Massachusetts Legal Developments Blog

Massachusetts Legal Developments Blog

Illegal Firearm Charges in Massachusetts

A Massachusetts Appeals Court recently ruled that law enforcement in the state did not have a reasonable ground to deny a business owner a gun license, and subsequently ordered the department to issue the man a license for self protection. As a business owner, the man sought a firearm because he is responsible for closing the store at night and making cash deposits at a bank and was recently robbed at gunpoint.

After the man was robbed at gunpoint, it was suggested by law enforcement that the man obtain a license to carry a firearm. As a result, the man went to a police station in Dorchester in 2013 and applied for a firearm license. Despite the man stating that he needed the firearm for self protection, the officer who helped him wrote “sport and target” down on his application. The man later received a Class A license to carry a firearm, which was limited to sport and target.

Law enforcement later wrote the man a letter stating that he had failed to demonstrate an adequate purpose for holding an unrestricted firearm license. Law enforcement also later argued that the recommendation that the man obtain a firearm for protection was really the result of a misunderstanding, citing the man’s criminal history.

While the man had not been convicted of a crime, he was charged with various nonviolent crimes between 2005 and 2010. After petitioning a Boston court for judicial review, the court later held that law enforcement in Massachusetts has a right to prohibit individuals who are classified as “unsuitable” from receiving firearm licenses.

The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees each person the right to bear arms. While the Second Amendment is recognized by many people as a fundamental American right, the right has also become a great source of controversy over the last few years. Currently, Massachusetts has several laws prohibiting the use of firearms in the state, which will be reviewed below.

Illegally Carrying Firearms

Massachusetts law prohibits individuals from knowingly possessing a loaded or unloaded firearm provided that several conditions are met. First, that person must not be present at his or her own residence or place of business, the person must not have a required firearm license, and the person must possess an illegal weapon.

Possession of an Unlicensed Firearm at Home or Work

Laws in Massachusetts prohibit individuals from possessing firearms without a license or permit even if that individual is located in his or her residence or place of business. Violations of these laws result in penalties of two years maximum imprisonment.

Carrying a Firearm on a Public Path

Massachusetts law prohibits individuals from carrying firearms on a public way, which includes streets, sidewalks, or other public areas. If a firearm is loaded, a person can end up facing a maximum of two years in prison as well as substantial fines.

Possession of a Firearm in Commission of a Felony

If a person is charged with a felony and possessed a firearm during the commission of an offense, he or she can expect to be charged with additional criminal penalties.

Obtain the Services of a Skilled Criminal Defense Lawyer

When it comes to illegal firearm possession in Massachusetts, there are a number of serious charges with which a person in Massachusetts can be charged. Contact Attorney Edward Molari today to schedule an initial free case evaluation. Attorney Molari understands the complex issues that can arise in these cases and will remain committed to creating the strongest defense possible.

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Criminal Defense
Firearms

Responding to Massachusetts Indecent Assault Charges

Massachusetts State Police recently arrested a magician who is claimed to have inappropriately touched three students during magic classes. The arrest occurred at the man’s home, where he was charged with indecent assault and battery. The man allegedly assaulted several young victims at magic classes that were held at his Rockland residence in the early 2000s when he was a member of the Society of Young Magicians. The arrest occurred after a four-month investigation by law enforcement. It has been reported that the man denies the allegations that have been made against, but he is currently being held on a $2,000 bond.

Types of Indecent Assault in Massachusetts

Indecent assault and battery in Massachusetts is divided into two categories based on the age of the victim. The first category involves indecent assault and battery against children who are below the age of 14, while the second category includes indecent assault and battery against a person who is 14 years of age or older.

Elements of an Indecent Assault Offense

In proving an indecent assault allegation, the prosecution is required to establish four elements, which include:

  • The alleged victim’s age

  • The person being charged must have touched the victim without permission or done so in a way that was not justifiable

  • The person being charged performed an act that was indecent or fundamentally offensive according to accepted standards of decency

  • The victim must not have consented to the touching. In situations in which the offense involved a person below the age of 14, the prosecution is not required to establish this consent element because the law views people below the age of 14 as unable to provide consent.

Penalties Associated With Indecent Assault and Battery

If you have been charged with indecent assault and battery, it is critical to promptly obtain the assistance of a skilled criminal defense attorney because otherwise there is a serious risk that you can end up facing substantial penalties. Indecent assault and battery in Massachusetts is classified as a felony. A person who is convicted of indecent assault and battery on an individual who is 14 years of age or older can end up facing two and a half to five years in jail for a first-time offense. Additional aggravating factors, however, exist if the victim of the offense is either disabled or elderly or if the person charged has previous convictions on his or her record.

The penalties associated with indecent assault and battery against a child below the age of 14 are much more serious, at two and a half to 10 years in prison. A person convicted of the offense will also be required to register as a sex offender, which can create significant obstacles in regards to a person’s ability to pursue housing and job opportunities.

Contact a Knowledgeable Criminal Defense Attorney

Many people who are convicted of indecent assault in Massachusetts find that these charges impact their career, education, and private lives. If you or a loved one is charged with indecent assault or another similar crime, you should not hesitate to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney. Contact Attorney Edward Molari today to schedule an initial free case evaluation.

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Criminal Defense
Indecent Assault and Battery

Defending Against Attempted Murder Charges in Massachusetts

A man in Boston was recently arrested in connection with a stabbing. The arrest occurred when law enforcement found a man in his late 20s with stab wounds. While the man initially refused medical attention, he was later sent to a nearby hospital with injuries that were not believed to be life threatening. Law enforcement claims that a suspect was then identified and arrested at a hospital where he had sought treatment for a laceration. The man who was arrested now faces a number of charges including attempted murder. Because a conviction for attempted murder in Massachusetts results in serious penalties, a person in the state who is facing these charges should understand some important details about how these charges are raised.

What is an Attempted Crime?

The Massachusetts law concerning attempted crime states that these offenses can result in serious penalties. Attempted murder is a crime in which a person’s guilt depends on the person’s intentions. To convict a person of attempted murder, prosecution must establish that an individual had the specific intent to kill and acted with malice. In cases involving attempted murder, malice refers to the lack of an excuse, justification, or mitigation to commit the murder.

The Overt Action Requirement

In Massachusetts, to convict a person of attempted murder, the prosecution must establish that the defendant’s actions constituted an overt act, which is a physical action that a person could reasonably expect to create a series of events that would result in the crime. In cases of attempted murder, this overt action is one designed to result in death and committed with the intent that death occur. It is important to understand that an overt act does not require preparation or solicitation. Some of the actions that are often interpreted as representing overt actions include the following:

  • Breaking into a home with the intent to kill the victim

  • Making efforts to lure the victim to an isolated location where the murder will occur.

  • Purchasing a firearm or bomb to be used to kill the individual.

  • Tracking or stalking the intended victim by hiding out and observing the victim or following the victim with the intent to commit the murder.

Defenses to Attempted Murder in Massachusetts

It is often difficult for prosecution in Massachusetts to convict a person of attempted murder. The offense is most often used when a person is charged with simple assault or domestic assault and prosecution wants to utilize a more serious charge. One of the strongest defenses that can be raised in response to attempted murder charges is that a person lacked malice or did not have the necessary intent for attempted murder.

Contact a Skilled Criminal Defense Attorney

If you or a loved one faces criminal charges in Massachusetts, you should not hesitate to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney. Contact attorney Edward R Molari today to schedule an initial free consultation during which time we will review your various available options to respond to these charges.

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Criminal Defense

Defending Against Firearm Possession Charges in Massachusetts

A man and woman in Pepperell were recently arrested in relationship to a large-scale firearm theft involving several semi-automatic weapons and more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition. The arrest occurred after law enforcement found two individuals with two outstanding New Hampshire warrants sleeping in a residence. The pair is currently being held pending arraignment. Additional investigation led Massachusetts law enforcement to a residence where 16 weapons were found, including three AR-15s, two AK-47s, four semi-automatic rifles, and numerous pistols. As a result of this additional finding, Massachusetts law enforcement has announced plans to file additional charges.

Massachusetts firearm laws are particularly strict, and being convicted for most gun or firearm crimes results in mandatory jail or prison sentences. These charges arise in a number of different criminal offenses including armed robbery and murder. In some situations, gun charges can also be initiated against individuals who are charged with the gun crimes independent of an offense. In either situation, it is a wise idea to understand some important details about these charges.

Unlawful Possession of a Machine Gun Charge

Massachusetts law prohibits the possession of a machine gun except those owned by law enforcement. This law defines a machine gun as any weapon that is loaded or unloaded and capable of automatically or rapidly discharging shots by one continuous trigger activation.

A person who is convicted of unlawfully possessing a machine gun can face a maximum life sentence. The reason why these offenses result in particularly serious penalties is that machine guns are traditionally associated with very serious crimes.

One of the best ways to defend against these charges involves arguing that the certain criteria to satisfy the offense are not met. Many people charged with this offense create strong defenses by establishing that the firearm in question did not meet the definition of a “machine gun.”

Unlawful Possession of a Large Capacity Firearm or Feeding Device

Law in Massachusetts also prohibits the unlawful possession of a large capacity firearm or feeding device. A person who is convicted of this offense faces up to 10 years in prison. Law enforcement takes these offenses seriously because these weapons have the potential to do a substantial amount of damage.

Much like machine gun charges, many defenses to this law rely on establishing that firearms involved in an offense do not meet Massachusetts’ definition of a “large capacity weapon.”  These weapons include semi-automatic weapons with a fixed large capacity feeding device, semi-automatics capable of accepting detachable large capacity feeding devices, employing a rotating cylinder capable of accepting more than 10 rounds of ammunition in a rifle or firearm, or an assault weapon.

Speak with an Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer

No matter the Massachusetts criminal offense with you are charged, it is important to understand that the resulting penalties can be particularly serious. As a result, you should not hesitate to speak with a seasoned criminal defense attorney like Edward R Molari. Contact attorney Molari today to schedule an initial free consultation.

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Criminal Defense
Firearms
High Capacity

What Not to do if Arrested by Law Enforcement

A man in Cohasset found attacking his Tinder date was killed after the intervention of law enforcement. The man had met the woman on the popular Tinder dating app and managed to stab the woman before law enforcement intervened. Law enforcement tasered the man who was on top of the girl while stabbing her, and the man subsequently died after being placed in custody. A medical examiner intends to determine the exact cause of the man’s death.

A large number of individuals are arrested each day. Some of the people who are arrested make mistakes that cause them to be injured, killed, or face additional charges. While it can be frightening to be arrested by law enforcement, there are some steps that you can take to avoid facing even more serious consequences.

Avoid Talking

It is critical to exercise your Fifth Amendment right to remain silent if arrested by law enforcement. This means that you should refrain from efforts to convince law enforcement about your innocence. Often, people say something while attempting to defend themselves that actually make matters worse.

Do Not Run

Not only are individuals who try to run from law enforcement likely to face additional charges, there is also the possibility that law enforcement will become quickly suspicious and might even fire their weapons. It is usually a better idea to remain calm and stay in the same place.

Never Resist Arrest

To stay safe, it is critical that a person not resist arrest or attempt to touch the law enforcement officer in any way. Not only will attempting to brush off the law enforcement officer result in additional charges, there is also a good possibility that the officer might view you as dangerous and take additional precautions.

Do Not be Disrespectful of Law Enforcement

Under no circumstances should you speak to law enforcement in a rude tone. Police officers have a great deal of discretion regarding how a charge is initiated and how it proceeds through the legal system. By speaking to law enforcement in a courteous manner, you can greatly increase the chances that your case proceeds in the best possible manner.

Do Not Consent to a Search

It is not a good idea to let law enforcement search your person, car, or house. If law enforcement asks, a person should not grant them the right to perform a search. Instead, you should clearly state that law enforcement does not have your consent to perform a search. If law enforcement performs the search anyway, the evidence can be thrown out later.

Speak with a Skilled Criminal Defense Lawyer

Being charged with a criminal offense in Massachusetts can lead to serious consequences. People who find themselves facing criminal charges should not hesitate to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney. Contact attorney Edward R Molari to schedule an initial free case evaluation.

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Criminal Defense

Responding to Massachusetts Arrest Warrants

A law enforcement officer in Tyngsborough, Massachusetts was recently injured during a traffic stop after a vehicle he pulled over was placed in reverse and backed up into him. The driver of the vehicle was ultimately arrested and charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, assault and battery on a law enforcement officer, malicious destruction of property, and negligent operation of a motor vehicle.

At the time of the stop, two other passengers were inside of the vehicle and one of these individuals was discovered to have multiple arrest warrants. Subsequently, this person was arrested, as well, and held on warrants for drug possession and larceny.

Navigating the criminal justice system in Massachusetts can be complicated. If there is a warrant out for your arrest, you might feel the temptation to ignore the warrant altogether in the hopes that if you forget about it long enough, law enforcement will, too. In reality, arrest warrants can lead to some particularly serious charges, which is why people who have warrants out for their arrest should understand the following important details:

How Massachusetts Arrest Warrants are Obtained

To obtain an arrest warrant, law enforcement will submit an affidavit to a judge or magistrate. This affidavit will list enough information to establish probable cause about a person’s involvement with the commission of a crime. An affidavit must contain enough specific information to link a specific person to the offense. This arrest warrant will allow a person to be arrested wherever law enforcement happens to find the individual.

Defenses to Arrest Warrants

There are a number of ways in which arrest warrants can be incorrectly written. In cases of identity theft, arrest warrants are sometimes issued for individuals even if the person did not commit a crime. In other situations, arrest warrants can contain incorrect information due to a mistake in the facts. While law enforcement is required to show an arrest warrant in most situations before a person’s arrest, in some cases, they do not, which means that a person might end up being falsely arrested.

What to do if an Arrest Warrant is in Your Name

If a warrant is is issued for your arrest, there are several important things that you should understand:

  • A warrant must be issued by a judge and law enforcement will be required to honor it if they find you

  • Performing an online search can help you determine if an active warrant exists in your name

  • Speaking to a skilled attorney as soon as you discover an arrest warrant exists in your name can help you create a strong legal defense in response

Speak with a Skilled Criminal Defense Lawyer

If an arrest warrant has been issued for you or a loved one, it is important to act as soon as possible and contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer. Attorney Edward R Molari has helped numerous people in Massachusetts respond to these warrants. Schedule an initial free consultation with attorney Molari today so he can begin fighting for the results you deserve.

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Criminal Defense
Criminal Procedure

What to do if You are Arrested

A routine Saturday night law enforcement patrol in Jamaica Plain recently led to three arrests following a chase and a struggle between law enforcement and a teenager with a loaded gun.

The incident occurred when law enforcement saw a group of teens with whom they had previous encounters. When law enforcement tried to speak with the group, one of the members ran off down the street. A chase ensued and a violent struggle occurred in the entryway of a building. A second teenager also tried to fight with law enforcement officers, but he was arrested.

While law enforcement officers were arresting the first teenager, an officer noticed that he was keeping a gun close to his chest. When law enforcement began to take this gun from him, they were attacked by the teenager’s mother. As a result, both the teenager and his mother were placed under arrest.

Being arrested can be an overwhelming and frightening experience. While many people are left uncertain about how to respond, though, most people know that it is a bad idea to attack a law enforcement officer while he or she is performing an arrest. This article reviews some of the important steps that you should follow if you are arrested.

Remain Silent

Under the Fifth Amendment, you have the right to remain silent and it is a wise idea to use it. You should politely inform law enforcement that you intend to remain silent. Even if you are innocent, there is rarely an advantage to talking to a law enforcement officer in the heat of the moment.

Remain Calm

If you are placed under arrest, law enforcement will carefully study your response. There is a significant risk that any display of nervousness will lead law enforcement to believe that you are hiding something and that can be used against you later on. Instead, remain as calm as possible during an arrest.

Treat Law Enforcement Respectfully

Even if you feel that you were unfairly arrested or that your rights are being violated, it is critical to treat law enforcement in a courteous manner. Any comments that you make to law enforcement are included in police reports.

Avoid Consenting to Any Searches

No matter where you arrested, law enforcement often asks for consent to search the area. Fortunately, you have the ability to refuse consent. In some situations, law enforcement will find another way to search your property, which might include obtaining a warrant or impounding your vehicle. In most situations, individuals are also searched before being placed in jail. Refusing consent, however, decreases the chance that something will be found on your person that can later be used as evidence against you.

Speak with an Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you have been arrested, it is important to quickly obtain the assistance of a skilled attorney who can help you create a strong legal defense. Contact attorney Edward R Molari today to schedule an initial free consultation.

Tags: 
Criminal Defense
Criminal Procedure

What to do When Pulled Over for OUI

A man was recently charged with drunk driving following an accident. Law enforcement officers responded to the accident and discovered a vehicle stopped against a tree on the sidewalk. The driver was exiting the crashed vehicle as law enforcement approached. It was soon discovered that the driver smelled of alcohol and that his eyes were “bloodshot and glassy.”

The driver had a small cut on the bridge of his nose, but told law enforcement that he was not injured and declined a medical examination. He later claimed that he had been looking at the GPS on his phone and had missed a turn, which led to the crash.

When law enforcement asked the man if he had been drinking, he replied that he had only one or two beers. After a field sobriety test was conducted, the man was arrested at the scene of the accident and charged with operating a vehicle while under the influence, impeding operation of a motor vehicle, and a marked lane violation.

What to do if You are Stopped for OUI

While being pulled over for a OUI in Massachusetts can be a frightening experience, many people are aware that there are certain things that they should never do, like admit how many beers they drank or lie about how an accident occurred. Knowing exactly what to do if questioned by law enforcement during a OUI stop, however, can be much more complicated. Some of the important steps that you should remember to take include the following:

  • Be respectful to law enforcement. This does not mean, however, that you should provide incriminating information. Instead, remember your rights and stay silent.

  • You do not have to take a field sobriety test in Massachusetts. If you take the test and fail, it can give law enforcement probable cause to arrest you.

  • Do not admit you have had anything to drink. Law enforcement officers will not make things easier on you because you reveal this information. Instead, they will consider your statement about drinking as evidence that can be used against you.

  • If you contact your family or lawyer in front of the officers, be careful about what you say because they can overhear this information and use it as a sign of admission or as evidence against you.

  • Do not hesitate to obtain the assistance of an experienced OUI attorney who understands the obstacles that commonly arise and who can help you navigate the legal process to follow.

Speak with an Experienced OUI Attorney Today

In many cases, law enforcement does not expect people charged with a OUI to fight back. This is why you should not hesitate to obtain the assistance of a skilled OUI attorney. Attorney Edward Molari has helped numerous people respond to OUI charges and knows what it takes to make sure that your case resolves in the best possible manner. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

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Criminal Defense
OUI/DUI

Defenses to Charges of Larceny

A mailman in Taunton, Massachusetts was recently charged with larceny after he was discovered stealing money from a woman’s purse. The arrest occurred when officers responded to Cumberland Farms on Main Street. The victim of the offense told law enforcement that the offense occurred after she placed her purse on a counter and walked away from it briefly inside a store. When the woman returned to her purse, she discovered that more than $60 had been stolen from it. A review of security footage showed that a person in a U.S. Postal uniform had reached into the woman’s purse and taken the money.

Fortunately, law enforcement was able to recover the stolen money, and the man who committed the offense was later released on bail. He has been charged with larceny, and the exact outcome of the case remains uncertain.

If you are charged with larceny in Massachusetts, you might feel like there is little you can do to fight the charges. The penalties associated with these offenses can have a substantial impact on your future by creating obstacles that make it difficult to pursue career and educational goals even if after you have served your time. In reality, even in situations in which there might be a substantial amount of evidence against you, it is still possible to create a strong defense to respond to these charges. This article will review some of the most common and strongest legal strategies that can be raised. It is also important to remember that in these situations, it is frequently a wise idea to obtain the assistance of an experienced criminal defense attorney.

Proving that You Owned the Property

In some cases, people are charged with larceny after attempting to retrieve property that they believe they rightfully own. If you are able to present strong evidence to support this belief, you might just be able to create a strong defense. In situations where a person lacks evidence, however, this is often unlikely to be a successful defense.

You Intended to Return the Property

Sometimes, people do not intend to take or steal the property that they are claimed to have taken unlawfully. In these situations, you must establish that you only intended to borrow the property that was taken. While intent to borrow is almost always not enough to dismiss larceny charges, it can result in the ultimate penalties that you end up facing being severely lessened.

Intoxication

If the taking of the property involved alcohol, you might be able to claim that you were too intoxicated to recognize that the item you were taking did not lawfully belong to you. In some cases, raising an intoxication defense can result in the claims pending against you being entirely dismissed.

Contact a Seasoned Criminal Defense Attorney

If you are convicted of larceny, it is frequently in your best interest to obtain the assistance of an experienced criminal defense attorney. Contact attorney Edward Molari today to make sure that you have strong legal representation to navigate this difficult time. Speak with our law office today to schedule an initial free consultation.

Tags: 
Criminal Defense
Robbery

What You Should Know About the Arraignment Process

A man was recently arrested on multiple charges including attempted murder as well as human trafficking after a SWAT team responded to the man’s home. The man was charged with human trafficking, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and two counts of assault with a deadly weapon. The man additionally faces assault and battery charges as as well as ammunition possession and firearm charges. Details about the investigation process have not yet been released. The man charged, however, is expected to be arraigned at Quincy District Court.

The arraignment process in Massachusetts is the first hearing that occurs after a person is arrested in a criminal case. The arraignment process is also the first hearing after a magistrate issues the charges after a show. Because the arraignment is a particularly important part of the criminal justice system, it is a wise idea to obtain the assistance of an experienced criminal defense lawyer during this time. It also helps to understand some important details about how the arraignment process works.

The Purpose of the Arraignment Process

The arraignment process exists to charge a person with a crime. After charges are listed, a judge will ask if the individual wants to retain his or her own legal counsel or attempt to qualify for a court appointed lawyer. The Judge will also ask the District Attorney if the Commonwealth plans on seeking bail. During the arraignment process, the defendant is not required to speak at any time.

How Bail is Decided

Bails exists to make certain that the person being charged appears at the next court date. Bail was not created to punish a defendant and must not be so high as to be unfair. Judges in Massachusetts are able to consider two factors when deciding bail - risk of flight and the danger presented to the community. A person’s previous defaults as well as record of any previously missed court dates will also be taken into consideration when deciding bail. Judges are not required to set bail in every case. In some situations, judges might set other conditions of release. Bails are capable of being reviewed by higher judges in Massachusetts. As a result, if a judge sets bail that is high, a person has the ability to appeal to a Superior Court Judge who can decide whether to further increase, lower, or keep the bail the same.

After Arraignment

Many times, a case is schedule for a pre-trial conference or pre-trial hearing after an arraignment. During these informal sessions, attorneys will determine the possibility for a plea or the types of trial that might occur.

Contact an Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you have questions about the arraignment process, you should not hesitate to obtain the assistance of an experienced criminal defense lawyer. Contact attorney Edward Molari today to schedule an initial free consultation. Attorney Molari has significant experience helping individuals navigate the complicated issues involved with criminal law cases and knows what it takes to make certain that your case resolves in the best possible manner.

Tags: 
Criminal Defense
Criminal Procedure
Bail

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