Massachusetts Legal Developments Blog

Massachusetts Legal Developments Blog

Brockton Men Arraigned in Connection With Shooting

In February of 2025, two men from Brockton were indicted and arraigned on murder charges. These charges stemmed from a fatal shooting incident in Brockton during the previous summer. This case is yet another example of how many fatal shootings have occurred in the Brockton area within the past few years and months. If you have been accused of participating in a shooting, it might help to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney in Boston.  

The Shooting Incident Explained

This murder case stems from an incident that occurred in June of 2024. Brockton Police say that on that night, they received a 911 call from someone who had heard shots being fired. They arrived at the scene and found a deceased 22-year-old individual with numerous gunshot wounds.

The investigation focused on surveillance footage that captured the moments before and after the murder. This footage showed three individuals chasing the victim into his own backyard. During the ensuing altercation, the victim was shot and killed. One of the defendants was also shot and wounded, prompting his associates to transport him to a nearby medical center. 

While this individual was arrested shortly after receiving treatment, a second associate was arrested a few days after the incident at Logan Airport. The authorities say that he was about to board a plane to a different country. 

There was no word on the third individual. It is safe to assume that this third individual also participated in the murder, but he was mysteriously absent from any media reports. This third individual may still be on the loose, and police may still be trying to track him down. Perhaps the third individual managed to escape legal consequences somehow. 

Whatever the case may be, the wording of various media reports suggests that it was impossible to see what actually happened inside the backyard – where the shooting occurred. The surveillance footage probably only covers the actual street and not the insides of private properties. 

If this is true, one has to wonder how police will prove that one (or both) of these defendants actually fired upon the victim. The third attacker may have been the one who actually carried out the murder. 

This is something of a moot point since anyone who "participates" in a murder becomes criminally liable. For example, even if someone serves as a "lookout" while someone else commits murder, they are still likely to face murder charges. Still, it is not clear why this third individual seems to have been passed over by media reports. 

Can a Boston Defense Attorney Help Me With Murder Allegations?

Murder is one of the most serious charges one can face in Boston. With the number of shootings that occur each year in Brockton, it is all too easy to get swept up in these incidents. Often, these cases are simple misunderstandings – and a criminal defense attorney in Boston may be able to help clear them up. To learn more, contact Edward R. Molari today. 

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Criminal Defense

Former Police Officer Has Guilty Verdict "Set Aside" in Massachusetts

In February of 2025, a judge "set aside" the guilty verdict of a former police officer in Dartmouth, Massachusetts. He had previously been found guilty of child rape and indecent assault & battery. Many people are confused about this case, and you might not have heard of a guilty verdict being "set aside" in such a way. How does this process work, and how can you defend yourself against criminal charges in Massachusetts?  

Stunning Change of Fortune for Former Police Officer Accused of Child Rape

In October of 2024, a former Dartmouth police officer was sentenced to between 10 and 15 years in prison for child rape and indecent assault and battery. That appeared to be the end of the defendant's story, and the three-day trial led to a clear jury verdict. One of the victims was just six years old when the abuse began, while the other was 15. This ending came after a rocky start, with the defendant escaping charges back in 2022 due to a mistrial. 

In February of 2025, the defendant was released from custody. This came after a judge agreed to "set aside" his guilty verdict, and suddenly, the defendant's fortunes seemed to change in a stunning way. 

The defendant was released after a successful appeal by the defense. Counsel argued that this case actually represented two separate offenses under completely different circumstances, and they should never have been joined together. A district court judge heard this argument and agreed with the defense's argument. 

As you might expect, the District Attorney presiding over this case is incensed. In a statement, the DA complained:

"In my over 36 years of practicing law, I have never seen a judge deliberately nullify a unanimous jury verdict without giving the District Attorney's Office the right to a full hearing."

The DA also reminded the public that a judge held a hearing over whether the two cases should be joined together and that the judge did not object or raise any potential issues. He also pointed out that the defense counsel never raised this issue during the trial. Finally, he argued that the decision "undermines the jury system" and raises questions about whether "justice is being done." 

What Does "Setting Aside a Verdict" Mean?

In this case, the "setting aside" of the verdict by the judge will simply result in a new trial. At first glance, this might seem like delaying the inevitable rather than escaping the consequences of a negative decision. However, a new trial can provide a new opportunity to pursue justice – and it is something that defendants generally see as positive. 

Can a Massachusetts Defense Attorney Help After a Guilty Verdict?

Despite what many people think, a guilty verdict is not necessarily the end of your criminal justice journey. With help from an experienced Massachusetts criminal defense attorney, you can appeal your verdict and push back with various strategies. Schedule a consultation with Edward R. Molari today to explore these potential strategies in more detail. 

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Criminal Defense

Man Dodges Life Sentence After Successful Appeal in Massachusetts

Most people know that in order to be found guilty of murder, prosecutors must prove your guilt "beyond reasonable doubt." While this might seem reassuring, it is clear that many people are convicted of murder in Boston despite the clear absence of convincing evidence. This seemingly occurred in November of 2024, when a man successfully overturned a life sentence for a murder in Mattapan. Can a defense attorney help you achieve similar results? 

The 2018 Shooting Incident Explained

This case revolves around a shooting incident that occurred in August of 2018. Police say that three individuals were sitting in a car when they were shot at by an assailant. The gunfire killed one of these victims and injured the two others, and police have never been able to identify the shooter. 

However, police eventually determined the identity of an individual who they claimed assisted the shooter in some way. This was the owner of a vehicle that was seen in the vicinity of the victim's car, and police essentially implied that the defendant was following the victims. Eventually, this connection led to the defendant's conviction and sentencing to life in prison for murder. 

The defense appealed, and the court eventually reviewed the case. The Commonwealth noted that in order to secure a conviction, the prosecution had to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the defendant knew that his passenger (the shooter) intended to carry out the murder. The prosecutors also had to show beyond reasonable doubt that the defendant was actually driving the vehicle – which he had allegedly rented before the incident. 

Although the appeals court concluded that the defendant must have been driving the vehicle, they found insufficient evidence that he knew the shooter was going to carry out the murder. In the end, the court stated that the defendant's conviction "must be reversed." 

This decision shows that appeals can be highly effective when approached effectively, especially when prosecutors rely on questionable arguments to secure convictions. The appeals court stated that the "shared lethal intent" argument by the prosecutors does not stand up to scrutiny. 

One of the few shreds of evidence they presented in this regard was the erratic nature of the defendant's driving after the murder occurred. The prosecutors alleged that the "way in which the defendant maneuvered" was evidence that the defendant knew about the murder plans ahead of time. However, the appeals court argues that this conclusion "rests on a chain of speculative assertions." 

Can a Defense Attorney in Massachusetts Help Me?

If you have been sentenced to life imprisonment after a murder conviction, this might not be the end of your story. You may be able to appeal your conviction successfully, and this could allow you to walk free. To learn more about appeals and murder defense strategies, consider contacting an experienced criminal defense attorney in Boston – such as Edward R. Molari. 

Tags: 
Criminal Defense

Major Fentanyl Drug Bust in Massachusetts Leads to Serious Trafficking Charges

Back in 2023, law enforcement in Massachusetts uncovered what has been described by some media sources as a “secret drug lab,” leading to serious fentanyl trafficking charges for several defendants. The operation was extensive, and photographs from the bust depict a sophisticated pill-press operation with an extremely large quantity of drugs and drug-manufacturing materials. Some officials believe it is one of the largest single-location drug seizures in Massachusetts history. Now the men behind this operation are pleading guilty. What should you do if you face charges of fentanyl trafficking in Boston? 

Meth and Fentanyl Pills Were Disguised as Valentine’s Day Candies

In February of 2024, a man from Lynn pleaded guilty to various drug trafficking charges. These charges stemmed from a major drug bust in November of 2023 when police searched a residence belonging to one of the defendants. Police say they learned of the operation while investigating an overdose death in Salem, and this investigation led them to the defendant’s doorstep. They then carried out a search and found an extremely sophisticated meth and fentanyl manufacturing facility. 

Inside the home, police found 20 pounds of pink, heart-shaped pills containing fentanyl. They were intentionally manufactured to look like Valentine’s Day candies, and the defendants used sophisticated pill presses and other advanced technology to achieve this feat. As they searched the rest of the residence, police located almost 200 pounds of meth and fentanyl. They also found cocaine, cutting agents, and other chemicals commonly used in drug manufacturing operations. 

One of these defendants faces at least 15 years in prison for possession with intent to manufacture and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. All three of the individuals involved in this operation have pleaded guilty. Investigators believe that the operation produced “millions of doses.” It is worth noting that the likelihood of fatal overdoses is relatively high for users of fentanyl. It is also unclear whether the buyers of these pills knew whether they contained fentanyl. 

Can Police in Boston Search My Home for Drugs?

Police generally need a search warrant before they can search your home for drugs. The only exception is if they identify a situation where people face immediate danger. For example, they might hear gunshots or sounds of physical violence while standing outside a home. They might also have “probable cause” to search a home. For example, they might witness someone carrying a bag of drugs into a home. Finally, police have the right to search your home if you voluntarily allow them to enter. You are under no obligation to consent to a search. 

Can a Defense Attorney Help With Fentanyl Trafficking Charges in Boston?

If you face fentanyl trafficking charges in Boston, the most obvious course of action is to speak with an experienced defense attorney immediately. These legal professionals can guide you to a favorable outcome, perhaps via a plea deal. Alternatively, you can fight for your rights and push back against constitutional violations, lack of evidence, chain-of-custody issues, and much more. Each defense strategy should match the unique circumstances of each situation – so discuss your case with Edward R. Molari today. 

Tags: 
Criminal Defense

What Happens if You Try to Steal a Police Cruiser in Boston?

Whatever the situation might be, attempting to steal a police cruiser is always a bad idea. However, this type of offense is more common than many realize. Countless viral videos show individuals jumping into police vehicles and speeding away – and this type of incident can be highly embarrassing for law enforcement departments across the nation. A recent incident highlights the potential penalties for this unique type of auto theft in Boston.  

Police Describe Scene of Utter Mayhem at Brockton Car Dealership

In February of 2025, Norwell Police reported a scene of complete mayhem at a Brockton car dealership. This scene began when a man took an Uber to the car dealership and started acting aggressively in the vehicle. This aggressive behavior continued when the man arrived at the dealership, prompting staff to attempt de-escalation strategies. 

When these attempts failed, the employees asked him to leave. At this point, the defendant started “lunging” toward staff members while threatening to kill them with a firearm. However, no firearm was present at the scene. He then returned to the Uber driver and assaulted them while trying to steal his car keys. He seems to have been successful, as police arrived to find him inside the vehicle. 

However, he could not figure out how to get the vehicle into gear. In a desperate last attempt to flee, he reportedly jumped into a police cruiser and tried to steal it. Officers then tried to arrest the man, and he became violent. After swinging with his fists, he struck one officer twice in the face. During this altercation, he damaged a police cruiser door. Even after the officers managed to get the man on the ground, he continued to fight and resist. Two police officers were hospitalized as a result of this incident, and so was the defendant. 

This defendant now faces numerous charges, including making threats, two counts of attempted carjacking, assault and battery on a police officer, three counts of damage to a vehicle, resisting arrest, and disturbing the peace. These charges provide some indication of what might happen if you attempt to steal a police cruiser in Boston. Along with a standard carjacking offense, you might also face a slew of additional charges. 

It is not clear why this individual became so violent and erratic. However, the man’s mother seems to have posted on social media days before the incident, warning the public that her son was missing. She also claimed that he had recently experienced a “traumatic life event” and that he was probably in distress. Finally, she claimed that the defendant was on Brockton’s missing person list. 

Can a Boston Defense Attorney Help With Carjacking Charges?

Carjacking is a relatively common offense, and many criminal defense attorneys in Boston have plenty of experience with these cases. One example is Edward R. Molari, an experienced lawyer who may be able to help carjacking defendants. Stealing a police vehicle is a particularly serious type of carjacking crime, but stealing virtually any car can lead to severe consequences. Consider scheduling a consultation with us today to get started with a defense strategy. 

Tags: 
Criminal Defense

Road Rage Incident Leads to Murder Charges in Brockton

In April of 2024, the American Automobile Association reported that road rage incidents were increasing in Massachusetts. The agency says that this issue has become particularly problematic after the COVID-19 pandemic, and numerous incidents throughout Boston are a testament to this fact. A recent case of road rage in Brockton has led to murder charges, with the defendant accused of bludgeoning another driver to death. How can you defend yourself against road rage charges in Boston? 

Brockton Man Indicted and Arraigned for Fatal Road Rage Incident

In January of 2025, various sources reported that a Brockton driver had been indicted on charges of murder and assault in connection with a road rage incident. The altercation occurred in April of 2024 when the defendant allegedly struck a pedestrian with his vehicle before bludgeoning him to death. 

Witnesses say the defendant struck the victim not once but twice with his Toyota Rav 4. He then exited his vehicle, produced a brick, and proceeded to strike the victim 20 times in the head with the blunt instrument. This caused fatal head injuries. 

The defendant reportedly told police that he had been drinking late into the night before the incident. He then went home and left again in the morning for work. During this trip to work, the defendant stopped at an intersection to let a pedestrian walk across. However, he allegedly did not wait until the pedestrian had fully crossed and struck him while he was still in the road. Next, he reversed into the pedestrian, striking him again as he was struggling to get to his feet. The defendant then crashed his vehicle – and this is when the assault with the brick began. 

Police could not seem to determine why the defendant reacted so violently. Many hours had passed since his night of drinking, and there was no evidence of intoxication. Police also say there is no evidence of an existing relationship between the victim and the defendant. The defendant gave several stories to police when interviewed and denied hitting the victim with a brick. This is despite the fact that several bystanders physically pulled him off the victim while the assault was taking place. 

A subsequent press release from the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office in February suggests that the defendant intends to plead not guilty. The press release also revealed that the man had been arraigned and that he was being held without bond. His pretrial conference is set for late April 2025. The 46-year-old faces one charge of murder, one charge of assault with intent to murder, and three counts of assault and battery with a deadly weapon. 

Can a Boston Defense Attorney Help Me With Road Rage Charges?

Road rage incidents can lead to many criminal charges, including assault, murder, reckless driving, child endangerment, and much more. Although defending yourself against these charges is not always easy, you can approach this situation confidently with a Boston defense attorney at your side. Consider discussing your options with Edward R. Molari – and schedule your first consultation today. 

Tags: 
Criminal Defense

Karen Read Murder Trial: Interviews Could Affect New Trial

In February 2025, the Massachusetts Supreme Court rejected Karen Read’s double jeopardy claim – paving the way for a second trial. Prosecutors can now retry her on all three charges related to the death of her former boyfriend – a Boston police officer. A central issue in this second trial is the admission of off-the-record notes during an interview Read gave for Boston Magazine.  

The Background of the Karen Read Case

In 2022, the body of a Boston police officer was found outside a Canton home during a snowstorm. Karen Read, the officer’s girlfriend at the time, quickly became a suspect. Prosecutors alleged that she struck the man with her vehicle and left the scene, while Read claims that she was framed. 

Initially, she escaped conviction due to a mistrial. However, prosecutors successfully sought permission to retry her – despite her double jeopardy appeal. 

Parties Attend Hearing on Admissibility of Off-the-Record Interview Notes 

Prior to the second trial, prosecutors sought to admit new evidence – including off-the-record interview notes. These notes stem from several interviews with Boston Magazine, which Read gave while her case was pending. 

During this time, Read conducted three interviews with reporter Gretchen Voss. The final interview was never recorded, but prosecutors allege that the reporter wrote notes during this conversation. Boston Magazine has already provided prosecutors with two redacted recordings. Prosecutors allege that these recordings contain new information about the defendant’s drinking habits on the night of the officer’s death. 

Axios Boston notes that, unlike many other states, Massachusetts does not protect a journalist’s sources. The lack of this “shield law” means that any off-the-record comments could be admitted as evidence – despite any promises of confidentiality Read may have received. 

Voss has argued that the court is not “automatically authorized” to disclose the contents of interviews. Instead, she and her legal team argue that journalists should be the “discovery agents” for the government. Voss is concerned about her credibility as a journalist, and she fears that any disclosure of her off-the-record notes may prevent her from conducting interviews in the future. 

The court is expected to make a decision soon about whether these off-the-record comments and notes could be admitted as evidence. In addition, the court is deciding whether to allow a Google search Karen allegedly made on the night of the incident. According to prosecutors, she typed in the words “hos long to die in cold.” 

Can a Defense Attorney in Boston Help Me?

If you face issues like double jeopardy or the admission of sensitive evidence in your criminal trial, you might want to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney in Boston. These legal professionals can help you avoid unnecessary consequences and excessive penalties. To learn more about the next steps, contact Edward R. Molari at your earliest convenience. 

Tags: 
Criminal Defense

Defendant Humiliated by Media After Becoming Stuck in Chimney

It is easy to forget that criminals are human beings, too. Often, these people are driven to crimes by economic desperation – and not by choice. These financial pressures are becoming increasingly difficult in modern America, and the more fortunate should consider where they might be if their circumstances were slightly different. A recent case shows that the media is perfectly willing to humiliate and degrade criminals for drug offenses in Massachusetts.  

Reporters Sarcastically Compare Defendant to Santa Clause After Chimney Incident

In December 2024, detectives served a search warrant in Fall River and approached a residence. Somehow, several occupants ended up on the roof of the home during the search, and they subsequently attempted to flee in different ways. One of them simply jumped off the roof and onto a parked car. Another suspect made a different decision and attempted to hide inside the chimney. 

One media source described this decision as “channeling Santa Clause,” pointing out that he “lacked finesse” as he desperately pursued freedom. The jokes continue throughout the article. One has to wonder whether the reporter would take the same sarcastic, almost gleeful tone when describing a small child or senior stuck in a chimney. 

Eventually, first responders managed to free the suspect from the chimney. Many people have died after getting stuck in chimneys, and this situation could have been much worse. Police arrested his individual on drug possession charges alongside another person who stayed inside the home. 

Although there were plenty of puns, the article failed to mention how the police obtained the search warrant and whether it was even legitimate. They also failed to expand on the suspect who managed to escape on foot despite facing the full weight of local law enforcement. One might argue that this is about as humiliating for the police as getting stuck in a chimney. 

Media Bias in Criminal Trials

The media is playing an increasingly central role in affecting bias during criminal trials. Judges often instruct jurors to avoid reading the news or viewing social media during trials – but how many of these people actually take such directions seriously? Media-induced bias is almost inevitable in the modern era, especially with the rise of social media. 

Fortunately, there are ways to address this issue during criminal proceedings. For example, a defense lawyer might instruct a defendant to pursue a bench trial instead of a jury trial. 

Can a Drug Defense Attorney in Massachusetts Help Me Fight for My Rights?

A drug defense attorney in Boston may be able to help you fight for your rights and your reputation. Irresponsible reporting can humiliate defendants – including those who are struggling with substance abuse and financial pressures. Even worse, the media can create unfair bias in the criminal justice system, making it challenging for defendants to pursue justice and fair treatment. Contact Edward R. Molari to discuss how to address these issues and many others before a criminal trial. 

Tags: 
Criminal Defense

Teen Dies After Head-On Collision With Alleged Drunk Driver in Braintree

The criminal justice system enforces much more strict penalties for DUIs when they cause serious injuries or deaths. In addition, the general public may be much less sympathetic toward alleged drunk drivers who cause crashes that kill teens and children. This is exactly what happened after a fatal DUI in Braintree, and the defendant in this case is likely to face serious penalties. This is due not to both DUI laws in Massachusetts and the stigma of innocent teen deaths. Could a DUI defense lawyer in Massachusetts help a defendant who finds themselves in this situation?  

Allegedly Drunk Driver Faces Three Counts of DUI Causing Serious Bodily Injury

In December 2024, an allegedly drunk driver struck an SUV and caused various injuries to the occupants inside. Police say that this driver was operating a pickup truck and that he had veered into oncoming traffic before the impact.  

One of the passengers in the SUV was an 18-year-old girl, and she suffered serious injuries that proved fatal. The driver of the SUV – also 18 – suffered serious injuries but survived after receiving treatment. The last occupant of the SUV was 21, and he was hospitalized with “serious but non-life-threatening” injuries. 

The 39-year-old defendant was also hospitalized, and the authorities arraigned him from his hospital bed with various charges. These include three counts of DUI causing serious injury, reckless driving, and failing to stay in his lane. 

Despite these charges, the Braintree Police reported that they were still investigating the crash in its immediate aftermath. They were assisted by the Massachussets State Police and the Norfolk District Attorney’s Office. 

Charges Upgraded to Vehicular Homicide

In January of 2025, NBC Boston reported that the defendant is now facing an additional charge of motor vehicle homicide. NBC also stated that the defendant had pleaded not guilty to all of his charges so far – and that he remains free on a $5,000 bond. 

His next court date is in March of 2025, and this defendant will presumably try to fight his DUI and homicide charges. In the weeks and months after the accident, various sources highlighted more personal information about the victim – including her devotion to her family. She was apparently a cheerleader at her local high school. News sources released photos of a blonde girl with blue eyes. 

It is not clear how a jury will react to this incident, but the girl’s “all-American” appearance could lead to some form of bias. One has to wonder whether the jury would react similarly if the victim was an older man or a foreign immigrant. Because of this potential for bias, the defendant may be considering a bench trial. 

Can a DUI Defense Attorney in Massachusetts Help? 

Some DUIs trigger much worse penalties than others, and a crash resulting in the death of a teenager is a clear example of this. Regardless, defendants should expect fair and equal treatment under the law in Massachusetts. Juries may easily become biased due to the social stigma of deceased children, and experienced DUI defense attorneys in Boston could help address this. To learn more about pursuing fair unbiased treatment in court, consider contacting Edward R. Molari today. 

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Criminal Defense
OUI/DUI

Questions Raised After Boston Police Fail to Follow Up on DNA Evidence

Most people do not realize that a relatively low percentage of violent crime cases in Boston ever lead to arrests. Fewer still lead to convictions. This may be surprising to those who base their perception of police on TV shows and movies, in which the investigators always catch the “bad guys.” In reality, police often face serious criticism for failing to follow up on clear evidence – even when it is right in front of their eyes. A recent example involved DNA evidence that would have led Boston Police straight to a serial rapist.  

Uber Driver Left Clear DNA Evidence But Was Never Arrested or Charged

In 2024, various sources reported on a strange case involving rape in Boston. WBUR states that in 2016, an Uber driver took a woman to his apartment despite her request to be dropped off at a hotel. She claims that she was raped in the apartment, and DNA evidence clearly pointed to the Uber driver. However, the man was never arrested or charged, and police failed to warn the public about the presence of a suspected sexual predator. 

Over the next few years, three more women came forward with similar stories, with each woman providing DNA evidence pointing to the same Uber driver. Boston police still failed to arrest or charge him. The rapes continued, and after the fifth woman came forward, the police finally decided to act. They arrested the man, accessed his phone, and found evidence that he had raped at least 10 more women since the 2016 incident. 

Police now say that the defendant was posing as a rideshare driver and that he had never actually worked for Uber. He also seemed to wait outside bars in Boston, specifically targeting heavily intoxicated women. 

Why Was He Never Arrested?

Police have provided various explanations for why they never arrested the man despite clear DNA evidence. Some representatives say they could not move forward because the victims refused to testify. Others say that the Boston Police is traditionally reluctant to pursue sexual assault cases for whatever reason. Statistics show that only about 20% of all sexual assault cases lead to arrests. 

However, perhaps the most intriguing theory is that this man’s sister is the Attorney General of Boston. At the time of these incidents, she was a Boston City Councilor. The implications here are obvious: The defendant had friends in high places, and he was able to leverage this influence to avoid prosecution. 

Can a Defense Attorney Help With Issues Regarding DNA Evidence?

Whether police misplace DNA evidence or simply fail to follow up on it, it still makes sense to take seriously allegations involving rape in Boston. This is a serious offense in Massachusetts, and you should consider working with an experienced defense attorney if you face these accusations personally. Contact Edward R. Molari today to continue discussing potential defense strategies in more detail.

Tags: 
Criminal Defense

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