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Constructive Possession i…

Constructive Possession in Massachusetts | Knowledge and Control of Drugs or Firearms

Possession of drugs, firearms, or other contraband is a common charge in Massachusetts criminal cases...
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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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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 document itself must…
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