Molari Law Insights
Massachusetts Legal Developments Blog
-
The Consequences of Committing Vandalism
The Massachusetts Senate Committee on Ways and Means is looking at a new bill that removes the collateral consequences of loss of a person's driver's license for the crime of vandalism. If the new bill becomes law, it still should not encourage you to get…
-
Some Kinda Luck: Heroin Trafficking Charges Hang on Fractions
According to the Boston Police Department , on May 11, 2016, officers observed what they belived to be a drug trafficking transaction in Dorchester. They arrested the purchaser and recovered "25 small plastic bags containing a total of 29.2 grams of…
-
Prom Season and Underage Drinking
Prom season is here. It is an exciting time for many teenagers. High school students throughout Boston will be attending this special event over the next few weeks. Most students are happy with the occasion and many parents are worried about their child and…
-
Changes in the Law Help Drug Offenders
The 27-year-old law that suspended the driver’s licenses of drug offenders has been repealed in Massachusetts . Many politicians and community leaders have tried for many years to get the law changed. Now, it has finally happened. Prior to this new…
-
Police Body Cameras May Become Mandatory
Once again, we see police body cameras in the headlines. Now, they are gaining more appeal across the country. Ever since the Michael Brown case in Ferguson Missouri, in which a cop killed an unarmed youth, the topic has been gaining interest in communities…
-
BPD Firearm/Armed Career Criminal Arrest Headed for Suppression
On April 17, 2016, BPD officers made an arrest for unlicensed carrying of a firearm. Apparently, the individual also had previous convictions resulting in charges of being an " armed career criminal ." Depending on whether the individual placed…
-
What to Do if You are Wrongfully Accused
We have all seen the classic Perry Mason television programs in which a guilty person or criminal disrupts the court and tearfully confesses to the crime amidst courtroom uproar and surprise. They always wait until the last minute to confess their dark…
-
Understanding OUI/DUI Laws in Massachusetts
Statistics from the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence reveal nearly 13,000 deaths and thousands of injuries happen each year due to drunk driving. In all 50 states, a blood alcohol level of 0.08% is illegal. In some states, it is illegal for…
-
The Consequences of an Assault and Battery Charge
A person can be charged with assault when he or she puts a fear of harm in another person. A person commits battery when he or she makes unwelcomed physical contact with another individual that results in harm or injury. Assault and battery is a result of…
-
Bomb Threats are No Laughing Matter
We have all heard of high school students who did not wish to take their final exams and laughingly called in bomb threats at their schools to prevent the tests from taking place. A bomb threat is no laughing matter. The perpetrator of a bomb threat will face…
-
The Consequences of Underage Drinking
Most parents hand over the car keys to their sixteen year old son or daughter with love, pride, and a little anxiety. Every parent wants their child to be a responsible driver and respect the rules of the road like a mature person. Unfortunately, that may not…
-
The Pitfalls of Fake IDs & Serving Minors
A college student thinking about creating a fake ID to purchase alcohol at the local bar or nightclub should think twice if he or she lived in Boston or any other city in Massachusetts. The internet and technological innovations have made it much easier to…
-
Potential End of License Suspension for Drug Offenses
Recently, legislative activity has been ongoing within the Massachusetts State Senate and House. This legislation could lead to a change in the law regarding the potential consequences for an individual convicted of a drug offense . However, to this point,…
-
Properly Storing Firearms
If you are interested in purchasing a firearm (or already have one), it is important to understand how to properly store them. Properly storing firearms is not only a safety issue, it is also required by law. Violations of these laws can lead to significant…
-
Batterer Intervention Programs
Domestic violence awareness has increased significantly over the past couple of decades. As a result, ideas on how to prevent it have been introduced. For example, individuals who are sentenced in relation to a domestic violence incident in Massachusetts are…
-
Malicious Destruction of Property and Vandalism
Two similar, but different offenses exist under Massachusetts law. The differences between malicious destruction of property and vandalism are important because the penalties for each can be significantly different. Unfortunately, the laws related to these…
-
Gun Court
The Suffolk County Firearms Priority Disposition Session (often referred to as Gun Court) was created in 2006 as a way to eliminate the backlog of cases and expedite the process of prosecuting cases related to firearms . In addition, proponents of Gun Court…
-
Robbery
Robbery is a special form of theft. It is common for someone to state that they were “robbed” when it may not entirely be an accurate description in the eyes of the law. It is important to determine whether an individual’s action is, in fact, robbery because…
-
BB Guns Not Considered Firearms
BB guns have become increasingly popular in the commission of crimes. This is largely due to the fact that many BB guns resemble real guns and are easier to obtain. This trend may continue to grow as a result of a recent Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court…
-
Intent to Distribute Drugs
Individuals who are caught with illegal drugs may be accused of possession with intent to distribute. If convicted of this offense, the individual faces penalties more severe than if he or she were convicted for mere possession. As a result, determining the…