Massachusetts Legal Developments Blog

Massachusetts Legal Developments Blog

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 secrets, but a guilty conscience reveals the truth just in time to save the innocent person on trial.

In the real court of law, this usually never happens. Sometimes an innocent people are found guilty of crime they did not commit. A good example is the story of Betty Anne Waters, who worked faithfully and diligently to free her wrongfully convicted brother of a murder he did not commit in Ayers, Massachusetts. In fact, she became a lawyer to learn the law, and a good criminal defense lawyer is always needed in criminal cases. Her relentless efforts helped overturn his wrongful conviction in 2001. He spent 18 years behind bars as an innocent man. The story was made into a Hollywood movie called Conviction in 2010.

According to studies by the Innocence Project, between 2.3% and 5% of persons sent to prisons are innocent. DNA testing has uncovered the truth for several cases over the years. Since 1989, 333 people have been exonerated because of this new technology. What are some things a person can do if he or she is wrongfully accused of a crime before it turns into a conviction?

Here are five things experts suggest you do, if you are falsely accused of a crime:

  • Gather any records, documents, or papers that may relate to the case. This could be letters, emails, text messages, or phone records. Maintain any records that show where you were during the time of the crime or incident.

  • Make a note of evidence at the crime location that you remember but were not able to take from the scene.

  • Create a list of possible witnesses and obtain their contact information.

  • Keep quiet and do not say anything about the case with anyone. It may be used against you.

  • You should contact an experienced attorney and tell him or her your story. Conversations with an attorney are protected by attorney-client privilege.

Here are five things experts suggest you not do if you are falsely accused of a crime:

  • Do not destroy any information, especially information that you think will work against you in court. This could be perceived as actions of a guilty person and increase punishment if you are wrongfully convicted.

  • Do not talk or have any contact with the victim or victims in an attempt to explain your side of the story.

  • Do not talk with law enforcement without an attorney present.

  • Do not volunteer to take a testing, such as a DNA test.

  • Do not submit any information or evidence to law enforcement without talking to your lawyer.

A false accusation can be damaging to your personal and professional life. More importantly, if your innocence cannot be proven, it could lead to a wrongful conviction and possible prison or jail time.

If you are falsely accused of a crime, the consequences may be serious and life-changing. Boston Criminal Defense Attorney, Edward Molari can provide you and your family with legal advice that can help clear your name and reputation. He can explain your rights and provide personalized legal services in your case. Contact Attorney, Edward Molari at 617-942-1532 for a free consultation.

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 persons under the age of 21 to drive with a blood alcohol level higher than zero.

DUI (Driving Under the Influence) laws in Massachusetts are different from those in many states. Individuals found guilty of DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) or OUI (Operating Under the Influence of alcohol) may spend years in prison and pay thousands of dollars in fines. A first time offender may get the minimum penalties, which include one-year probation, license suspension up to 90 days, and a mandatory 16-week drug/alcohol education program. Penalties will increase and become harsher when the blood alcohol content is more than the threshold of .08% or if a child is in the vehicle. Furthermore, Melanie’s Law in Massachusetts is one of the stiffest drunk driving legislations in the nation. On October 28, 2005, the commonwealth of Massachusetts passed Melanie's Law, which created harsher and more severe penalties for breaking drunk driving laws. The legislation was established after a 13-year-old girl was killed by a repeat OUI offender in Massachusetts. The mission of the law is to increase the penalties for OUI offenders and keep them off the highway through a state-run ignition interlock program.

Provisions and Penalties under Melanie's Law include the following:

  • Repeat offenders must have interlocking devices installed in cars they drive to prevent ignition if the driver is intoxicated.

  • Drivers face a jail penalty for tampering with an interlock device.

  • A 10-year license suspension for refusal of a Breathalyzer test if an accident results in serious bodily injury and a lifetime suspension when an accident involves a death.

  • Temporary permits are no longer issued after a license is suspended for refusing a Breathalyzer test.

  • Refusing a Breathalyzer test will result in a mandatory 24-hour vehicle impoundment of a driver's car.

  • Court records can be introduced to reveal prior convictions.

  • Motor vehicle manslaughter increases to five years in drunk driving cases.

  • A conviction of driving drunk with a suspended license yields a minimum one year in jail.

  • A new aggravated OUI offense will be charged when a defendant has a blood alcohol level of .2% or higher.

  • Mandatory lifetime license revocation for a driver who has previously been convicted of an OUI resulting in death when the driver is convicted again for driving drunk.

  • Drivers with a blood alcohol level of .15% or higher will complete a mandatory alcohol assessment.

  • Increased penalties for anyone intentionally allowing a person with a license suspension for drunken driving to operate an automobile.

Legal Advice

Individuals with OUI/DUI charges may receive severe punishments in Massachusetts. It is important to know your legal rights and options when you are facing criminal charges. Boston Criminal Defense Attorney, Edward Molari can provide you with the correct solutions and actions you need to take in your OUI/DUI case. He can explain your rights and provide personalized legal services in your case. You can contact Attorney, Edward Molari at 617-942-1532 for a free consultation.

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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 putting the fear of harm in another person and making the physical contact that results in harm or injury.

Domestic assault (domestic assault and battery) is an abusive, violent, or threatening word or act imposed by one family member to another family member. A domestic relationship in most states include an immediate family member or loved one, as well as any other person you might room with or have a relationship. This may include:

  • Wife or husband

  • Parent or step-parent

  • Children or step-children

  • Blended family members

  • Roommate or ex-roommate

  • Grandparents or grandchildren

  • Uncle or aunt

  • Siblings (brother or sister)

According to Massachusetts law, an assault or an assault and battery are punishable up to two and a half years behind bars with fines of up to $1,000. The penalties can be up to five years in prison with fines up to $5,000 when the victim is pregnant, experienced serious bodily harm or injury.  If a protection order was established during the time of the assault, the penalties can be up to five years in prison with fines up to $5,000. The penalties for assaults can increase, if the victims are children, a senior citizen, mentally disabled, a police officer, an EMS staffer or a public worker.

Recently, Massachusetts domestic violence laws have gotten more strict for those arrested for domestic assault in the commonwealth. A new legislation in Massachusetts establishes a domestic violence assault and battery charge for first offenders and it creates a domestic violence offender registry for individuals charged. A person who is arrested on a domestic violence charge must stay in jail for six hours before an arraignment and bail from jail can be granted. Often in domestic violence cases, law enforcement can make an immediate arrest when a victim calls the police and alleges an assault has taken place. Police officers have a duty to take immediate action and maintain safety for the victim and other individuals in the home. In most states, when a domestic violence arrest is made, an emergency protective order is put in place until the offender goes before a judge. The individual arrested cannot have any contact with the victim. A person facing a domestic violence assault and battery charge should seek legal counsel.

Often individuals believe if a spouse decides they do not wish to press assault charges, the prosecution will end. In Massachusetts, this does not always happen. The District Attorney's office can continue the case even against the wishes of the victim and if she renounces her testimony. The District Attorney's office determines the outcome.

If you are accused of an assault crime or facing a domestic violence charge, the consequences may be serious and life-changing. Boston Criminal Defense Attorney, Edward Molari can provide you with legal advice that can help your case. He can explain your options and provide personalized legal services in your assault and battery case. Contact Attorney, Edward Molari at 617-942-1532 for a free consultation.

 

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 major legal problems, and the outcome can be severe without the help and advice of an experienced criminal defense attorney.

Recently, the FBI investigated a bomb threat directed toward 12 Massachusetts schools. The threats were made over the phone and affected schools in 15 communities, including Boston. High school students are not the only ones trying to avoid taking a final exam by pulling this prank. A Harvard University student allegedly sent an email that stated bombs were placed throughout the Cambridge campus. Later, the FBI arrested him for the crime. According to a federal bomb threat statute, a federal agent can charge any person who calls or emails a bomb threat. The punishment can be up to 10 years in prison.

Whether a high school or college student, individuals who make bomb threats can face serious trouble. In some cases, a conviction for making a school bomb threat can get a student's driver’s license revoked or get him or her expelled from school. Their parents can be liable for the student's actions in court, as well. Individuals under 18 can be tried as adults in some cases.

Making a bomb threat in Massachusetts can have harsh consequences. A conviction is punishable by up to 20-years in prison and may include a fine of up to $50,000. Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 269, Section 14 states:

"(c) Whoever willfully communicates or causes to be communicated such a threat thereby causing either the evacuation or serious disruption of a school, school related event, school transportation, or a dwelling, building, place of assembly, facility or public transport, or an aircraft, ship or common carrier, or willfully communicates or causes serious public inconvenience or alarm, shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for not less than 3 years nor more than 20 years or imprisonment in the house of correction for not less than 6 months nor more than 21/2 years, or by fine of not less than $1,000 nor more than $50,000, or by both such fine and imprisonment. (d) The court shall, after conviction, conduct a hearing to ascertain the extent of costs incurred, damages and financial loss suffered by an individual, public or private entity and the amount of property damage caused as a result of the defendant's crime. A person found guilty of violating this section shall, in all cases, in addition to any other punishment, be ordered to make restitution to the individual, public or private entity for any costs incurred, damages and financial loss sustained as a result of the commission of the crime. Restitution shall be imposed in addition to incarceration or fine, and not in lieu thereof, however, the court shall consider the defendant's present and future ability to pay in its determinations regarding a fine. In determining the amount, time and method of payment of restitution, the court shall consider the financial resources of the defendant and the burden restitution will impose on the defendant."

If you or your child is accused of making a bomb threat, the consequences may be serious and life-changing. Boston Criminal Defense Attorney, Edward Molari can provide you with legal advice that can help your case. He can explain your options and provide personalized legal services in your bomb threat case. Contact Attorney, Edward Molari at 617-942-1532 for a free consultation.

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 be the case for all teenagers reaching the legal driving age to operate an automobile. Many young drivers find themselves involved in accidents and driving offenses.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says 2,163 teenagers in 2013 were killed and nearly 243,250 were treated in emergency rooms for injuries related to motor vehicle crashes. Studies by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reveal car crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers and nearly a quarter of those accidents involve an underage drinking driver.

Underage Drinking and the Law

All states prohibit individuals from driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08%. It is considered a crime. The rules are usually more severe for people under 21 years old. In most states, any motorists under the age of 21 operating an automobile with a BAC level of .02% or higher can be cited for a DUI (Driving under the influence of alcohol). Some states are stricter with a zero-tolerance for underage drinkers. A BAC over 0% will automatically become a DUI. In the state of Massachusetts the legal drinking age is 21.

In Massachusetts, drivers under 21 account for less that 10% of all drivers, however research reveals these young drivers account for 12% of DUI related deaths in the commonwealth. As a result, the standards and penalties for underage drinkers in Massachusetts may be more severe. In addition to driving under the influence, an underage drinker may be charged with moving and vehicle violations, distributing alcohol to other minors, soliciting alcohol, and possessing a fake ID.

The Warning Signs of Underage Drinking

According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, parents should look for any warning sign that may reveal underage drinking. The organization cites the following as signs to look for in your child's behavior.

  • Alcohol is missing from bottles or cans in your home

  • Breath mints or mouthwash—these may be an attempt to mask the odor of alcohol

  • More sluggish and passive than usual; does not care as much about former interests or appearance

  • Is unusually aggressive or rebellious

  • Hangs around with different friends and is more secretive than usual

  • Skipping school

  • Grades are dropping

  • Borrowing money more

  • Alcohol hidden in your teen’s backpack, car, or room

  • Drunk and intoxicated behavior: your teen stumbles or moves awkwardly, has slurred speech and a dull, unfocused look or bloodshot eyes

Legal Help and Action

If your underage son or daughter is facing OUI/DUI charges, the consequences may be serious and life-changing. Boston Criminal Defense Attorney, Edward Molari can provide you and your family with legal advice that can help your teenager regain their life and driving record. He can explain your rights and provide personalized legal services in your OUI/DUI case.  Contact Attorney, Edward Molari at 617-942-1532 for a free consultation.

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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 create an older-looking twin, but the legal consequences of getting caught are complex. Misrepresenting your age or identity can lead to harsh penalties and punishment.

Serving Minors with Fake IDs

Using a fake ID is a criminal offense under Massachusetts law. Punishment for breaking the law may include up to three months in jail, a one-year suspension of your driver's license, and a fee. Is it really worth it? Many underage drinkers think it is. Fake IDs have been a part our nation's teen culture since a national minimum drinking age of 21 was established in the United States in 1984. Many see fake IDs as rites of passage, while others see them as a threat to national security. It is a crime and a simple fake ID can turn into a criminal record for many underage drinkers who try to bypass the law. In many cities, bars or nightclubs can confiscate fake IDs and turn them over to local law enforcement.

In Massachusetts, under M.G.L. c. 138, § 34  a person can be convicted of providing alcohol to a minor, if he or she intended to serve the underage drinker or had knowledge the person was being served alcohol. A person can be convicted if he or she knowingly supplies a person under 21 years of age, except for their own children or grandchildren, with alcohol on his or her property or premises. Although the person may not be the owner of the property, he or she still can be charged with this crime when entrusted with a control of the property. Punishment for providing alcohol to a minor may include fines and imprisonment for up to one year.

Long-term Effects of Using Fake IDs

Maryland School of Public Health conducted a recent study that suggests there may be a link between using fake identifications and the development of alcohol use disorders in college students. Fake IDs give students more opportunities to drink.

Fake ID users are more likely to engage in high-risk drinking and more at risk of developing alcohol-related problems. The study finds there may be a correlation between buying alcohol with Fake IDs and long-term alcohol abuse. The study followed 529 females and 486 males. The participants in the study admitted drinking alcohol at least once by their freshmen year of college.

Legal Counsel for Fake ID Users

Individuals who are caught using fake IDs should seek legal strategies to reduce their penalties. It is important to explore all legal options when you are facing criminal charges. Boston Criminal Defense Attorney, Edward Molari can provide you with the correct solutions and actions you need to take in your case. He explains your rights and provides personalized legal services to every client. You can contact Attorney, Edward Molari at 617-942-1532 for a free consultation.

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, the Senate and House have disagreed as to what those consequences should be.

Importance of the Bill

The Massachusetts Senate originally passed a bill on September 24, 2015, with the house passing an amended version on January 6, 2016. However, the Senate did not like those changes. As a result, the Senate amended the bill again and readopted its original version. Specifically, the amendments retain provisions that eliminate a subsection of the law that require a person’s driver’s license to be suspended if that person is convicted of a drug offense. The amendments also instruct the Registrar of Motor Vehicles to reinstate the license or the right to operate a motor vehicle of anyone who has already had their license suspended under the current law. The change in the law would keep records related to the suspension and the underlying offense hidden from public access.

Finally, the amendments remove language the House placed in the bill that would require license suspension for five years if a person is convicted or adjudicated delinquent for drug trafficking under the Massachusetts laws. Additionally, House language was also removed that would have allowed a judge to determine whether a person under 18 years of age should be prohibited from acquiring a license for a period (but not past his or her 21st birthday) if convicted or adjudicated delinquent for a violation under the Massachusetts Controlled Substances Act.

The Senate and House also disagree as to what the effective date of the law (if passed) should be for people who had their license suspended in connection with a drug offense. The House would like the effective date to be July 1, 2016. However, the amendment changed the effective date back to the Senate’s original intent of 60 days after the bill’s enactment.

Next Steps

The bill now returns to the House where it will either be agreed to or not. If the bill is not agreed to by the House, a conference committee will be appointed in both the Senate and the House. The purpose of these committees will be to determine which sections of both versions of the bill will ultimately prevail. Once a final bill is completed, it will be sent to the Governor for signature and final approval.

Criminal Defense Help

While this bill could reduce some of the penalties for a drug offense, individuals will still face severe punishment for these crimes. As a result, if you have been charged with a drug offense, it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible. For more information, speak with Boston criminal defense attorney Edward R. Molari today. Call our office at 617-942-1532 to schedule a free consultation.

 

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 consequences, even if no injury results.

Safe Storage

It is important to safely store firearms to help prevent another person from discovering them and potentially hurting themselves or another person. This is a particular risk if there are children who visit or live in the home. Properly storing firearms helps prevent against theft. Not only does theft of a firearm cause loss for the owner, it can also lead to the owner being held responsible in some manner if the firearm is then used in some illegal manner.

Under Massachusetts law, individuals must keep their firearms in a secured, locked container or equip them with a tamper-resistant mechanical lock or other safety device. Firearms must be made inoperable by any person other than the owner or other lawfully authorized users. Mechanical locks include trigger locks or cable locks. These devices encase the trigger assembly to prevent the weapon from being fired. But, while they are intended to prevent the weapon from being fired, the firearm should still be stored unloaded.

Using a mechanical lock can satisfy the law in Massachusetts for properly storing a firearm, but they are not the ideal option. To begin with, mechanical locks do not help in protecting against the theft of the firearm. Further, they are not the safest way to store firearms. Providing more safety are locking storage containers. There are many different kinds of locking containers, ranging from a small pistol safe to very large gun vaults. Gun vaults can be bolted to the floor, are fireproof, and have the ability to store a wide number and types of firearms. Similar to using mechanical locks, firearms should be stored unloaded, even when placed in locking containers.

Penalties for Violations

The penalties for violating the firearms storage laws may result in a fine, jail time, and ineligibility for a firearms license. For example, a violation involving a firearm not considered large-capacity will lead to a fine of between $1,000 and $7,500. The individual may be sentenced to a prison term of up to one and a half years. If the violation occurred in a place where a person under 18 years of age who does not possess a valid firearms identification card issued under Massachusetts law could have accessed the firearm, the penalties include a fine of between $2,500 and $15,000, with a possible prison sentence of between one and a half and 12 years. The penalties for all storage violations are more severe if the firearm is considered a large-capacity weapon.

Criminal Defense Help

The penalties for violating firearms laws are often quite severe. If you have been accused of a firearms violation, it is important to speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. To schedule a free consultation with Boston criminal defense attorney Edward R. Molari, call our office at 617-942-1532. We look forward to discussing how we can help you.

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 now referred to special programs called Batterer Intervention Programs (BIPs). These programs are intended to increase victim’s safety by providing educational groups to help batterers stop their abusive behavior. The following provides a brief overview of what to expect if you are ordered to attend a BIP.

What are BIPs?

Certified BIPs operate in every county in Massachusetts. Under Massachusetts law, when a defendant violates an order not to abuse or have any contact with the plaintiff or the plaintiff’s child or violates a protection order, the individual must be referred to a BIP, unless the judge finds it to be unnecessary or the program indicates that the defendant is not suitable for intervention. If the defendant is ordered to a BIP under a suspended license and fails to attend the program, the original sentence will be re-imposed.

BIPs involve discussion of the damaging effects that domestic violence has on victims and children who witness it. Programs also teach batterers how to use non-abusive action in interacting with partners and children. Massachusetts law specifically states that anger management and substance abuse treatment are not the same as BIPs and cannot be substituted for them. However, if the defendant has a substance abuse problem, courts do have the power to order treatment for that issue, in addition to referring the individual to a BIP.  

The program will communicate with the partner of a participant regarding the participant’s attendance and completion of the BIP. BIPs also inform the probation department of the participant’s compliance with program attendance. The partner of a program participant will be informed of any risks or threats of abuse indicated by the abusive partner. This sharing of information is a condition of participation in the program.                                   

 Individual BIPs establish their own fee schedules in accordance with Massachusetts Guidelines. BIPs may develop a deferred payment schedule or partial payment plans for individuals who are unable to pay the entire cost of the program upfront. Programs must make provision for indigent clients, which means low-income batterers may potentially attend for free or for a nominal amount. Additionally, free services are also provided for adolescent male batterers.

Information for certified BIPs can be found at the Massachusetts’ Health and Human Services website. The page provides links to program websites and other contact information, as well as what languages are served and whether adolescent services are offered by each program.

Defending Your Rights

If you have been accused of committing domestic violence, you face the potential for significant penalties. While domestic violence is a serious allegation, you still have rights that must be protected. It is important to speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. To setup a free consultation with Boston criminal defense attorney Edward R. Molari, call our office at 617-942-1532. We look forward to hearing from you.

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 offenses are somewhat vague, which can lead to prosecutors needlessly charging individuals for a more significant crime.

How are the Charges Different?

Under Massachusetts law, defacement or vandalism of property occurs when there is an intentional, willful, and malicious painting, marking, etching, or other defacing or destruction of the real or personal property of another. This type of property includes almost anything, including fences, buildings, signs, rocks, and monuments. This offense is considered a felony.

An individual convicted of vandalism faces a state prison sentence of up to three years or a house of correction sentence of up to two years. In addition, the individual may be fined up to $1,500 or three times the value of the property involved, whichever amount is greater. The individual will also be ordered to pay to fix the property involved. Convictions of vandalism also will lead to a driver’s license suspension of one year. If the person is under the age of 16, one year is added to the minimum eligible age to drive.

The fine is doubled if the property was a war or veterans’ memorial, monument, or gravestone. The individual will also be required to complete at least 500 hours of community service that is approved by the court. There is also special protection given to certain other property, like churches, synagogues, schools, and places used for burying the deceased.

A similar offense is the malicious destruction of property, which is a felony if the value of the property is greater than $250. This offense occurs when an individual destroys or injures the personal property, house, or building of another. The punishment is a potential 10-year prison sentence and a fine of either $3,000 or three times the value of the property, whichever is greater. However, if the property involved is valued at less than $250, the offense is a misdemeanor. In that case, the punishment is either a fine of three times the value of the property or imprisonment for up to two and a half months.

The issue with these two offenses is that the definitions of what constitutes each are similar. This creates the potential for a charge of defacement or vandalism when the action of the defendant is really more appropriately charged as malicious destruction of property. If the property involved was valued at less than $250, the differences between the charges is significant.

Criminal Defense Help

If you have been charged with either of the above offenses, you face the potential for serious penalties As a result, it is important to speak with an experienced defense attorney as soon as possible. Call our office at 617-942-1532 to schedule a free consultation with Boston criminal defense attorney Edward R. Molari. We look forward to discussing how we can help you.

 

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