When it comes to identifying drugs in the field, law enforcement is always one step behind. With each new method or device, there are problems. The most recent drug detection device, called TruNarc, is actually created by three local Massachusetts…
The relatively recent case of Annie Dookhan bungling an untold number of cases in Massachusetts drug lab where she worked might be shocking, but it’s not new. Over the past several years, crime labs across the country have been under scrutiny for everything from a lack of proper standards to poor hiring practices and little oversight. While the case of Dookhan is serious, to be sure, it is only a symptom of the bigger problem.
American’s changing views about marijuana were recently published in a Pew Research Center study, indicating that the majority of us now favor legalizing the drug. However, most of us are unaware of the questionable way that law enforcement keeps interacting…
A Weymouth couple are currently facing charges for trafficking in oxycodone, distribution of oxycodone and conspiracy. In late May, Massachusetts police went to the Tara Drive apartment in Weymouth of Kevin L. Kessinger, 54, and Joannie C. Myers, 52, after obtaining…
Massachusetts law enforcement and prosecutors continue responding to a large number of rapes and other violent assaults committed against women. While justice doesn’t often happen overnight, at least many of the guilty are caught and punished. However, one rapist managed…
Any post or update you make on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat or other social media or blog can be used as evidence against you in court, in a criminal or civil case.
There have been many stories of employers checking up on an applicant’s public postings, occasionally using compromising material to weed out those they deemed as bad apples. Then we learned the extent to which our Facebook privacy is compromised, and can be easily handed over to private enterprise.
With all of its potential ills and the countless scenarios of things going wrong by publicizing your views and activities to the world, most people didn’t think that Facebook posts, alone, could result in criminal charges sending you to prison for upwards of two decades. Until recently.
Update: August 2014 The gun bill recently signed by Governor Deval Patrick now allows the purchase of both mace and pepper spray for self defense and personal protection without getting a Firearms Identification Card. This had been supported by both houses of…
One of the man defendants freed in the wake of the Annie Dookhan crime lab scandal is now back behind bars, charged with killing a man just this past week. One victim advocate has said this latest news puts blood on Dookhan’s hands.
Although Boston area citizens and visitors suffered major casualties and injuries as a result of the recent Boston Marathon bombing event, other basic crime statistic reports provide a significant ray of hope regarding a drop in overall crime rates. This statement is based on comparing the first quarter of 2013 to the same period of 2012.
The Boston Police Department’s (BPD) preliminary statistics reveal a 14% decrease in various crimes during the first few months of 2013 as compared to the same time period in 2012. The crimes covered by these statistics include violent crime and property crimes: homicide, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny and vehicle theft (these statistics also include the attempted form of these crimes – except for actual homicide and aggravated assault).
Now that permanent regulations governing the distribution and use of medical marijuana have been adopted by the Massachusetts Department of Health (DOH), all physicians and patients must carefully comply with these guidelines. After all, it’s still a violation of federal law to buy, use or sell marijuana. As part our our continuing series examining the new medical marijuana law as part of changes to Massachusetts drug laws, let’s examine how it affects medical practitioners.
When Massachusetts voters chose to legalize medical marijuana in November 2012, few of them realized how many challenging issues still had to be resolved, including obtaining legal access to the medicine. Under the ballot initiative, and to comply with Massachusetts drug laws, strict procedures to operate nonprofit dispensaries are still being drafted by the state.
Now that the state of Massachusetts has finalized its regulations governing the sale of medical marijuana, it’s important to understand the definitions If you are interested in the use of medical pot, or the legal infrastructure around it’s availability, it requires a bit of reading. The good news is that the state seems to have done a reasonably thorough job of mapping out the path to medical marijuana in Massachusetts.
Massachusetts sends thousands of new convicts and repeat offenders to the state’s various lock-up facilities. While serving time for Massachusetts criminal charges, these people’s family units are seriously fractured or broken and their future work lives are permanently compromised. After…
Although everyone wants to live in a safe area, many of us forget to check out the crime rates in the cities and neighborhoods closest to our jobs, families and friends before we relocate. Fortunately, various online websites are making…
Doctors are just now realizing that the public is starting to evaluate them based on their willingness to help patients obtain medical marijuana. In fact, many Massachusetts physicians are concerned that they’ll jeopardize their professional status if they make the…
The Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security defines domestic violence as “a pattern of coercive and controlling behaviors and tactics used by one person over another to gain power and control. [It] may include verbal abuse, financial abuse,…
In light of the 2009 law that decriminalized possession of less than one ounce of marijuana, people have felt a bit more free to have pot on them without risking a jail sentence. Still, questions and challenges within the courts were inevitable and a few recent rulings from the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts have served to clear a few things up.
Firstly, it is not against the law to share a joint.
In 2011, Boston employed 2,156 law enforcement officers to protect the public and investigate crimes. So, for every 1,000 residents, the city had 3.45 officers available – a ratio that was slightly higher than the state’s average of 2.52 officers. All of these professionals were sorely needed to combat the city’s overall violent crime index of 442.3, a rate considerably higher than the U. S. national average of 213.6 that same year.
In an effort claimed to fight crimes such as robberies and sexual assaults, the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority plans to install up to 200 additional buses with cameras. Plans for installation are already ahead of schedule, with 50 new security cameras having just been completed at the JFK/UMass Red Line Station.
According to a new survey just released by the prestigious Pew Research Center for the People & the Press, 52 percent of Americans now believe marijuana should be legalized. Only 45 percent remain clearly opposed to the idea. This is the first time in 40 years of polling that over half of all Americans have favored legalization.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s draft regulations for handling the sale of medical marijuana are now posted on its website. Details addressed include specific medical condition eligibility, which medical professionals can prescribe, defining a legal 60 day medical supply, and when patients have the right to grow their own. Ongoing debate regarding these regulations will continue through April 20th. The Massachusetts Public Health Council still hopes to pass a final draft of these regulations on May 8, 2013. If that occurs, these legal guidelines will take effect on May 24, 2013.
Sen. Jamie Eldridge and Rep. Elizabeth Malia have filed a bill in the Massachusetts Senate demanding a reduction in the length of solitary prison confinement time in line with the changes that have been brought about in other states. Their demands come in the wake of a series of similar bills that have been filed in other states like Florida and passed in Maine. Although the Massachusetts Senate has yet to approve the bill, support for the bill has already been heard from various quarters. So, it would not be irrelevant here to look into the issue of solitary prison confinement and the specific situation in Massachusetts.
When medical marijuana legislation comes to town, money stands to be made—a whole lot of it. Budding entrepreneurs and existing business success stories are waiting in the wings for the Massachusetts medical marijuana program to be finalized so they can get started in the new territory. From dispensary operators, to edible-manufacturers, consulting firms, and attorneys—there are many opportunities to make some serious money off of the marijuana movement.
Surveillance technology has been a boon to the security state, and a huge concern for civil liberties watchers. But the ACLU hopes to turn the tide with a new initiative using technology in defense of civil liberty & Constitutional freedoms.
Massachusetts senator and newly vocal member of the Senateʼs Banking Committee,
Elizabeth Warren, decried policies and practices that jail non-violent drug offenders but
leave large players in the game of drug distribution with a slap on the wrist.
Voters passed legislation for medical marijuana in Massachusetts several months ago, but the Commonwealth is taking a while to get their ducks in a row when it comes to regulating the new industry. The Department of Public Health initially said it would be ready with regulations by May 1. Now they have backed off that promise, saying instead they will try to aim for the date, or as close to it as possible.
Anyone who has seen The Wire knows that wire-tapping can be an effective way to catch criminals, specifically those involved in gang and drug trade activity. Lawmakers in Massachusetts are looking to make life imitate art with a new bill that would expand the wire-tapping powers of the police.
Many Massachusetts cities are towns are hoping to slow down or stop the medical marijuana ballot initiative passed by Massachusetts voters in November of 2012. The state’s voters legalized, by a wide margin, the dispensing of medical marijuana to ease the pain of those with serious medical conditions like ALS, cancer, and multiple sclerosis. A physician can prescribe marijuana for medical use, and a patient receives a registration card allowing them a 60 day supply. From the start, there is no ‘carte blanche,’ no unlimited access.
The feds have promised to come down on Massachusetts dispensaries as they “pop up” under the new state medical marijuana laws. According to the Boston Herald, special agent in charge of the DEA’s New England Division, John J. Arvanitis said they will do what they need to in order to enforce federal law.
Don't let a Mistake Lead to a Criminal Record! Arrested or Summonsed in Massachusetts for Operating an Unregistered Vehicle? A guilty finding in Massachusetts on a charge of operating an unregistered vehicle carries with it the penalties or a license suspension for 60 days,…
Arrested in Massachusetts for Trespassing? Fight Back! Trespassing may seem like a relatively minor criminal charge, but there can be unfortunate life consequences for anyone who ends up with a permanent criminal record. A criminal conviction will show up on a…
Massachusetts Drug Trafficking Laws, Charges & Penalties Drug trafficking is a very serious charge in Massachusetts, with considerable penalties if found guilty under the Massachusetts drug laws. These are felony charges that typically end up being indicted in Superior court,…
Arrested for Threatening to Commit a Crime? The charge of threatening to commit a crime is surprisingly common in Massachusetts courtrooms. A good lawyer may have a number of opportunities to beat the charges since the evidence of the crime is often only…
Massachusetts Shoplifting Charge Info Accused of a Massachusetts shoplifting charge? We are here to help. For an overview of Massachusetts shoplifting defense, see my complete and detailed shoplifting penalties page here. Shoplifting Legal Terms Asportation, Shoplifting by: Asportation simply means…
Don't let a Shoplifting Charge Ruin your Life! Being arrested or summoned to court on a shoplifting charge is a difficult and humiliating experience. I sincerely sympathize with you, and I want you to know that there is a good…
If you are found guilty at trial or agree to plead guilty (or to a continuance without a finding) as part of a plea bargain, the sentencing phase is generally the final phase of your encounter with the criminal justice system,…
Arrested in Massachusetts for Possession w/Intent to Distribute in a School Zone? Possession of Drugs with Intent to Distribute within a school zone is a very serious charge in Massachusetts, with a mandatory minimum of 2 years in prison if…
Arrested for Resisting Arrest in Massachusetts? A resisting arrest charge can be challenging to defend since it is the cops word against yours. But that doesn't mean you can't win, or we can't get the charge reduced or dropped. Generally,…
Don't let a Massachusetts Reckless Driving Traffic Charge Give you a Criminal Record! Charged with Reckless Driving or other Criminal Motor Vehicle Charge in Massachusetts? Reckless driving is a criminal charge under Massachusetts traffic law. Under Massachusetts criminal statutes, "reckless driving" is…
Arrested in Massachusetts for Receiving Stolen Property? According to Massachusetts General Law, a charge of receiving stolen goods or property can have the following penalties: If the value of the stolen property is under $250, the penalty goes up to 2…
Massachusetts Criminal Defense Attorney Warns of Ignoring Old Criminal Warrants With the Advent of New Police License Plate Scanning Technologies New police video camera technology able to scan license plates makes it simple for police to identify vehicles and drivers…
Fight a Massachusetts Meth Possession Charge! Methamphetamine is a drug that carries a significant stigma. When you are accused of meth possession, you don’t only have to worry about the legal penalties, but also the potential damage to your reputation…
Don't Let a Massachusetts Marijuana Possession Charge Ruin Your Life! Possession of less than 1 oz of marijuana is now perfectly legal, and up to 10 ounces securely in your home. However, you can still be charged larger quantities than…
Fight a Massachusetts Heroin Possession Charge! Heroin is considered one of the most addictive and dangerous drugs in existence. The public health and safety risks are why penalties can be so severe. In addition, many cops and prosecutors are aggressively…
When you are accused of a criminal charge like cocaine possession, it can be scary to think about the potential outcomes. You could be facing prison time, fines, and a permanent criminal record. In addition to these legal penalties, such…
Don't let a Massachusetts Criminal Charge Ruin Your Life! Charged with Negligent Operation or Driving to Endanger in Massachusetts? A guilty verdict on the Massachusetts criminal charge of Negligent Operation of a motor vehicle, Operating to Endanger, or Driving to…
How to Fix a Minor in Possession of Alcohol Charge An underage drinking (minor in possession of alcohol) charge may not be a tremendously serious crime, but it's something that should be handled by an experienced criminal lawyer to protect…
Fighting a Minor Alcohol Possession Charge In the summertime, arrests for minor in possession of alcohol in Massachusetts go up. This is not shocking or scandalous stuff. It's just kids being kids, being outside, having time off from school, partying, going to concerts, and…
Arrested in Massachusetts for Malicious Damage to a Motor Vehicle? A Massachusetts Conviction for malicious damage to a motor vehicle is a concurrent felony and is punishable by imprisonment for up to 15 years in prison. If found guilty, your name…
Arrested in Massachusetts for Malicious Damage? Malicious damage of personal property is a charge that is usually associated with vandalism and graffiti, or a personal or domestic dispute that gets out of hand. It is sometimes known as criminal mischief.…
Local Massachusetts Police Department Expand Use Of License Plate Scanning and Monitoring Massachusetts police departments are actively purchasing and deploying radical technologies for monitoring the movements of ordinary law abiding citizens. We are all being scanned, monitored, and sorted as…
Accused of Leaving the Scene of an Accident? If you are like many people, you may not have been aware that leaving the scene of an accident is a criminal offense, or maybe you didn't think a minor mishap qualified…
Massachusetts Criminal Defense Attorney Fees & Costs I'm sure that you didn't expect to need a lawyer. Getting arrested and hiring a defense lawyer is not something most people put in their household budget. I charge reasonable, flat fees for…
Fight Back Against Any Juvenile Charges! Are you or your child facing juvenile charges such as delinquency or youthful offender status? Having an experienced defense lawyer argue your case in either a criminal or school administrative matter can greatly increase…
Arrested in Massachusetts for Intimidation of a Witness? This charge is commonly applied in cases where the police claim you threatened someone into not coming forward or covering up a crime which that person saw or has knowledge of. Intimidation of…
Indecent Assault is a serious charge in Massachusetts, carrying with it tremendous risks of severe penalties if not handled properly. According to the Massachusetts Laws, Indecent Assault is when you place your hands on a person in an inappropriate or sexual…
Arrested in Massachusetts for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender? Registering as a Massachusetts sex offender with the local police is required if you've been convicted of any sexual offense. Failure to register is frequently a trap offense. Requiring…
In Massachusetts, Domestic Assault is a charge where the penalties are identical to straight assault, but the outcome can easily become much more serious. Domestic assault laws & penalties call for a maximum sentence of 2 1/2 years in jail and…
Arrested in Massachusetts for Disorderly Conduct or Disturbing the Peace? Under Massachusetts law, if you cause a disturbance which creates a public hazard, and serves no legitimate purpose, you can be charged with a disorderly person offense, also known as disorderly…
Arrested in Massachusetts for Drug Dealing? Possession of Drugs with Intent to Distribute is a very serious charge in Massachusetts, with a strong likelihood of jail time if convicted. Drug dealing and distribution charges can be a particularly complicated area…
How to Get a Copy of Your Own Massachusetts Criminal Record (CORI) OBTAINING YOUR OWN CRIMINAL RECORD For a copy of your own criminal record, this form must be notarized OR signed by a correctional facility official and mailed to our office with a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Please…
Facing a Clerk's Hearing ("Show Cause" Hearing) on a Massachusetts Charge? Don't Risk a Criminal Charge on your Record - Fight Back! How to Beat Your Clerk Magistrate's Hearing A Clerk Magistrate's hearing (also known as a "show cause" hearing)…
Whether an alleged B&E was a mistake, a minor prank, or a premeditated crime, a Massachusetts breaking and entering charge can have serious consequences and penalties. If you are charged with Breaking and Entering with intent to commit a misdemeanor,…
How to Beat a Criminal Charge (Even When You Think You Are Guilty) If you are accused of a criminal charge, and you admit to yourself that you did what they say you are accused of, that does not mean you…
Assault with a Dangerous Weapon is a very serious charge in Massachusetts, and it is absolutely not a case that you can resolve on your own without tremendous risks. According to the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Assault with a Dangerous…
What can you Expect at your Massachusetts Criminal Arraignment? If you've been arrested in Massachusetts, your first appearance in court on a criminal charge is the arraignment. This usually takes place the next business day after your arrest. At an…
Update: Attorney General Martha Coakley has determined that Massachusetts towns cannot legally ban dispensaries outright.
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Despite overwhelming approval of Question Three by Massachusetts voters, several local officials seem to have contracted cases of what might be termed ‘Nimby-itis.’ ‘NIMBY,’ of course, is the acronym for ‘not in my backyard.’
Massachusetts has officially become the 18th state to legalize marijuana for medicinal purposes with the passage of Question 3. While some are still concerned this could lead our state into a mess of pot-crazed teens and sick people, others recognize it is more about giving people access to a harmless and effective medicine, a plant that should not be banned in the first place.
A man who was released on bail for drug charges due to tainted evidence from the drug lab scandal apparently skipped his court date and is now a fugitive. While the internet commenters may be going crazy, if the evidence held by the state is clearly suspect, this is absolutely how the system has to work.
