The Massachusetts Criminal Arraignment Process
Criminal Law Defense Strategies
Worcester County DUI OUI Convictions from 2011 -2018 Overturned
12
Feb
Worcester District Attorney will be sending more than 4,700 letters to Worcester County residents who may be entitled to a new trial after the results of breath tests used in their drunken driving (DUI OUI) cases between the years 2011 and 2018 were deemed unreliable. Anyone who receives this letter
Differences Between a Criminal Case and a Civil Case
5
Jan
Wrongdoing is addressed under two different types of cases: criminal and civil. Civil cases generally involve disputes between individuals. These cases are disputed through civil lawsuits. Criminal cases, on the other hand, are considered offenses against the state, or society as a whole. The state is responsible for prosecuting criminal
COVID and Traffic Stops: What to know; what’s the difference?
Know Your Legal Rights When Protesting
Sealing a juvenile criminal record in Massachusetts
7
Feb
People make mistakes—particularly young people. While a certain amount of risk-taking and boundary-testing is normal, even beneficial, teenage behavior, juveniles can be held responsible for their actions in a court of law if teenage hijinks turn criminal. However, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts recognizes both that young people make mistakes and
Massachusetts RMV Scandal and License Suspension
Does it really matter if I skip jury duty?
27
Feb
Yes—yes it does. Skipping jury duty is an easy way to land yourself in completely unnecessary trouble. Massachusetts makes it rather difficult to miss or skip your service date. There are many chances to make right on your having skipped jury duty, but they are all time-consuming and potentially nerve-wracking.
How does Massachusetts distinguish between assault and battery?
21
Dec
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts actually has no statute against ‘battery’ on the books. Rather, there is one crime labeled as “assault” and another as “assault and battery.” According to Massachusetts law, assault does not require physical contact between the offender and the victim. To qualify as assault, an action must
OUI Self Representation -Things to consider
20
Jan
Many people who receive a driving under the influence (DUI) or operating under the influence (OUI) charge, as it is known in Massachusetts, assume that the offense is relatively simple and thus believe they should represent themselves when the case comes to court. Each individual is entitled to do so.
Three things about OUI/DUI you wish you had known sooner
18
Nov
If you’ve been pulled over and charged with OUI in Massachusetts, there are three things about Massachusetts OUI/DUI laws that you’ll wish you’d known sooner. Let’s start with some definitions. OUI means “operating under the influence” of alcohol, while DUI means “driving under the influence” of alcohol. While many states
Technical problems could overturn recent drunk driving convictions in Massachusetts
1
May
As of April 2015 the Massachusetts Attorney General has acknowledged that technical problems involving faulty breathalyser machines could overturn many recent drunk driving convictions in Massachusetts. If you have been convicted of OUI and the use of a breathalyser machine was used against you at trial, you may be able
Understanding Massachusetts OUI Laws
Drug Possession Laws in Massachusetts
3
Dec
In spite of the changes made by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in minimizing some mandatory sentencing requirements, being arrested for possession of drugs in the Massachusetts carries harsh sentences, fines and a potential loss of driving privileges. Under Massachusetts law, except for possession of amounts of less than one ounce
Understanding Melanie’s Law – Massachusetts OUI Laws
20
Nov
Like most states, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts takes OUI (operating under the influence) charges very seriously. In October of 2005, then Governor Mitt Romney signed “Melanie’s Law” which enhanced many of the existing penalties for driving while under the influence as well as the penalties for refusing to take breathalyzer
Massachusetts’s New Drugged Driving Laws
5
Mar
Massachusetts has recently become the eighteenth state to have voted in favor of the legalization of medicinal marijuana. By 2016, the legalization of recreational marijuana is predicted to be voted into law as well. A Suffolk University/Boston Herald poll released in February 2014 found that 53 percent of likely Massachusetts
Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk
4
Feb
Many of us have that one friend that tends to drink in excess and then has no qualms about getting behind the wheel of a car.
What is Social Host Liability
24
Jan
The term “social host” refers to adults who host underage drinking parties.
Is Drugged Driving as Common as Drunk Driving?
6
Dec
Drunk, impaired and drugged driving results in a death every thirty minutes.
