeable criminal defense attorney. Learn the Information You Need About Your Criminal Defen…
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