When Quincy residents are arrested on criminal charges, it can be difficult to know where to turn. Those individuals facing criminal charges often feel like they have no say in what is happening. They may not even understand their rights in terms of criminal...
Criminal Defense
Defendant wins bail despite record of deportation, re-entry
In the heat of the national debate over immigration and immigrant rights, it can be all too easy to gloss over the details of any particular case. In immigration law, however, every case is unique, and individuals' stories deserve to be heard - both the bad and the...
Quincy-area man charged with elder abuse after police chase
Justice is supposed to be blind to those details that play off of our emotions when someone is facing criminal charges. Unfortunately, Quincy residents know that this isn't always the case. Sometimes the eye-popping aspects of criminal allegations overshadow the...
Massachusetts judge: immigrant has right to criminal defense
A fundamental principle of our country's justice system is that an individual accused of a crime has the right to defend him or herself in court. However, certain Massachusetts residents facing criminal charges have actually been prevented from appearing at their...
The “armed career criminal” charge in Massachusetts law
We used a term in passing in one of our recent Quincy legal issues blog posts that we should pause to define in some detail. The term was "armed career criminal" and has a specific meaning under Massachusetts law, along with specific potential consequences for anyone...
Quincy police search resident’s home, file multiple charges
Americans are protected under the U.S. Constitution against unreasonable searches by the police. Unfortunately, it can be all too easy for police to try to justify a search after the fact by alleging that they found something related to criminal activity.For example,...
Criminal defense FAQ: how serious is a misdemeanor charge?
As noted previously on our Quincy legal issues blog, Massachusetts could raise the limit for felony larceny from its current threshold of $250. While a felony is a very serious charge, readers should not get the wrong idea about misdemeanors: they are not something to...
Massachusetts considers raising felony larceny threshold
Massachusetts state law treats larceny differently depending on the amount or the value that a defendant has allegedly stolen. The current distinction, as well as proposed changes to the law, are important to understand for anyone facing charges associated with this...
When might an immigrant face the threat of deportation?
Many people immigrate to the United States, including to Massachusetts, in hopes of a finding a better future than the one they would have had in their home country. However, it is very important for those in the country on a visa or green card to not commit a crime,...
Massachusetts man accused of selling beer without license
The craft beer scene is experiencing a huge upswing in popularity in Massachusetts and nationwide. Whether it is an ale, a stout or a lager, beer-enthusiasts in the state are finding a greater selection of their favorite beverage than ever before. Some of them may...

