Massachusetts Legal Developments Blog

Massachusetts Legal Developments Blog

Attorney Edward Molari Representing West Roxbury Man Accused of Kidnapping

Kidnapping and other crimes against a person are extremely serious offenses under Massachusetts law. Sometimes, these incidents involve other crimes as well, such as the unauthorized taking of property or the use or sale of illegal or controlled substances. While these crimes are consequential legal matters individually, they can result in even more serious criminal consequences when they occur as part of the same incident or event. A judge will often consider a defendant accused of multiple crimes particularly dangerous, and impose a particularly harsh sentence if he or she is adjudicated guilty. Similarly, people accused of these types of criminal incidents may be denied bond prior standing trial, or the judge may set the bond particularly high.

A client represented by Boston criminal defense attorney Edward Molari found himself in exactly this situation. According to a report filed by the Taunton Gazette, 28-year-old Adynew Alves of West Roxbury is accused of kidnapping, armed assault, and assault and battery in connection with an incident involving a woman who he claims stole three bottles of Percoset, a prescription pain killer. According to the Bristol County District Attorney Erin Aiello, Alves took the victim to the home of a co-defendant and accused her of stealing Percoset. He then forced the victim into the truck of the car and drove away. Aiello further indicated that multiple witnesses saw the victim escape from the trunk of a moving vehicle on southbound Route 24. Alves’s bond was set at $500,000, and he is due in court on November 4, 2014 for a probable cause hearing.

Fortunately for people accused of crimes, there are often a variety of defenses available that can cast doubt on one’s guilt. For example, in Alves’s case, Mr. Molari pointed out that he has no prior convictions, and that no firearm was recovered in connection with the alleged kidnapping. As this is an ongoing case, the defense or defenses raised remain to be seen. Generally speaking, some of the more commonly raised defenses in criminal cases include the following:

· Alibi – An alibi defense involves arguing that the defendant was in a different place at the time that the alleged crime was committed, making impossible for the defendant commit the crime;

· Duress – The defense of duress arises when a defendant introduces evidence that he or she was compelled to commit a crime because of someone else’s threats or coercion;

· Self-defense – Under Massachusetts law, people may use force to protect themselves from others if they reasonably believe that they were or were about to be attacked and their safety was in danger. The defendant must have done everything reasonable in the circumstances to avoid physical combat before resorting to the use of force in self-defense, and the force used must not be more than is reasonably necessary under the circumstances;

· Mistaken identity – As one would imagine, the defense of mistaken identity involves introducing evidence that someone other than the defendant committed the alleged crime.

Contact a Massachusetts Criminal Defense Attorney Today for a Free Consultation

Criminal defense lawyer Edward Molari is dedicated to helping people accused of crimes in and around the Boston area. To schedule a free consultation, call our office today at (617) 942-1532.

 

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Criminal Defense

The Potential Consequences of a Massachusetts Sex Offense Conviction

Sex offenses are viewed with particular contempt by the general public as well as the Massachusetts criminal justice system. Regardless of whether it is fair or not, many people who are even accused of sex crimes spend the rest of their lives treated with suspicion or mistrust. In case a person accused of a sex crime is convicted, he or she may be subjected to significant legal penalties, as well as other serious collateral consequences. Consequently, it is of the utmost importance that anyone accused of a sex crime in Massachusetts retain an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately. Not only can an attorney help ensure your rights are protected in any legal proceedings that may occur, but he or she can also manage the flow of information and members of the press should your case become highly publicized.

Criminal Penalties Associated with Massachusetts Sex Crimes

The criminal penalties associated with a sex offense in Massachusetts are extremely serious depending on the circumstances. For example, if the alleged victim is a child, or there was violence or the threat of violence involved in the alleged offense, the consequences can be particularly severe. Some of the criminal penalties include:

· Probation;

· Lengthy prison sentences;

· GPS monitoring;

· Court-ordered counseling or therapy.

These and other penalties a court may impose are very harsh, so it is important to discuss your options with a lawyer as soon as possible.

Registration as a Sex Offender

One of the most significant and life-altering consequences of a sex offense conviction is the requirement to register with the state as a sex offender. Some of offenses that will require one to register as sex offender include:

· Rape;

· Rape and abuse of a child;

· Drugging persons for sexual intercourse;

· Inducing a minor into prostitution;

· Kidnapping of a child;

· Aggravated rape;

· Possession of child pornography;

· Incestuous marriage or intercourse;

· Assault with intent to commit rape;

· Rape and abuse of a child.

More information about the types of offenses that result in a registration requirement can be found at the Official Website of the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security.

For certain offenders who are required to register, information regarding one’s name, address, and offense are easily accessible to the general public on the Massachusetts sex offender registry. Anyone with an internet connection can access this database, including friends, family, potential employers, and potential romantic partners. The requirement to register can last anywhere from 20 years to the rest of an offender’s life. As a result, the collateral consequences associated with a sex offense can affect a person for years after any sentence or probation ends. Inclusion on the sex offender registry can make it extremely difficult to fully participate in society, and may affect where you are able to live and work. As a result, it is extremely important for anyone accused of a sex offense to take all steps possible to avoid a conviction.

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

If you are facing allegations of a sex offense or any other criminal matter in Massachusetts, you should retain an attorney immediately. To schedule a free consultation with criminal defense lawyer Edward R. Molari, call our office today at (617) 942-1532.

 

Tags: 
Criminal Defense

Free Speech or Criminal Harassment? Massachusetts Court to Decide

 

The Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts heard arguments this month in an appeal of a couple’s convictions for criminal harassment. Gail Johnson was convicted of criminal harassment and spent six months in jail. Her husband, William Johnson, was convicted of falsely reporting abuse to the Department of Family Services and criminal harassment, and was imprisoned for eighteen months. Both appealed their convictions, claiming their conduct was protected by the right to free speech under the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.

The Conduct of the Williams Couple

The Williams couple maintained a long-standing, on-going dispute with their neighbors, Jim and Bernadette Lyons. In 2008, the Williamses perpetrated a number of hoaxes against their neighbors. They allegedly did the following with the help of a third party:

· Posted false advertisements on Craigslist for free golf carts for the taking from the Lyons yard. drawing numerous strangers to the Lyons’ yard and house;

· Posted false ads for a Harley Davidson motorcycle that caused numerous people to call the Lyons house late at night;

· Signed Jim Lyons up to donate his body to science;

· Posted comments on various websites using Jim Lyons’ identity;

· Signed Jim Lyons up for membership in various organizations, including those involving magic, transsexuals, bisexuals, and nudists;

· Sent the Lyons a letter that appeared to be from a former employee, accusing Jim of sexual molestation, and threatening criminal charges;

· Sent the Lyons an email from an anonymous sender with the statement, “Remember, if you aren’t miserable, I ain’t happy!’’ and included social security numbers and other personal information;

· Called the Department of Family Services and reported that Jim Lyons physically abused his son, which caused a child protection worker to go to their house to investigate the claim.

In Massachusetts, criminal harassment charges may apply if a person intentionally engages in repeated behavior over time that causes the victim—and would cause a reasonable person—alarm and substantial emotional distress. The Williamses both claim that their actions were not threatening or fighting words, and were therefore protected by the First Amendment right to free speech.

We will keep an eye on the Supreme Court’s decision in this case, and will keep you updated on any new interpretations of Massachusetts criminal law.

Contact an Experienced Massachusetts Criminal Defense Attorney for Assistance

If you are facing criminal charges, never risk a wrongful conviction by attempting to represent yourself. You should always seek out an experienced attorney to defend you in court. Edward R. Molari is an experienced criminal defense attorney who provides the highest quality of representation for clients in the Boston and Attleboro areas. Please do not hesitate to call today for help with your case.

 

 

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Criminal Defense

Massachusetts Court Lowers Standard of Proof for Sealing Criminal Records

Many people, perhaps more than you think, have criminal records of some sort. Whether the record concerns a college indiscretion involving too much alcohol or an arrest resulting from participation in a political protest, the existence of a criminal record can pose significant challenges. These challenges are often referred to as “collateral consequences,” and can include the following kinds of issues:

· Difficulty obtaining certain types of employment;

· Denial or loss of a professional license;

· Denial of admission to academic programs;

· Harsher sentencing in future cases;

· Damage to your reputation in the community.

Courts recognize the need to balance the public’s right to access information about what occurs in open court against an individual’s right to privacy. The privacy right is particularly salient when people are arrested but never convicted of a crime. This may occur in a situation where a prosecutor determines a case is not worth pursuing or extenuating circumstances justified a defendant’s behavior. In other cases, a defendant may enter into a diversionary program where they must comply with certain conditions in return for the prosecutor dropping the case against them. The latter example often occurs with a first-time “operating while intoxicated” (OUI) offender, who are frequently offered plea deals whereby they must surrender their licenses and complete rehabilitative programs. If an offender successfully complete the program, the OUI case against them is dropped.

The Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) of Massachusetts recently recognized the importance of allowing defendants whose cases are case dismissed to seal their criminal records and avoid any further consequences of that case. The previous standard required a defendant to demonstrate that the value of sealing his or her record outweighs the value of the record staying open and available to society. It also required the defendant to specify the harm he or she would suffer if the record stayed open.

Courts must now examine the following factors when deciding whether to seal a record:

· The disadvantages suffered by the defendant if the record is not sealed;

· Evidence of the defendant’s rehabilitation, or other signs the defendant could overcome the disadvantages once the record is sealed;

· Evidence of the offense that may indicate the defendant’s future success or recidivism;

· The amount of time that passed since the dismissal and the reason for that disposition.

In setting out this new test, the SJC expressly declined to follow the standard set out by the First Circuit Court of Appeals, which requires that the defendant show a “compelling interest” to seal a record.

Contact a Massachusetts Criminal Defense Attorney for Help Today

If a criminal charge against you was dismissed, or your case was entered nolle prosequi, and you wish to have your criminal record sealed, contact a knowledgeable Massachusetts criminal defense lawyer for assistance as soon as possible. Attorney Edward R. Molari is highly experienced in the area of criminal defense, and stays up to date on changing standards and laws in Massachusetts. Mr. Molari will help to seal your criminal record and avoid collateral consequences stemming from your arrest. Contact our office today at (617) 942-1532 to schedule a free consultation.

 

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Criminal Defense

Can the Police Compel a Blood Test in a DUI Investigation?

The 4th Amendment purportedly protects individuals from unreasonable search and seizure by law enforcement and other people acting as a state actor. While a warrantless search is presumed unreasonable, there have been myriad exceptions established to this principle. Courts are continually reviewing new cases involving questions about whether a particular action constituted a “search” or whether a particular instance of law enforcement investigation falls within an established exception to the warrant requirement.

The law involving the way that drunk drivers are investigated is no exception to this rule, and the jurisprudence regarding cases involving driving under the influence (DUI) has significantly expanded as enforcement efforts have increased over the past few decades. While it is an accepted principle that people have a diminished expectation of privacy in their vehicle, there are still limitations as to what law enforcement can compel a person suspected of drunk driving to do.

Missouri v. McNeely

Recently, the United States Supreme Court was asked to determine whether a police officer could subject a DUI suspect to a forced warrantless blood draw. The case, Missouri v. McNeely, arose out of a Missouri traffic stop in which the arresting officer believed that the suspect, McNeely, was drunk.  After McNeely refused both a Breathalyzer and blood test, the officer directed hospital staff to remove blood from McNeely in order to have it tested.

The Supreme Court has traditionally held that invasions into a person’s body are among the most intrusive, and therefore the most likely to require a warrant. One of the recognized exceptions to the warrant requirement is for “exigent circumstances,” in which waiting to obtain a warrant risks the destruction of evidence. In this case, the state of Missouri argued that the dissipation of alcohol in McNeely’s body as his body metabolized it was akin to the active destruction of evidence, and therefore fell within the exigent circumstances exception. The Supreme Court ultimately disagreed, holding that while there may be circumstances in which a warrantless compelled blood draw may be justified, the mere dissipation of alcohol in a person’s blood stream was not.

“No-Refusal” Enforcement

Because this case was decided by the U.S. Supreme Court, it is binding on law enforcement in all jurisdictions, Massachusetts included. While this may seem like a victory for the privacy rights of drivers, other states have taken note of the decision and made efforts to be able to compel blood draws from drivers suspected of DUI while complying with the law. In order to achieve this, some jurisdictions have had “no-refusal weekends,” in which they set up DUI checkpoints with personnel prepared to administer on the spot blood tests and have a judge or a magistrate on call or present in order to issue warrants. It is important to remember that all a police officer has to do in order to get a warrant is establish probable cause, which in many cases may be as easy as alleged that a driver is showing certain signs of intoxication.

Contact a Massachusetts DUI/OUI Defense Attorney Today

People accused of Massachusetts OUI can potentially face serious criminal penalties, including fines, the loss of a driver’s license, probation, and even jail time. As a result, anyone facing a OUI case should retain a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Lawyer Edward R. Molari is committed to helping people facing a Massachusetts OUI case bring it to the best outcome possible. To schedule a free consultation, call our office today at (617) 942-1532.

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Criminal Defense
OUI/DUI

Success at the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court

In an important victory, Edward R. Molari, Attorney at Law, successfully litigated a recent case before the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court. Mr. Molari challenged lower court rulings to defend his client against drug charges brought about by an unreasonable search conducted by law enforcement officers.

The Facts of the Case

An April 13, 2007, polices officers pulled over a driver upon learning that he had two outstanding warrants for his arrest (one relating to a drug charge and another relating to violation of a protective order). After handcuffing the driver and placing him under arrest, one of the officers conducted a pat-down of the driver’s clothing.

During the pat-down, the officer discovered a prescription pill bottle--which the the driver said was blood pressure medicine--and a “One Touch” container with additional pills. Such “One Touch” containers typically hold thin strips for blood sugar testing. The officer found another “One Touch” container with pills in the driver’s vehicle when he was retrieving the keys in order to lock it. The officer took the pills into evidence.

Curious about the pills, the officer conducted an internet search. Based on the color, shape, and numbers imprinted on the pills, the officer identified them as prescription methadone. Because the driver did not have a valid prescription for this medicine, he was charged with illegal possession of a class B substance under Massachusetts law.

Search and Seizure Under Federal Law

In general, police must obtain a warrant before searching for evidence of a crime. This is a requirement of the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. However, there are a number of exceptions to this warrant requirement. For example, police may conduct a search of the immediate area surrounding someone they arrest, including a pat-down of the arrestee, without a warrant. Police may also seize any evidence in plain view (e.g., in plain sight of any place the officer can lawfully be located).

Search and Seizure Under Massachusetts Law

Massachusetts offers additional protections to defendants beyond what is guaranteed by the Fourth Amendment. Under Massachusetts law, police may only conduct a search incident to arrest that focuses on identifying weapons or evidence of the crime for which the defendant is being arrested.

The Police Exceeded Their Right to Search the Driver

In a decision by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, the Court held that the police exceeded their authority to search the driver. The prescription and “One Touch” bottles obtained by the police clearly were not weapons, nor were they evidence of the crimes for which the driver was being arrested (i.e., warrants for past criminal conduct). In short, the police should not have seized the methadone pills.

Why Criminal Defendants Need Good Lawyers

Although the police conduct comported with Federal Law, this victory for the driver turned on a question of Massachusetts law. Thus, a proper defense requires an attorney who has a thorough understanding of all the applicable laws and statutes. Every court ruled against the defendant until the case was brought before the Supreme Judicial Court. Thus, a proper defense requires an attorney with tenacity, who will see a case through to its end.

If you have been charged with a crime in Massachusetts, it is essential that you speak with an experienced Massachusetts criminal defense lawyer right away, Edward R. Molari, Attorney at Law, has the experience and tenacity to help defendants charged with all types of crimes. Mr. Molari can help you understand your rights, provide sound legal advice, prepare you for trial, and defend you in court. Contact Edward R. Molari, Attorney at Law, today for a confidential consultation.

 

See Related Posts:

THE SUPREME COURT HOLDS WARRANT REQUIRED FOR DUI/OUI BLOOD DRAW

THE BURDEN OF PROOF IN CRIMINAL TRIALS

Tags: 
Criminal Defense
Motion to Suppress
Search and Seizure
Fruits of Illegal Search

Woman, Who Records Her Own Arrest, Charged with Wiretapping

Electronic devices, with their ability to record audio and video, are ubiquitous in our society. As the following case demonstrates, Massachusetts residents need to be wary when recording events around them to ensure that they are not guilty of violating the commonwealth’s wiretapping laws.

The Facts of the Case

The incident in question started early on a recent Sunday morning in Chicopee, MA. A woman was drinking outside of her apartment building on Chestnut street and causing an irritation. A call was placed to the police, who arrived just before 2 A.M. According to the police report, the Chicopee woman was screaming, yelling, and disturbing tenants of her apartment building. When police asked her to stop she refused. When the woman would not calm down police placed her under arrest.

An interesting twist to this incident is what the Chicopee woman did with her smartphone. Before being taken into police custody the woman turned on the voice recorder of her smartphone and placed it in her purse. She left the voice recorder on during her confrontation with police and ended up recording the audio of her arrest. When police booked the woman at the police station and searched her purse they found the smartphone actively recording.

In addition to charging the Chicopee woman with disorderly conduct and having an open container of alcohol, police charged the woman with illegal wiretapping.

The Crime of Wiretapping in Massachusetts

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has some of the most stringent wiretapping laws in the nation. In Massachusetts it is a crime to secretly record a conversation, whether the conversation is in person, over the telephone, or by any other medium. This law is often referred to as a “two-party consent” law, because both parties to a conversation must consent to having the conversation recorded for the act of recording to be legal. Thus, you must inform all parties to a conversation that the conversation is being recorded. If a person does not wish to have themselves recorded, it is up to them to leave the conversation.

This law applies to audio recordings as well as video recordings. In one case, police charged a political activist with violating this wiretapping statute when he secretly captured video of Boston University police during a political protest. Even though the activist recorded the police in a public place, he still faced charges of illegal wiretapping.

Punishment for Wiretapping

Those who are convicted of illegal wiretapping face some steep penalties. Wiretapping is considered a felony in Massachusetts. Defendants charged with the crime of wiretapping may face up to five years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.

Getting Help When You Face Criminal Charges

If you have been charged with the crime of illegal wiretapping, it is critical the you speak with an experienced criminal defense lawyer right away. Edward R. Molari, Attorney at Law, has years of experience successfully helping defendants charged with wiretapping crimes. Mr. Molari can help you understand your rights, provide sound legal advice, prepare you for trial, and defend you in court. Contact Edward R. Molari, Attorney at Law, today for a confidential consultation.

See Related Posts:

SUPREME COURT HOLDS WARRANT REQUIRED FOR DUI/OUI BLOOD DRAW

SJC REQUIRES WARRANT FOR CELL PHONE LOCATION INFORMATION

 

Tags: 
Criminal Defense

Supreme Judicial Court Issues Important Ruling on the Use of DNA Evidence

In a recent decision of the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts, DNA evidence has again entered the spotlight of criminal proceedings and post-trial challenges to convictions. In an opinion released last month, the Court has determined that criminal defendants may retest DNA evidence in order challenge their convictions.

The Role of DNA Testing in Criminal Trials

Increasingly, prosecutors and police investigators rely on DNA evidence to catch catch criminal culprits. Based on a biological sample collected at the scene of a crime--such as a drop of blood or a strand of hair--forensic specialists can examine the DNA and compare it to the DNA of a suspect in the crime. The key to DNA testing is the idea that that no two people share the same DNA. Thus, if law enforcement can match the DNA of a criminal suspect to DNA gathered at the scene of a crime, they have evidence that the criminal suspect was present. For this reason, DNA evidence offers compelling information as to whether a suspect is associated with a crime.

The Role of DNA in Proving Innocence

A growing use of DNA evidence has been to prove the innocence of already convicted criminals. In these cases, criminals were convicted before the wide use of DNA testing based on other evidence of their guilt. By testing biological evidence gathered from the scene of the crime and still in storage today, these convicted criminals have shown that their DNA in fact does not match DNA associated with the crime. In hundreds of cases, this new DNA evidence has led to the release of suspects from prison who were wrongly convicted.

DNA Evidence Only as Good as the Laboratory Techniques Used

Because DNA testing is complicated, the veracity of such evidence depends largely on the laboratory methods employed by forensic experts. If the laboratory is sloppy, or if technicians fail to follow accepted testing practices, such DNA evidence may prove false and unreliable.

Those Relying on DNA Evidence Get a Second Chance

In examining the use of DNA testing, the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts ruled that defendants in criminal cases may have biological evidence retested in certain circumstances. The reason is that DNA testing methods and techniques have evolved over time to become more and more accurate. Thus, where a person was convicted on DNA evidence gathered by a particular testing technique, that person can subsequently retest the evidence using newer testing techniques in order challenge the reliability of the earlier test.

As Associate Justice Fernande R.F. Duffy wrote, a person’s request for a new test “should not be denied on the ground that the evidence sought to be tested has been subjected previously to a method of testing, if the accuracy of that testing has materially improved the test’s ability to identify the perpetrator of a crime.” In short, those convicted of crimes based on DNA evidence may have an opportunity to re-examine and challenge the evidence against them.

Getting Help When You Face Criminal Charges

If you believe you have been wrongly charged or convicted of a crime based on DNA evidence, it is critical that you speak with an experienced criminal defense lawyer right away. A skilled criminal defense attorney can help you understand your rights, provide sound legal advice, prepare you for trial, defend you in court, and help you with post-trial challenges to your conviction. Contact Edward R. Molari, Attorney at Law, today for a confidential consultation.

See Related Posts:

THE BURDEN OF PROOF IN CRIMINAL TRIALS

MASSACHUSETTS COURT OF APPEALS LIMITS DEFENDANT’S RIGHTS

 

Tags: 
Criminal Defense

Can the Police Search Your Cell Phone When Arresting You?

 

The U.S. Supreme Court recently heard oral arguments in two cases involving cell phone privacy. The critical question of law in both instances is under what circumstances the police can search the contents of your phone.

Search Incident to Arrest

In general, the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution requires that law enforcement officials obtain a warrant before searching for evidence of a crime. The Supreme Court, however, has recognized a number of exceptions to this warrant requirement, including a search incident to arrest. This exception allows police to search the person and immediate surroundings of someone being placed under arrest. The rationale behind this exception to the warrant requirement is to prevent the last-minute destruction of evidence, as well as to protect police officers from the use of hidden weapons.

The Ubiquitous Cell Phone

For most people, a search of their person would turn up a cell phone. Cell phones may contain large amounts of personal information. For example, cell phones may include contact lists, call history, and the contents of text messages and emails sent and received by the caller. Smart phones, with their plethora of apps, may also include such information as GPS data that tracks the movements of the person, photographs, financial transactions, social media postings, and the like.

The key question is whether the police should have access to such large amounts of information merely upon an arrest. Many argue that, given the variety and quantity of private information contained in people's cell phones, the police should have to acquire a warrant before searching such devices. They point out that in many cases, when a person is arrested, their cell phone may be seized and held until a warrant is obtained. People on the other side of the argument, including many law enforcement officers, point out that cell phones may include valuable evidence of a crime, evidence that may be erased by the time a warrant is obtained.

What Will The Supreme Court Decide?

It can be difficult to guess how the Supreme Court will rule, even after listening to oral arguments. The two cases at issue involve two different styles of phones: an older flip phone and a more modern smart phone. Some suggest that the Justices may decide that it is okay to search older style flip phones (which include contact lists and call histories) and not smart phones (which include a larger amount of private information). Any decision that relies on the type of technology used by suspects is likely to quickly grow outdated, given the present pace of innovation. The Supreme Court will release its written opinion in early summer.

Getting Help When You Face Criminal Charges

If you have been charged with a crime in Massachusetts, it is critical that you speak with an experienced criminal defense lawyer right away. A skilled criminal defense attorney can help you understand your rights, provide sound legal advice, prepare you for trial, and defend you in court. Any delay in getting the help you need could damage your case and lead to long-term consequences. Contact Edward R. Molari, Attorney at Law, today for a confidential consultation.

See Related Posts:

SJC REQUIRES WARRANT FOR CELL PHONE LOCATION INFORMATION

MASSACHUSETTS COURT OF APPEALS LIMITS DEFENDANTS RIGHTS

 

 

Tags: 
Criminal Defense

Erasing a Criminal Record

Everyone has parts of their past that they regret, but for some that past involves a crime. Even when a person has left the errors of their youth behind them, a criminal record can follow them for years and years.

Common Stigmas for Past Crimes

Those who have a criminal record face a number of societal stigmas. For job seekers, it is particularly challenging to find good positions with a criminal record. Most potential employers ask about past crimes or conduct a criminal background search. It may be difficult to explain a past criminal record, or potential employers may pass on such employees altogether.

In addition to job challenges, there are other instances where people with criminal records face judgment or stigma. A criminal record may prevent people from joining community service groups or other organizations. In some instances, a criminal record may even dictate where a person can live.

Petitioning to Have Your Criminal Records Sealed

For some people, asking the state to seal the criminal records of their conviction is an option. If your criminal records are sealed they will not be available to the public, and you will not have to disclose the fact of your criminal conviction under most circumstances. The circumstances under which your criminal records may be sealed will depend on the nature of your crime and the amount of time that has passed since your conviction.

  • Misdemeanor offenses - You may petition to have your criminal records sealed after five years from the time of your misdemeanor offense, including any time for which you were incarcerated. To qualify you must not have committed any other crime during the five year period.

  • Felony offenses - You may petition to have your criminal records sealed after ten years from the time of your felony offense, including any time for which you were incarcerated. As with sealing the records of a misdemeanor offense, you must not have been found guilty of any crimes during the ten year period.

  • Sex offenses - You may petition to have your criminal records sealed after fifteen years from the time of your sex offense, including any time for which you were incarcerated. However, if you have been classified as a level two or level three sex offender, you may not have your records sealed. As above, you must not have committed any other crimes during the fifteen year period.

  • Offenses no longer considered criminal - If you are convicted of a crime that is later decriminalized, you may petition right way to have your criminal records sealed.

It is important to note that some offenses are not eligible for sealing, no matter how long it has been since your conviction. For example, certain crimes related to the possession or sale of firearms may not be sealed.

Get Help Sealing Your Criminal Records

If you possess a criminal record and have an interest in getting your criminal record sealed, you should speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney. Contact Edward R. Molari, Attorney at Law, today for a confidential consultation.

See Related Posts:

MASSACHUSETTS STATUTE ON SEALING CRIMINAL RECORDS

MASSACHUSETTS MAKING STEADY PROGRESS IN REFORMING MANDATORY MINIMUMS

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Criminal Defense

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