Have you ever heard the phrase, “no motive, no crime?” It’s a popular phrase that sums up the idea that a prosecutor can’t prove a homicide case when they can’t establish a motive for the defendant to act. It’s also untrue. While motive is very important in crime...
Year: 2024
What should drivers know about OUI checkpoints?
Police officers can arrest individuals for drunk driving when they drive poorly or fail a breath test. Operating under the influence (OUI) offenses are among the most common charges pursued in Massachusetts. People can get arrested after a basic traffic stop or a...
What is the CSI effect?
Television crime dramas, like “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” have an enduring popularity, but their impact has gone far beyond mere entertainment. They have, in a very real way, helped reshape the public’s perception of how criminal investigations work and what...
3 common juvenile crimes that could taint your teen’s future
As a parent, you want your children to have the best chance at success and fulfillment in life. Unfortunately, there are certain actions they may take during their teenage years that could significantly jeopardize their future prospects. In Massachusetts, juvenile...
How can you invoke your right to remain silent?
Interacting with police officers is scary for some individuals. This is especially true when it seems as though the law enforcement officers seem as though they’re accusing the person of a crime. It’s critical that anyone whom police officers are questioning...
When police find drugs in a vehicle with several people inside
Massachusetts criminal statutes allow for the prosecution of anyone found to be illegally in possession of a drug. Possessing certain substances, like methamphetamine, is always illegal. Even prescription medications can lead to possession charges if someone doesn't...
State lawmakers consider raising the age for juvenile offenders
Juveniles who commit criminal offenses typically don’t face the same types of courts and incarceration as adult offenders. It’s recognized that their brains aren’t yet fully developed, and they can easily be persuaded to do something illegal by adults and peers. There...
When can police officers skip securing a search warrant?
The Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution provides specific protections for citizens. This amendment sets the standards for searches and seizures. Most of the time, law enforcement officers need a warrant before they can conduct a search/seizure of a...
Charged with a crime? Stay off social media
If you are like most American adults, you use social media platforms as a medium for sharing personal moments, opinions and experiences. There is certainly nothing wrong with that. However, if you have been charged with a crime, it’s time to log off until your case...
The 3 types of criminal intent
Intent does not matter in every criminal case. Someone may not have had any intent to break the law, but they still did so negligently or ignorantly. They could still face charges. Just because someone doesn’t know what the legal limit is, for instance, they could...
