Standardized field sobriety tests (SFST) are resources used by law enforcement to assess whether a driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. These tests are standardized per the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Understanding these tests is...
Year: 2023
Do police officers make mistakes?
The majority of police officers go into the profession to make the world a better place. They want to reduce crime within their jurisdiction. For the most part, this is precisely what they try to do each day. Nonetheless, police officers are only human which means...
3 things to know about Miranda rights
Many people have heard Miranda rights read on television shows and in movies. One of the fundamental rights is the right to remain silent. This is a critical protection for anyone who may be facing criminal charges. This right to remain silent prevents you from having...
Chemical breath tests fail more often than people realize
There are various types of evidence that the state gathers to prove that someone has violated the law. When the allegations are that someone drank an unsafe amount of alcohol before driving, a chemical test result is one of the most authoritative types of evidence...
Is the “crime of passion” defense actually helpful?
When someone claims that an event was a “crime of passion”, they are saying that they reacted emotionally. They weren’t thinking about what they were doing because they were overcome by these emotions. For example, someone gets home a day early from a business trip...
Is a claim of self-defense the right response to assault charges?
A broad assortment of different situations could lead to assault charges in Massachusetts. Sometimes, a discussion at a bar or party ends in interpersonal aggression. Other times, someone feels compelled to step up to protect another person or prevent a crime from...
Peer pressure can cause teens to break the law
When teenagers break the law, parents are sometimes surprised and confused. Something like this has never happened before. Their teenager never gave any indication of wanting to break the law or being involved in these types of activities. It all feels very unnatural,...
What is considered drug possession in Massachusetts?
Drug possession is a serious offense in Massachusetts, and understanding the nuances can be crucial for anyone facing such charges. While most people think drug possession implies physically carrying illegal substances, the law is more comprehensive. You can still...
What is reasonable suspicion for an OUI stop?
The police need reasonable suspicion to stop you for operating under the influence (OUI) of alcohol or other drugs. Absent this, a stop may be unlawful. Accordingly, you can use it as a defense strategy when facing an OUI charge. Here is what you should know about...
How Massachusetts per se laws can lead to criminal charges
Chemical testing for impairment is a common reaction to a major collision. Law enforcement professionals will usually want to rule out intoxication as a potential cause when investigating a recent collision. Some people get arrested at the scene of a crash even when...
