Can a 911 call be entered in evidence at trial? This is a question that I get often from clients, and the answer is “it depends.” At trial, the most powerful testimony is that of someone on the stand, speaking to the jury. Witnesses, oftentimes alleged victims of crimes, are afforded the opportunity to be heard. But sometimes witnesses are unavailable or unwilling to testify. What then?
The Supreme Court and the Massachusetts SJC have […]
At arraignment, an entry is created on a defendant’s Board of Probation (BOP) record. This record, sometimes called a “rap sheet,” is an overview of your criminal history and includes juvenile court records, adult court records and restraining orders. Judges have access to all this information and use it when making decisions regarding bail and plea deals.
As you might imagine, less is more; that is, the fewer entries on the BOP, the […]
There has been a lot written lately about how the jury trial is an endangered species. While it it true that most criminal complaints resolve short of a jury trial (through a plea deal) many cases can and must go to trial.
Many serious offenses in the Commonwealth, such as Indecent Assault and Battery Under 14, require those convicted to register as sex offenders; the laws are often written to prohibit defendants from making plea deals to avoid the registration requirement. […]
If you are reading this post, chances are that you have at least one and probably multiple social media accounts. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc. are all great platforms to share your passions and stay connected with friends and family. But what you share can also be used by people who are not your friends.
Take, for instance, the case of an auto accident. If you have been injured and are seeking compensation, you must be sure […]
Massachusetts laws are often written in colorful or archaic language. One such example concerns the offense of “Carrying a Dangerous Weapon” (M.G.L. ch. 269 §10).
Subsection (b) of this law deals with non-firearm weapons, and begins by enumerating a long list of weapons that are inherently dangerous, including a:
“stiletto, dagger or a device or case which enables a knife with a locking blade to be drawn at a locked position, any ballistic knife . . . dirk knife, any […]
