» Proof Beyond a Reasonable Doubt

A common question from clients and their families is: “Does the jury see everything?” The short answer is no....

What is transferred intent? One of the elements of most crimes that the Commonwealth must prove is “intent”. There is a related legal principle called “transferred intent.” This applies when a person intends to harm one person…

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…

Can I go to jail if I do not speak to police? Recently, a client called concerned that she DID NOT respond to accusations from police when she was accused of shoplifting. While in the parking lot of a store she was confronted by police. The police wa…

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…

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…

Disturbing the peace is a crime in Massachusetts under G.L. c. 272, § 53(b). It is one of the most common charges after a loud argument, a late-night party, or a scene outside a bar. A first offense carries only a fine. A second offense can mean…

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…