Criminal Defense

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...

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...

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...

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,...

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 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...

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,...

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...

Being charged with a crime is a difficult circumstance to be in. No matter the situation, a defendant is likely to be overwhelmed about the matter and concerned about his or her future. It can be intimidating hearing that authorities and the state have evidence...

At this exact moment, countless people across Massachusetts have one eye on the clock, eagerly counting down the hours until their shift ends and they are free to enjoy the weekend, which will be a long one for many of them owing to the Fourth of July holiday.While...