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 forensic science can do. The “CSI Effect” is the term applied to the – often unrealistic – expectations that such television shows can create in the minds of jurors. Jurors have come to see forensic evidence as foolproof The television shows – whether pure fiction or dramatic reenactments – show forensic analysis as virtually omnipot ..read more

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 offenses can leave a trail of legal consequences that may follow your teen well into adulthood. Educating your teen about these offenses and their potential ramifications is crucial for helping them understand the potential consequences of their actions and making informed choices to avoid such behaviors. Underage drinking and posses ..read more

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 understand their rights. One of these is the right to avoid self-incrimination, which includes the right to remain silent. The importance of invoking your right to remain silent The right to remain silent is protected under the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution as a safeguard against self-incrimination. Invoking this right is crucia ..read more

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 have a valid prescription from a licensed physician. Establishing who had possession of a drug is often simple. Police officers find a substance in someone’s pockets, and there is little question about who those items belong to and who has control over them. Other times, police officers might find drugs in a space where there are m ..read more

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 have been steps taken in Massachusetts to provide relief to some young offenders. Currently, there’s a bill in the state legislature that would raise the maximum age at which a person is still considered a juvenile offender from 17 to 20. Further, a Supreme Judicial Court recently ruled that no one under 21 can receive a sentence ..read more

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 person or their property lawfully. With that said, several exceptions enable police officers to conduct searches and seize evidence without having to obtain a warrant. Understanding these exceptions is crucial for the public to know if their rights are being upheld or violated in this regard. Consent to search Consent can provide an e ..read more

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 has been fully resolved.  Engaging in social media activity at this time can result in profound and unintended consequences. Why? Online posts, comments and even private messages can become critical pieces of evidence in legal proceedings, potentially complicating your defense strategy. And with so much at stake, it’s better to ..read more

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 still be arrested if they drive under the influence. But there are other cases in which intent is a major part of the proceedings. One example is a murder case. Most first-degree murder charges require intent because the action has to be premeditated. If not, the individual may get a much lesser sentence, such as manslaughter. Below ..read more

Understanding plea deals is crucial for defendants who have been accused of wrongdoing. These arrangements involve a defendant agreeing to plead guilty to a lesser charge or to one of multiple charges in exchange for certain concessions. Plea deals can vary widely but typically include the defendant pleading guilty to a lesser charge or fewer charges. The prosecution might recommend a lighter sentence or drop other charges in exchange. Plea deals are complex processes where knowing the benefits and limitations of a particular situation is crucial in making an informed decision. Why courts cons ..read more

A false confession is when someone claims they have committed a crime and admits it to the authorities or even in court, despite the fact that they never broke the law. They didn’t do what they have been accused of doing, and yet they’re admitting to it anyway, potentially risking fines and/or time in prison. This sounds like something that would never take place, but it certainly does happen. There have been cases where convictions have been overturned by DNA evidence, for instance, so the authorities know beyond the shadow of a doubt that the convicted person did not commit the crime. And ye ..read more