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…
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
What does it mean to defend property? In Massachusetts, the law permits you defend your property against someone who has no right to it, as long as you use reasonable but not deadly force. According to one case, Commonwealth v. Lindsey, 396 Mass. 840…
Commonwealth v. Johnson, 412 Mass. 368 makes defending another a criminal defense. Indeed, a person can be found not guilty if they came to the aid of another person using reasonable force. This post will answer some frequently asked questions about…
