Massachusetts is known for its numerous quality establishments of higher education. College is supposed to be a time of learning and making lifelong decisions for the future. Such growth into adulthood often involves making mistakes. Unfortunately, sometimes these...
Month: May 2018
What is ‘hearsay’ and why is it inadmissible in a felony trial?
Criminal trials are conducted according to strict procedural rules. One of the most important set of rules governs the admissibility in a trial of various types of evidence. These rules go by various names -- in Massachusetts, they are called the Guide to Evidence --...
Felonies: what is the Miranda warning and when is it used?
The phrase "Miranda warning" is known to most residents of Massachusetts, but the exact meaning of the phrase is often unclear. The phrase refers to the title of a famous United States Supreme Court ruling in Miranda v. Arizona, decided in 1966. The case turned on...
Four common teenage crimes
It is no surprise to anyone that teenagers sometimes get into trouble. Adolescence is often a time of rebellion and experimentation. As a parent, it is important for you to know about the risk of juvenile crime and to get legal help if law enforcement arrests your...
What is the entrapment defense for those accused of felonies?
Police in Massachusetts use many different techniques to gather evidence in a criminal investigation. One of the most frequently used techniques is the pre-arranged transaction, such as the sale and purchase of illegal drugs. To execute the scheme, a police officer...
Must you submit to a breath test in Massachusetts?
Operating while under the influence is a serious offense in Massachusetts. A first offense for an OUI, even one that does not result in any injuries or property damage, can still result in a suspension of your driver's license and jail time up to two-and-a-half...