On November 8th, 2016 Massachusetts became the first state in the eastern part of the U.S. to legalize marijuana. The legislation approved of by Question 4 will impose on regulated and approved marijuana retailers a 3.75% excise tax, increasing tax revenues for the Commonwealth, shift police and judicial resources to actual crimes, eliminate black market distribution of marijuana – as well as all the problems those distributors cause society – and ease the overcrowding of our jails and prisons. … [Read more...]
How Long Can I Go to Prison for Trafficking in Massachusetts?
If you have been charged with a drug trafficking offense in Massachusetts, you are likely very concerned about the possible consequences of a conviction. Whether or not you may serve prison time, and just how much time, depends on the particular offenses, as well as the amount of illegal narcotics, with which you are charged. In short, you may be facing little or no prison time – or life in prison.When selecting a criminal defense lawyer to defend you, refuse to be beguiled into hiring a lawyer … [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...]
Prescription Drugs Are Controlled Substances
Are You Facing Prescription Drug Charges? Boston criminal defense lawyer, Kevin J. Mahoney, can help. Do not be fooled into thinking that crimes involving prescription drugs are not as serious as crimes involving “street” drugs. In Massachusetts, a drug crime is a drug crime – regardless of the substance involved. Police, prosecutors and judges take prescription drug crimes seriously, enforce the laws strictly, and seek to punish defendants severely. If you have been charged with a prescription … [Read more...]
Massachusetts Prescription Drug Law Changes
Boston Criminal Defense Attorney, Kevin J. Mahoney, identifies modifications to Massachusetts Prescription Drug Laws, Aimed at Reducing Oxycontin and Vicodin AbuseAs an experienced Boston criminal defense lawyer, I know all too well that drug abuse is a serious public health issue in Massachusetts; I have seen first-hand how devastating prescription drug abuse can be for my clients and their families.Consequently, I was not surprised by the statewide wellness report released last week by the … [Read more...]
Proving a Drug Crimes Charge
Elements of a Massachusetts Drug Trafficking Case Drug trafficking is a serious criminal offense in Massachusetts. If you are convicted, you are facing a mandatory prison sentence. You need an experienced Boston drug crimes lawyer to review the facts of your case, assess your legal options, and help you present your best defense.In order to obtain a Massachusetts drug trafficking conviction, the Commonwealth must prove each of the following elements beyond a reasonable doubt: (1) “Trafficking” … [Read more...]
