In 2014, a report from the New England Center for Investigative Reporting released a report that police in Worcester, Massachusetts were disproportionally arresting more women than men for prostitution. The report listed only 14 men arrested compared to the 157 women arrested in 2013, and 144 wom...
If you honestly don't remember, then tell the truth and say that you do not recall. If saying the words "I don't remember" is really an excuse for refusing to testify, then you may have a privilege against self incrimination. Still, in limited situations you can be convicted of criminal perjury f...
Yes. You can represent yourself in a Massachusetts criminal offense. You can also pull out an aching tooth with a wrench. But you should not do either of these things yourself. An attorney by definition will have a much deeper understanding of the law than the layman, and this can mean knowing i...
Here are 10 examples of the kind of questions to ask when you meet a criminal lawyer for the first time. What was the result in your last jury trial? When was your last jury trial? Why did you win or lost that case? When do you plan on visiting the client? (If the person accused of a crime ...
Yes. The Sixth Amendment guarantee of effective assistance of counsel is a fundamental right essential to a fair trial. The specific procedures required to complete a guilty plea in open court are a type of trial. Courts are reluctant to accept a plea of guilty from a Defendant whom is not repre...
A CWOF means a conviction for the revocation of a CDL under G.L. c. 90F, § 1. Tirado v. Board of Appeal on Motor Vehicle Liability Policies and Bonds (and two consolidated cases) SJC-11818, July 28, 2015. Today, the Court reasoned that a CWOF is a conviction for CDL purposes because the word CWOF...
The Massachusetts Office of Alcohol Testing ("OAT") oversees the breath test program for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Each machine is assigned a serial number. These machines are inventoried and their maintenance and calibration is supposed to be tracked by the Office of Alcohol Testing. Th...
If you or a loved one is accused of violating conditions of probation, you are entitled to a hearing. A person found in violation of the conditions of probation may be sentenced for the original offense placing them on probation. When the probation officer moves the court for an order of detenti...
Put this phone number in your cell phone right now: 617-221-3244. If you or a loved one are pulled over by the police, call me immediately, day or night. The best way to prevent a conviction of operating under the influence is to immediately take control of the information. You have a right t...
The difference between drug possession with intent to distribute and drug trafficking is the weight. Different classes of drugs have different weights that determine the severity of the offense. The slang term "move weight" means to engage in trafficking as opposed to mere distribution.
The general consequences of a DUI depend upon your prior convictions and the specific facts of your case. The loss of license is in addition to any loss suspension or revocation for a chemical test refusal. First Offense Incarceration not more than 2 ½ years in a house of correction Fine $50...
Possession of cannabis is still a violation of federal law. As of March 13, 2013 patients with a valid physician's certification for the medical use of cannabis may possess up to a 60 day supply in the Commonwealth. Expect this to change when the dispensaries open. A good summary on medical cann...
The difference between drug possession with intent to distribute and drug trafficking is the weight. Different classes of drugs have different weights that determine the severity of the offense. The slang term "move weight" means to engage in trafficking as opposed to mere distribution.
If you've been arrested for drug possession in a school zone, then you may be facing much stricter penalties. Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 94C Section 32J defines a school zone as any real property that comprises a "preschool, accredited headstart facility, elementary, vocational, or second...
In Massachusetts, intoxicated driving charges are covered under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 90, Section 24. In short, the law states that any person who operates a vehicle with a blood alcohol content of more than .08% will be charged with drunk driving. Blood alcohol content may be tested ...
A Waltham resident was arrested in Newton, Massachusetts for driving under the influence of alcohol after he crashed into several parked cars. According to the Waltham Patch, 30 year old A.F. was charged with his third DUI, as well as violation of marked lanes. Just after midnight on April 7th, l...
Have you been arrested for a crime? Now is the time to act and ensure that your rights and freedoms are aggressively defended. At Russell Defense Firm, Attorney Adam Russell stands ready to provide clients with outstanding legal representation for their cases. With the guidance of his firm, you m...
If you or a loved one has been arrested and booked for a criminal offense, contact Russell Defense Firm right away. The firm is relentless in its defense of clients' rights and freedoms. Adam believes that his approach to addressing problems and working diligently to find solutions can lead to acquittals or significant reductions in charges for your case.
Contact the firm for a free case evaluation if you have questions. The firm serves all of Boston and the communities of Brookline, Newton, Waltham and Wellesley.