According to some experts, “cyber-crime” is the fastest growing category of criminal offenses in the United States – possibly in the entire world. What, however, qualifies as a cyber-crime? Put simply, cyber-crime is a crime committed using the internet and/or a computer. If you have been accused of a cyber-crime in Boston there is a good chance you are facing federal criminal offense charges instead of, or in addition to, charges filed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. By some estimates, … [Read more...]
What Is Conspiracy in Boston?
To be convicted of a criminal offense you must actually have committed the offense in question; however, simply agreeing to commit a criminal offense or attempting to commit an offense can also be a punishable criminal offense. In the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, conspiracy is a separate and distinct criminal offense that is often punishable by a lengthy term of imprisonment and/or a hefty fine. In Boston, a conspiracy exists when two or more people agree to do something unlawful or agree … [Read more...]
Drug Paraphernalia Offense in Boston: Can I Be Arrested If I Have a Pipe on Me?
The drug laws in Boston are tough. The penalties for conviction of a drug crime can include a term of incarceration or a lengthy period of probation. You may not realize that even the possession of a pipe or other “drug paraphernalia” could lead to an arrest and conviction for a drug crime as well. A better understanding of the Boston drug paraphernalia laws may help you avoid an arrest and conviction. Possession of drug paraphernalia in Boston can be a criminal offense. The term “drug … [Read more...]
Criminal Infraction in Boston: What Happens If I Plead Not Responsible to a Ticket?
It happens to all of us eventually – the dreaded traffic ticket. If you are stopped and issued a civil infraction for things such as speeding, failure to yield, or failing to signal you have the option in Boston of admitting your responsibility and simply paying the fine or pleading not responsible and contesting the ticket. Understanding what happens next if you choose to plead not guilty of criminal infraction in Boston may help you decide how to proceed. If you elect to plead not … [Read more...]
How Do I File an Appeal in Boston?
If you have been charged with a criminal offense in Boston, Massachusetts, there many possible ways to resolve the charges, including proceeding to trial. In Boston, the majority of those tried before a jury are convicted. While less than 2% of appeals from criminal convictions are successful, criminal defendants possess an absolute right to appeal their conviction, as well as their sentences to the Appeals Court or the Supreme Judicial Court. A defendant only has 30 days after the verdict … [Read more...]
Who’s Required to Register as a Sex Offender in Boston?
Being accused of a sex offense crime is a traumatic experience for most people. Conviction of a sex offense in Boston often means a lengthy term of incarceration or an extended period of probation, depending on the severity of the offense. For many people, however, the judicial penalties are not nearly as damaging as the non-judicial penalties. Along with the social stigma of being a convicted sex offender, most offenders are required to register as a sex offender in Boston.In Boston, failing to … [Read more...]
Why Is Insider Trading in Massachusetts Illegal?
In Boston, insider trading is treated as a serious criminal offense. Although considered to be among the “white crimes,” a conviction for insider trading can have significant negative judicial and non-judicial consequences for the accused. In the United States, the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, is the federal agency responsible for oversight and enforcement of the securities market. If you own stock of any kind, the SEC is the agency that is in charge of protecting your … [Read more...]
What Is Forfeiture in Boston?
If you have been accused of a criminal offense in Boston and you own property or assets of value, you could stand to lose those assets as a result of the state or federal forfeiture laws. Most people are shocked to find out how easily the government can take your property without compensating you. The state and federal forfeiture laws are complex and often vague; however, there are some basics about forfeiture that you should be aware of if you are ever accused of a criminal … [Read more...]
What Are Some Typical College Crimes in Boston?
If you have a child who is in college, or is approaching his or her college years you undoubtedly have a number of concerns on your mind. Which college is right for your child as well as how to pay for the rising costs associated with higher education are likely among those concerns. One thing you may not wish to think about, but that you may be forced to consider at some point, are some typical college crimes that your child could wind up involved in down the road. For many students, college … [Read more...]
In OUI Case, Officer Not Permitted to Offer Opinion on Driving Impairment
In a very rare victory for the defense bar, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court recently ruled that police officers can no longer testify that a defendant’s level of intoxication impaired his driving. Now, an officer can only offer his opinion on how drunk a defendant appeared to be. Allowing opinion testimony on how the defendant’s driving was impaired, as it has been for years, essentially permitted police officers to make the decision for the jury by stating, “yes, he was under the … [Read more...]
