Massachusetts Legal Developments Blog

Massachusetts Legal Developments Blog

Traffic Offenses can Lead to Serious Legal Problems

Many people who are issued traffic citations are unsure of whether they need to retain an attorney who practices in the area of criminal defense. After all, most traffic tickets are civil infractions rather than criminal violations, meaning that the potential penalties that a court may impose are much less severe. It is important for motorists to understand, however, that even minor traffic tickets can have serious financial repercussions, and accumulating several of them can even jeopardize your right to drive. In addition, more serious violations such as Operating Under the Influence can result in a jail sentence. For this reason, it is extremely important for anyone that has been accused of a traffic violation to talk to an attorney as soon as possible about the options.

An Attorney can Help


It may be very tempting for anyone who has received a traffic citation to simply pay the fine by mail and move on with his or her life. Unfortunately, doing so is an admission of guilt, which may result in many unintended consequences down the road. Massachusetts uses a Safe Driver Insurance Plan (SDIP) in which drivers who accumulate points pay higher insurance premiums than those that demonstrate safe driving by not accumulating points. An attorney can often negotiate a traffic offense in such a way as to keep points from being added to your license.

One of the most common ways that traffic offenses can result in more significant legal problems is when people simply fail to pay a fine by the required date (which we have already determined is not the best course of action) or if they fail to show up to a required court date. When this occurs, a court may issue a warrant for their arrest due to their failure to appear. As a result, they may be facing arrest if they are pulled over or if law enforcement happens to process their name during an encounter for any other reason. Arrest is never a pleasant experience and can often result in significant problems at school or at work. Fortunately, when you retain an attorney to represent you regarding a traffic citation, your attorney will ensure that all deadlines are met. In addition, your lawyer can often obtain leeway with the court in terms of getting you more time to pay any fines or engage in any tasks that may be relevant to the disposition of your case.

Contact a Boston Criminal Defense Lawyer

The best way of avoiding having relatively minor traffic offenses turning into serious legal problems is to call an attorney immediately after you receive a citation. By doing so, you can rest assured that your traffic offense case will be handled in a timely manner and with as little long-term consequence as possible. Boston criminal defense attorney Edward R. Molari is committed to helping people who are accused of traffic offenses bring their case the most favorable resolution possible. To schedule a free consultation with Mr. Molari, call our office today at 617-942-1532.

Tags: 
OUI/DUI

Massachusetts Appeals Court Determines that Pen is Not a Deadly Weapon

“Deadly” and “Dangerous” not Synonymous for the Purposes of the ACCA

One of the most important functions of a criminal defense attorney is to reduce the sentence that his or her client is facing as much as possible, preferably down to none. When considering sentencing, a significant issue that often arises is statutory enhancement based on prior convictions. Earlier this month, a Massachusetts Appeals Court decided a Commonwealth v. Rezendes, in which it considered the definition of the term “deadly weapon” as it is used in the Massachusetts Armed Criminal Career Act (ACCA). The ACCA subjects individuals who are convicted of certain offenses to enhanced penalties based on various levels. The enhanced penalties are as follows:

  • Level 1 – An enhancement of not less than 3 years but not more than 15 years

  • Level 2 – An enhancement of not less than 10 years but not more than 15 years

  • Level 3 – An enhancement of not less than 15 years but not more than 20 years

For an offense to be qualifying under the ACCA, It must be a crime of violence punishable by more than one year in prison or, if committed by a juvenile, involve the use or possession of a deadly weapon and be punishable by more than one year if it had been committed by an adult, or involve:

  • The use of force, attempted use of force, or threat of the use of force or a deadly weapon against another person;

  • Burglary, extortion, arson, or kidnapping;

  • The use of explosives;

  • Conduct that presents a serious risk of physical injury to another.

At issue on appeal in Rezendes was whether a juvenile offense involving an assault with a pen could be considered an offense involving a deadly weapon. The Commonwealth argues that deadly and dangerous should be given the same meaning, but the court disagreed. Using long-accepted rules of statutory construction, the court determined that, when given their plain meaning, the word “deadly” had a narrower meaning than the word “dangerous.” Furthermore, under a recent United States Supreme Court decision interpreting the federal ACCA, allowing a court to inquire into the manner in which a prior offense was committed in order to determine whether a weapon was being used in a way as to render it “deadly” would invalidate the law on constitutional grounds.

For these reasons, the court invalidated the defendant’s sentencing enhancement and explicitly held that a pen is not a deadly weapon for the purposes of the Massachusetts ACCA. Rezendes will be resentenced as an armed career criminal with two predicate violent crimes rather than three, likely resulting in a significant reduction in his sentence.

Contact a Boston Criminal Defense Attorney Today to Schedule a Free Consultation

Anyone facing a criminal case in Massachusetts should contact an attorney as soon as possible. As this case illustrates, prior convictions can have a significant impact on any later criminal matter that may arise at a later time. To schedule a free case evaluation with Boston criminal defense attorney Edward R. Molari, call our office today at 617-942-1532.

Tags: 
Criminal Defense

Pulled Over for Suspicion of Marijuana Possession?

 

The way in which law enforcement officers interact with the public has been the source of a significant amount of debate in recent years, and there is a voluminous body of case law expounding what exactly the 4th Amendment’s prohibition on unreasonable search and seizure actually means. These issues play a large role any matter related to criminal defense and can often have an impact on the outcome of a case.

In order for law enforcement to legally detain a person, an officer must have reasonable suspicion that a crime is occurring or has recently occurred. This standard is somewhere below probable cause, but must be based on specific and articulable facts. So, strictly by the letter of the law, a person should be free to walk away from a police officer at any time unless the officer can point to a specific reason that he or she believes a crime has been committed.

The 4th Amendment Applies to Traffic Stops

A traffic stop is undoubtedly a “seizure” for the purposes of 4th Amendment law. As a result, police need to have reasonable suspicion in order to conduct a legal traffic stop. Generally, this is not difficult to establish, due to the myriad moving and non-moving violations that can apply to driving a vehicle in Massachusetts. According to a recent decision issued by the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts, however, believing that a person in a vehicle may be in possession of marijuana is no longer sufficient to justify such a traffic stop. The court based its decision on the fact that since 2008, possession of less than an ounce of marijuana is considered civil offense rather than a crime. In the opinion, the court pointed out that allowing law enforcement to continue to stop vehicles because officers believe an occupant possesses marijuana does not achieve the objectives of the law, one of which is to refocus police activity on more serious offenses.

This decision, coupled with previous decisions that the odor of marijuana does not justify a police officer in ordering occupants from a car or searching a vehicle without a warrant makes clear that the Massachusetts courts are extending significant 4th Amendment protections to individuals who are suspected of marijuana use.

Contact a Boston Criminal Defense Attorney Today for a Free Consultation

People who have been stopped by the police for minor traffic violations and subsequently arrested may be able to challenge the initial stop or the way in which any search that occurred was conducted. In many instances, a legal challenge to a search conducted by law enforcement can result in the evidence gathered being excluded from any proceedings against you, which in turn can result in a case being dropped or dismissed. For this reason, it is extremely important for anyone accused of a crime to discuss his or her options with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. To schedule a free consultation with Boston criminal defense lawyer Edward R. Molari, call our office today at 617-942-1532.

 

Tags: 
OUI/DUI

What are Examples of Aggravating Factors in a Boston OUI Case?

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a serious criminal offense in Massachusetts. The Commonwealth’s OUI law authorizes serious penalties even for first-time offenders, including probation, fines, the installation of an ignition interlock device, and even jail time. In cases where there exist aggravating factors, however, the penalties can be significantly increased.

Aggravating factors are circumstances that, when they exist, the law recognizes as making an offense particularly serious. The offense remains the same as it would be without the presence of aggravating factors, but the penalties that are available are often significantly increased. The following are some examples of common aggravating circumstances in a case involving drunk or drugged driving.

Driving with a child in the car

Massachusetts’ so-called “Melanie’s Law,” passed in 2005, created new offenses related to drunk driving. One of these related to drunk driving with a child 14 years of age or younger in the car. Under the law, a person caught driving drunk with a child 14 or under in the car can be accused of two separate offenses: OUI, and child endangerment OUI. People who are convicted of a 1st first-time violation of this law can be sentenced to between 90 and 2 and a half years of imprisonment  and a fine of from $1,000 to $5,000.

Causing serious bodily injury

Another way in which a “simple” OUI case can become significantly more serious is if a drunk driver is involved in an accident that causes serious bodily injury. Depending on the circumstances, MGL c. 90 s. 24L authorizes up to 10 years in jail, fines of up to $5,000, and a mandatory 2-year loss of your driver’s license.

These are just two of the more serious kinds of aggravating factors that may enhance the potential legal penalties associated with a Massachusetts DUI case. Other include excessive speeding, driving with a license that has been suspended or revoked, fleeing from law enforcement, prior DUI convictions, operating a commercial vehicle while intoxicated, being under 21, driving drunk in a school zone, and causing property damage. When these factors are present, it is extremely important for OUI defendants to retain legal counsel. It is important to be aware of the fact that judges have significant discretion in terms of determining a sentence, so do not assume that you will receive the minimum sentence simply because it is a first-time offense. An attorney can often help ensure that your case is resolved as favorably as possible, so it is important to retain a lawyer as soon as possible after you are accused of drunk driving.

Contact a Boston Criminal Defense Lawyer Today to Schedule a Free Case Evaluation

An OUI conviction can have a significant impact on your quality of life, particularly if there were certain aggravating factors present. In many instances, serious drunk driving cases can involve significant legal consequences, potentially including mandatory incarceration in a correctional facility. People accused of offenses involving drunk driving should always retain legal counsel in order to ensure that their legal rights are protected. To schedule a free consultation with Boston criminal defense attorney Edward R. Molari, call our office today at 617-942-1532.

 

Tags: 
Criminal Defense
OUI/DUI

What are the Potential Benefits of Sealing a Criminal Record in Massachusetts?

Many people who live healthy and productive lives have made mistakes or had momentary lapses in judgment that have led to the existence of a criminal record. In some cases, this record may be the result of a youthful prank in high school or college or perhaps having “one too many” at the office holiday party. In other cases, a false or wrongful arrest creates a record that may still be accessible even in the absence of a conviction. Whatever the reason, the existence of a blemish on a person’s criminal record is generally viewable by the public, including potential employers, landlords, friends, family, or even romantic partners.

Massachusetts law allows a criminal record to be sealed in certain cases, meaning that it is no longer accessible by the general public. There are many benefits to having your record sealed, including the following:

  • Obtaining employment – A background check is standard operating procedure for many employers these days. The existence of a criminal record certainly cannot make a potential candidate for a position seem more attractive to employers and, in some cases, may result in automatic disqualification from consideration. Sealing a criminal record will prevent a potential employer from seeing the record and also allows applicants to deny the existence of a record.

  • Being approved for an apartment – Many landlords ask whether applicants have ever been convicted or pled guilty to a crime or conduct a background check on all applicants. In some cases, the fact that a potential tenant has a criminal record may make a landlord hesitant to rent an apartment to him or her. Fortunately, record sealing can help avoid this situation.

  • Getting a loan – Some lenders may use the existence of a criminal record as a factor in making approval or interest rate determinations when a person applies for a loan. By having your record sealed, you can be sure that you are maximizing your chances of approval and that you receive the best rate available in light of your situation.

  • Personal well-being – The existence of a criminal record can often be a source of embarrassment and generally does not reflect the image that a person would like to present to others. When a criminal record is accessible to the public, anyone with access to the courthouse or even an internet connection can often obtain it.

Contact A Massachusetts Criminal Defense Attorney To Discuss Your Situation Today

Boston criminal defense attorney Edward R. Molari is committed to helping his clients resolve their cases as quickly and with the best outcome possible. In many cases, Mr. Molari can help people who are being affected by the existence of a criminal record seal that record and move on with their lives. The law regarding record sealing is often complicated, so anyone considering trying to have their record sealed should discuss their situation with an experienced Massachusetts criminal defense attorney. To schedule a free consultation with Mr. Molari, call our office today at 617-942-1532.

 

Tags: 
Criminal Defense

Expect Increased DUI Enforcement this Upcoming Labor Day Weekend

Labor Day is one of the most popular and celebrated holidays in the United States. As a traditional end-of-summer holiday, Labor Day celebrations often involve barbecues, pools, and family and friends. The consumption of alcohol is often also an integral part of many Labor Day celebrations. Local and state law enforcement authorities are aware of this fact and often increase patrols and other enforcement efforts in order to dissuade people from drunk driving and to catch those who drive impaired. These enforcement periods can often result in overzealous policing and can often result in false arrests, so it is important for anyone accused of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol over the holiday weekend to contact an attorney.

Avoiding a Labor Day OUI in Boston

Fortunately for party-goers and others who choose to imbibe over the holiday weekend, there are many things that people can do to avoid getting an OUI. Of course, the simplest way to avoid getting an OUI is simply to not drive a vehicle at all. The reality is, however, that once a person is under the influence of alcohol, his or her judgment may be impaired to the point where he or she is unable to make the prudent decision to not drive. As a result, it is important for people who plan on drinking to plan ahead to make sure they can get to where they are going without needing to driving a vehicle. Some of the more effective ways to avoid getting behind the wheel of a car after drinking over Labor Day weekend include the following:

  • Save the number of a taxi cab company in your phone or write it down somewhere where you will have access to it;

  • Designate a sober driver who you can be sure will not drink;

  • Plan ahead to take public transportation to and from your party;

  • Do not drive your car to your destination; and

  • Plan on spending the night elsewhere so you do not need to get back home.

An Oui Conviction Can Have Serious Consequences

The legal and social consequences associated with being convicted of drunk driving in Massachusetts can be extremely serious. The court may impose a sentence that can include probation, fines, mandatory counseling or education, the installation of an ignition interlock device, community service, a drug and alcohol evaluation, and even jail time. In addition, the fact that a criminal conviction is part of the public record means that it could have a significant impact on your reputation with the community. Any criminal conviction for an offense that involves the use of alcohol or drugs can raise suspicions about a substance abuse problem, an issue that could affect your ability to get a job or the way that others feel about associating with you socially.

Contact A Massachusetts Criminal Defense Attorney Today To Schedule A Free Consultation

Since 2009, Boston criminal defense lawyer Edward R. Molari has been representing the legal rights of people accused of OUI and other criminal offenses. To schedule a free case evaluation with Mr. Molari, call our office today at 617-942-1532.

 

Tags: 
OUI/DUI

Boston Police Captain’s Son Accused of Involvement in Terrorist Plot

 

Not many criminal accusations are treated as seriously as those involving alleged terrorism. In many cases, these cases are brought in federal courts and involve investigations conducted by both local and federal law enforcement authorities. The penalties associated with a conviction for a terrorism-related crime can be extremely serious and often involve lengthy prison terms in facilities that are extraordinarily restrictive, even by international standards.

According to a report published by ABC News, Alexander Ciccolo, the son of a veteran Boston Police Captain, has been arrested in connection with an ISIS-inspired terrorist plot. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents apparently took Ciccolo into custody after he bought weapons from an undercover FBI informant. Upon searching his residence, agents found chemicals, an alarm clock, a pressure cooker, as well as paperwork linking him to an attack.

A criminal defense attorney can help people accused of crimes

When people are accused of criminal misconduct, there are often a variety of ways in which an attorney can help. Some of the more common are detailed below.

Exclude illegally obtained evidence

The 4th Amendment of the United States Constitution prohibits law enforcement from conducting unreasonable searches and seizures. Whether a search or seizure is considered “unreasonable” is dependent on a variety of factors and often turns on complicated legal issues established by case law. If a search or seizure is deemed unreasonable by a court, the judge will likely order the evidence gathered as a result of the search inadmissible in any proceeding against the defendant.

Ensure that your rights are protected during any questioning that may occur

Law enforcement is not required to advise you as to your legal rights, except under certain limited circumstances. In fact, they may even lie to you in order to obtain evidence. When you retain an attorney, he or she will be present during any questioning that may occur and will ensure that your legal rights are protected.

Negotiate a plea arrangement with the prosecutor handling your case

Most criminal cases are resolved well before they are even set for trial. Generally, the prosecutor assigned to a particular case offers a reduced offense or sentence in exchange for a guilty plea from the defendant. Retaining an attorney will significantly strengthen a defendant’s bargaining position with the prosecutor and usually results in a significantly more favorable plea arrangement than he or she would be able to secure without the assistance of an attorney.

Contact a Boston criminal defense lawyer today to schedule a free consultation

Individuals who have been accused of crimes in Boston or the surrounding areas are almost always facing serious legal penalties. The stigma associated with a criminal conviction is significant and can have a long-term impact on your quality of life. This especially true for certain classes of crimes, including those involving alcohol, sex offenses, or dishonesty.  Fortunately for facing a criminal case, there are often many ways in which an experienced criminal defense attorney can help. To schedule a free consultation with Massachusetts attorney Edward R. Molari, please call our office today at 617-942-1532.

 

 

Tags: 
Criminal Defense

Alleged Drunk Driver Arrested after Sideswiping a Police Car

A Wilmington was arrested on July 23rd after he allegedly struck a parked MBTA Transit Police Cruiser in South Boston, according to a report published in the Boston Globe. Apparently, the man sideswiped a cruiser that was occupied by an MBTA officer at the time of the incident. The officer pursued the man and pulled him over at the corner of West Broadway and A Street. He is facing allegations of driving without a license, operating under the influence of liquor, and leaving the scene.

An OUI Conviction can have serious legal and collateral consequences

Drinking and driving is a serious criminal offense in the state of Massachusetts. Like many other states in the country, Massachusetts law has grown increasingly strict in regard to impaired driving over the past few decades and the authorized penalties grown significantly more severe. People who are accused of driving under the influence of alcohol may be facing serious legal sanctions, including the following:

  • Probation

  • Significant fines

  • Community service

  • The mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device on your vehicle

  • Drug and alcohol counseling and education

  • The suspension of a driver’s license

  • Jail time

In addition to the penalties imposed by the court, people who are convicted of OUI can experience significant collateral consequences as well. The term “collateral consequences” generally refers to non-judicial penalties that a person may experience as a result of the existence of a criminal record. Some of the kinds of collateral consequences that a person convicted of OUI may experience include the loss of a job, issues obtaining certain state-issued licenses, inability to rent an apartment, ineligibility for certain government benefits, and other sanctions imposed by your employer or educational institution.

There are often legal defenses available in Boston OUI cases

It is important for people who have been accused of drunk driving to remember that an arrest is not the same thing as a conviction. In many cases, there are several defenses that an experienced criminal defense attorney may be able to raise. Some of the most common include the following:

  • The introduction of evidence that indicates that any observed signs of intoxication were due to an alternative explanation, such as allergies or an underlying medical condition.

  • Arguing that any chemical testing of your blood, breath, or urine was inaccurate, improperly administered, conducted by a party that lacked sufficient training, or that the sample was somehow mishandled.

  • Arguing that the initial traffic stop was invalid.

  • If your arrest was the result of a DUI checkpoint, introducing evidence that the checkpoint did not comply with legal requirements.

Contact a Boston criminal defense attorney today to schedule a free consultation

People who are accused a drunk or drugged driving in Massachusetts are generally facing serious legal penalties. Fortunately, in many cases, the assistance of an experienced attorney can help OUI defendants obtain a favorable result in their case. Massachusetts attorney Edward R. Molari is an experienced criminal defense lawyer who is committed to protecting the legal rights of individuals accused of crimes. To schedule a free consultation with Mr. Molari, call our office today at 617-942-1532.

 

Tags: 
OUI/DUI

Boston Authorities Target Violent Drug Gang

Like most American cities, Boston sees its fair share of gang activity, and has done so since the days of the Irish Mob in the early 19th century. By definition, gangs involve some form of organized criminal activity which often involves multiple individuals or groups working together. Unfortunately, when law enforcement targets gangs, innocent people who may associate with gang members may be implicated. In addition, simply because one gang member engaged in a particular criminal act does not necessarily impute legal culpability to other members of the gang. As a result, anyone facing criminal prosecution based on alleged gang activity should discuss his or her options with an experienced Boston criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.

The Boston Globe is reporting that local and federal law enforcement have arrested at least 41 individuals out of 48 who have been accused of various gun and drug offenses in relation to their activities as members of the Columbia Point Dawgs. The gang is named after the Columbia Point housing development, which was razed in the 1980s. According to the report, 31 guns were confiscated and $1.5 million in cash was seized as a result of the investigation. In addition, authorities seized 11 cars and placed liens on homes that they suspect were purchased with the proceeds of illegal drug sales. Members of the gang have been accused of a variety of violent crimes throughout the years, including the recent shooting of a car in Mansfield, Massachusetts.

Law enforcement sweeps can result in false arrests, violations of rights

When local and federal authorities investigate alleged criminal activity, they are required to follow certain legal rules. The 4th Amendment of the United States Constitution protects people from unreasonable search and seizure – when this rule is violated, it may result in any evidence gathered as a result of the search or seizure being excluded from legal proceedings. Some instances of law enforcement activity that may violate the 4th Amendment includes:           

·         Warrantless searches of your home, vehicle, or person

·         The seizure of personal property

·         An arrest not based on probable cause

·         Searches of the content of a computer or cell phone

The legal rules regarding the suppression of evidence are not self-executing, meaning that a defendant must raise the issue to the court. In many cases, people without formal legal training do not understand how to inform their court about their argument or may not even be aware of the fact that their legal rights have been violated. As a result, is important for anyone who has been accused of a crime to have an experienced attorney review the facts of his or her case.

Contact a Boston criminal defense attorney to schedule a free case evaluation

Anyone who is under investigation or facing formal allegations of criminal misconduct should retain legal counsel as soon as possible. In many cases, the earlier an attorney becomes involved, the better the outcome for the accused. Massachusetts criminal defense lawyer Edward R. Molari is dedicated to representing the legal rights of individuals accused of a variety of criminal offenses in the Boston area. To schedule a free consultation, please call our office today at 617-942-1532 or send us an email through our online contact form available here.

 

Tags: 
Criminal Defense

Woman’s Arm Severed, Boater Arrested in Boston Harbor Boating Accident

One of the best things about living in a coastal state like Massachusetts is the accessibility to bodies of water that are appropriate for activities for activities such as swimming, watersports, and boating. For many people in the Boston area, spending a day relaxing on a boat generally involves the consumption of alcoholic beverages. While drinking and boating may be a tradition, it is important for people operating a boat to remember that Massachusetts law prohibits people from operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Specifically, the state’s boating under the influence (BUI) law prohibits boating with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or greater. The penalties for violating this law can include significant fines, jail time, probation, and the loss of your driver’s license, so it is important for anyone accused of BUI to retain legal counsel immediately.

According to a report published by MyFoxBoston.com, a 33-year-old Boston man has been arrested in connection to an incident which resulted in a 19-year-old woman losing her arm. The incident occurred on Saturday, May 30th at around 7:45 when a woman fell overboard and was injured by the boat’s propeller. The boat, the “Naut Guilty,” was being operated by its owner, a criminal defense attorney who practices in OUI/DUI defense, according to his website. He was arrested under suspicion of boating under the influence. Since the incident, the owner of the boat has maintained that he was not on the boat when the motor was started, an assertion that has been corroborated by other sources.

Offenses involving alcohol are a serious matter

Alcohol-related offenses can have a significant impact on a person’s life. In addition to the legal consequences that can be imposed by a court, the collateral consequences associated with a conviction can affect almost any aspect of a person’s life. The collateral consequences of an alcohol-related offense may include:

·         Disciplinary action taken by an employer or an educational institution

·         Sanctions imposed by any professional organizations to which you may belong

·         Damage to your reputation within your community

·         Problems at work due to being unable to drive to and from work

·         Difficulty obtaining certain state-issued licenses

By retaining an attorney who is familiar with representing people of driving under the influence (DUI), BUI or other crimes involving the use of alcohol, you can be sure that your case is resolved as favorably as possible. As a result, anyone facing any type of criminal offense should contact an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

Contact a Massachusetts criminal defense attorney today to schedule a free case evaluation

Offenses involving alcohol carry a significant social stigma, even when driving a motor vehicle is not involved. Fortunately, in many instances, an attorney can help minimize the legal and collateral consequences associated with a Massachusetts criminal offense and may even be able to have the case completely dismissed. To schedule a free case evaluation with Boston criminal defense lawyer Edward Molari, call our office today at 617-942-1532. If you would prefer to send us an email, please fill out and submit our online contact form available here.

 

Tags: 
OUI/DUI

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