A police officer says the plate on a car didn’t belong to that car, or that the plate was covered or missing. Now you have a citation or a court date for a charge under G.L. c. 90, § 23. Here’s what that charge means. I’ll go through it in ord…
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Massachusetts criminal law recognizes that free will is essential to the commission of a criminal act
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Tags: abusive relationship duress, Arraignment, Bill Barabino, coercion criminal defense, Criminal, Defenses, Duress, duress defense Massachusetts, Felony, Immigration Consequences, imminent threat, Indecent Assault, Misdemeanor, necessity vs duress
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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Tags: Arraignment, concealing merchandise, Dismissal, Dismissed, Diversion, G.L. c. 266 § 30A, General Intent, Immigration Consequences, Magistrate, penalty, price tag switching, Registry of Motor Vehicles, retail theft, Self Defense, Self Defense of Another, Self Defense of Property, Shoplifting, shoplifting Massachusetts, Stealing, Wanton Conduct
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…
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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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Tags: Arraignment, Arrest, Assault and Battery, Dismissed, Diversion, Felonies, Felony, Immigration Consequences, Misdemeanor, Proof Beyond a Reasonable Doubt, Reckless Conduct, Resisting Arrest, Wanton Conduct
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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You’ve been charged with larceny, or someone in your family has. Larceny is the legal word for theft. Being accused of stealing hits hard, whether it’s about a phone, money at work, or something bigger. Here’s what the law actually says, in pla…
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If you have been charged with a crime in Massachusetts, one of the best outcomes short of an outright dismissal is pretrial probation. You do not plead guilty. You do not admit anything. You follow a set of conditions for an agreed period, and if you…
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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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