The purpose of a Massachusetts arraignment is to formally charge someone with a crime. After the charges are read, the judge will then ask if the person wants to hire their own lawyer, see if they qualify for a court appointed attorney. The clerk will automatically enter a “Not Guilty” plea. The Judge then asks the… Read More
What You Need in a Criminal Defense Attorney
If you have been charged with a crime you know by now that hiring the right lawyer can make all the difference. But where do you start and how can you tell good lawyers from bad lawyers? Read Online Reviews Online reviews are the best place to begin your search for a criminal lawyer. Online… Read More
Will I be able to get a gun license if I have a felony on my record?
One question I am often asked is, “Will I be able to get a gun license if I have felony on my record?” Unfortunately the answer is NO. Even if you had a Massachusetts gun license for years without any incidents just having a felony on your record will make you ineligible to legally carry… Read More
What Happens At A Massachusetts Criminal Arraignment?
If you’ve been charged with a crime in Massachusetts, understanding the criminal arraignment process is crucial. This guide will walk you through what to expect, the steps involved, and how to prepare for your first court appearance. What is a Massachusetts Arraignment? An arraignment is the first formal step in the criminal court process. During… Read More
Junior Operator Penalties In Massachusetts Explained
Massachusetts Junior Operator Penalties Massachusetts imposes some of the strictest penalties for junior operators in the country. One speeding ticket can cost a driver the loss of their license. In addition to the increased insurance premiums loss of driving rights are at stake whenever a junior operator gets a citation. Massachusetts Junior Operator Penalties Passenger… Read More
What is Domestic Violence? Is a push considered Domestic Violence in Massachusetts?
Domestic violence is a treated very harshly in Massachusetts. Technically there is supposed to a zero tolerance policy for domestic violence. So if a fight gets out of hand and a partner, a spouse or a neighbor calls the police, the police will actively investigate the case. Police are trained to make certain observations such… Read More
Drunk Driving- the Nine Step Walk and Turn Test
If you have been arrested for OUI in Massachusetts, (Massachusetts calls all drunk driving OUI meaning Operating Under the Influence, it is the same as DUI or DWI) chances are the arresting police officer has asked you the to do the nine step walk and turn test. The nine step walk and turn test is… Read More
Prosecutor Who Presented No Evidence Cannot Retry Defendant
According to a U.S. Supreme Court ruling, prosecutors who refuse to show any evidence at a trial due to the unavailability of witnesses will not get a chance to have a retrial. The U.S. Supreme Court has granted certiorari on Tuesday in a case involving Esteban Martinez, a defendant who faced charges of mob action… Read More
How A Drug Conviction Effects College Financial Aid
With college tuition on the rise, increasingly more students are turning to federal financial aid programs to help pay for college. Federal student financial aid is heavy regulated and the results of a drug conviction are treated harshly. A criminal conviction for either illegal drug possession or distribution of drugs affects whether your eligible for… Read More
New Technology Allows for Easier Eavesdropping by Police
Police throughout the U.S. are using a new technology called StingRay to snoop on cellular phone calls and text messages. Unfortunately, they do not always obtain a warrant when utilizing this intrusive technology. The StingRay operates by replicating a cellular tower, forcing cellular phones in its space to reveal their identities and send transmissions to… Read More