» Intent

Possession of Drugs

How do the police prove I was in possession of drugs? How does the law define possession? We all know that there are charges of possessing a handgun, or possessing an illegal drug. Sometimes, it’s obvious, for example when the person has a gun… Read More
Read More

Transferred Intent

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
Read More

License or Authority

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
Read More

Knowledge in Criminal Law

What is knowledge in criminal law? A perception of the facts required for a crime is knowledge in criminal law. It is the burden of the Commonwealth to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that at the time of the offense the defendant knew something. This… Read More
Read More

Criminal Intent Explained

What is criminal intent? 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 Commonweal… Read More
Read More

Forgery

What is forgery? A person who intentionally injures, defrauds, falsely makes, alters, forges, or counterfeits an official document can be punished under Chapter 267 of Massachusetts’ General Laws. To have forgery, something relating to a legal docu… Read More
Read More
Categories: Blog