Molari Law Insights
Massachusetts Legal Developments Blog
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Undercover Police Recordings Suppressed in Massachusetts Drug Distribution Case
A recent case in Massachusetts focused on Callyo, a new software application gaining popularity among undercover police officers across the nation. While the app certainly has its uses, recordings made with this software may violate the Commonwealth’s…
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Massachusetts State Police Crack Down on “Multi-State” Drug Organization
In April of 2024, the official news blog of the Massachusetts State Police (MSP) announced the arrest of three suspected drug traffickers . Law enforcement also obtained a fourth arrest warrant for another suspect outside of the United States. This was the…
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19 Arrested on Drug Charges in Brockton, Massachusetts
Back in September of 2023, almost 20 suspects were arrested on drug charges in Brockton . Although this was a considerable detention of what police referred to as "street-level" dealers, it represented only one step in the Brockton Opiate…
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Supreme Court Enforces Double Jeopardy Protection
Sentencing under Massachusetts Murder Laws In Massachusetts, the sentence for murder in the first degree is life without possibility of parole. Murder in the first degree occurs when someone commits a premeditated, intentional killing. The sentence for murder…
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41 Alleged Boston Gang Members Charged in Serious Federal Crackdown
In February of 2024, a total of 41 alleged gang members in Boston were charged with a wide range of offenses, including racketeering, drug trafficking, firearms violations, and fraud. If these are indeed Heath Street Gang members, this crackdown has taken…
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Shootings at the Caribbean Music Festival in Dorchester: Are Police Reacting Fairly?
It seems that with each passing year, there is some kind of shooting incident at the Caribbean Music Festival in Dorchester . Last year, a shooting resulted in eight people suffering nonfatal gunshot wounds. The police’s reaction to this event and similar…
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What Exactly IS the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force?
Also known simply as the “OCDETF,” the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force plays an important role in numerous criminal cases across Massachusetts. However, many people may not understand this role, and some might not even be aware that this…
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District Court Judge in Massachusetts Says Carrying Guns Across State Lines Is Okay
Back in August of 2023, a District Court Judge in Massachusetts made a surprising decision. In a case that revolved around a New Hampshire man who attempted to carry a firearm without a proper license in Massachusetts , the judge dismissed the charges. Why?…
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Why Some Defendants Suddenly Have More Leverage On the Commonwealth
The elimination of life without parole for murder defendants between the ages of 18 and 20 will have significant effects on the criminal justice system in Massachusetts. Specifically, it means that the Commonwealth now has less leverage over defendants within…
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Insane String of Legal Decisions Pulls Brockton Man in and Out of Prison
On December 21, 2023, it was reported that a Brockton man had been arraigned on a murder charge. This isn’t particularly out of the ordinary, as Brockton is “not one of the safest communities in America,” according to NeighborhoodScout.com . However, when one…
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How Did This Defendant Get an Acquittal After Stabbing Accusations?
In 2019, a 20-year-old was fatally stabbed multiple times in Brookline, Massachusetts – but the person arrested for this offense was eventually acquitted. The fatal incident took place at approximately 1:30 AM, and it apparently involved a dispute over…
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Criminal Court Chooses to Reverse a Decision to Dismiss Criminal Charges Against Ex-Boyfriend
Many defendants in Massachusetts face criminal charges after being accused of pestering their ex-girlfriends. These situations may be complicated further with the presence of new romantic partners. While the old saying “all’s fair in love and war” might ring…
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Rape Acquittal for Former Suffolk County District Attorney
On November 4, it was reported that Adam Foss had been acquitted of all rape and sexual abuse charges. The former Suffolk County District Attorney and criminal justice advocate is now exploring legal options to hold relevant parties accountable for making…
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Assault with Intent to Murder: What Recent Boston Shooting Charges Tell Us
A shooting or a gun incident in Boston may result in a wide range of charges, and “assault with intent to murder” is only one possible example. What does this phrase mean? As with many legal terms, the definition may seem vague and uncertain to those…
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Commonwealth Prosecutors Failed to Establish that Defendant Lacked a Firearms License
It might seem obvious that in order to convict a defendant of unlawfully carrying a firearm, the prosecution would need to show the absence of a firearms license. However, one defendant in Massachusetts was convicted without the subject of a firearms license…
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Can a Fired Police Officer Give Reliable Testimony in a Criminal Case?
Many criminal cases in Massachusetts hinge on the testimony of police officers, but what happens when these officers are terminated or no longer employed by their department? If their testimony is necessary for prosecution, the criminal case becomes…
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The Elusive Definition of “Ghost Guns” in Massachusetts
One of the most notable buzzwords in modern American gun regulation is “ghost gun.” This is especially true with the rise of 3D printing. The problem is that many people – including responsible, legal gun owners – have no idea what this phrase actually means.…
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When Does Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle Lead to Criminal Charges in Massachusetts?
It is often very difficult to discern between genuine car accidents and collisions caused by negligent drivers. However, according to Massachusetts law, there is a clear line between accidents and negligence. For those who are accused of causing vehicle…
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The So-Called Canton Cover-Up: Who Really Killed Officer O’Keefe?
One of the most complex Boston murder cases in recent years is the so-called “Canton Cover-Up” – a case involving a girlfrien accused of murdering her police officer boyfriend. Despite the fact that it still has not reached trial, this case has already taken…
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Authorities Make Wild Assumptions About Caribbean Carnival Festival Violence
The Caribbean Carnival Festival in Boston draws thousands of visitors each year, and it provides a memorable end to the summer months with all kinds of attractions on the street. Unfortunately, these celebrations can also become violent. Recent reporting on…