Perhaps there was a fleeting encounter at a social gathering. Maybe a budding relationship seemed to suddenly move to the next level. Individuals who have engaged in consensual acts of intimacy are often very excited about their experience and possibly hopeful about...
If you’ve watched any police or legal procedural TV shows, you’re probably familiar with the “chain of custody.” It is the path that a piece of evidence in a legal case follows from the time that it’s obtained by law enforcement to the time it’s presented as evidence...
There are many different scenarios in which people may find themselves facing very serious criminal charges. In the digital age, many of those alleged crimes involve computers and online activity. If investigators track questionable online activity to an individual's...
Massachusetts has different rules for assault than for assault and battery. Assault occurs when one person threatens or intimidates another person. Actual physical contact is not necessary for assault allegations. Assault and battery offenses, on the other hand,...
Police officers can collect many different types of evidence when building a criminal case against an individual. Financial records, security camera footage and forensic evidence can be particularly compelling when criminal cases go to trial. Sometimes, the only...
For many people, the decision process concerning whether or not to fight a criminal charge boils down to evaluating the penalties they may be subjected to in the event of a conviction. Even those who insist that the police wrongfully arrested them may plead guilty...
Defense attorneys can make a major difference for individuals facing criminal charges. They can educate someone about the penalties that they face and the process that occurs during criminal trials. They can be a calm and rational advocate for someone who likely feels...
The state of Massachusetts takes a firm stance on violent criminal activity. The state investigates assaults and homicides, and police officers arrest those accused of intentionally harming others. Those convicted of violent offenses may serve time in prison and may...
One of the most important things to know in criminal law is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor. It is important to know the difference for many reasons, but especially because of the severity of the punishment associated with one versus the other. Not...
When it comes to criminal justice, understanding the basics of search and seizure law is essential. Search and seizure laws safeguard personal privacy, while still enabling law enforcement to gather evidence. These rules, based on the Fourth Amendment of the U.S....