If you have been following the news in Boston lately, you’ve likely noticed a significant shift in the atmosphere surrounding retail theft. For years, many shoplifting incidents in Massachusetts were handled with a relatively “low-stakes” approach: police would often decline to make a physical arrest, instead issuing a summons for a clerk magistrate hearing. However, […]
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Is Your Case in the Right Court? Understanding District vs. Superior Court in Massachusetts
If you or a loved one are facing criminal charges in Massachusetts, one of the first things you’ll notice on your paperwork is the name of the court. You might find yourself in a District Court or a Superior Court. But what is the difference, and why does it matter? In Massachusetts, the court that […]
A Win for Privacy and Justice: SJC Ensures Defendants Can Access Their Own Sealed Records
In a landmark ruling for the Massachusetts justice system, the Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) has cleared a significant hurdle for individuals with sealed criminal records. In Mark Gravito v. Commonwealth, the court held that sealing a record from the public does not—and should not—seal it from the defendant themselves or their legal counsel. The Backstory: […]
When Prior Testimony Can’t Be Used Against a Defendant
Testimony That Can’t Be Used Against a Defendant in a Massachusetts Criminal Case Most of us have heard of Miranda rights, and the fact that statements made to police, or other witnesses, can be used against a defendant in a court of law. Certainly, then, a defendant’s prior testimony in a court hearing can be […]
Federal Detention Hearing Venue: Which Court to Choose
Navigating Federal Detention Hearings: What You Need to Know When a loved one is arrested and facing federal charges, one of the most immediate and critical concerns is whether they will be held in custody or released on bond while their case proceeds. This decision is made during a detention hearing, a vital stage in […]
Statute of Limitations in Massachusetts & Tolling Provisions
Time is of the Essence: Understanding the Statute of Limitations and Tolling in Criminal Cases In the world of criminal law, timing can be everything. You’ve probably heard the term “statute of limitations” before, but what does it actually mean, and how can it impact a criminal case? For a layperson, these legal concepts can […]
Writing a Character Letter
If you have a friend or family member who is going through a court case, there may be times when a strong character letter can help. For example, at a bail hearing, or at sentencing, judges give weight to a defendant’s reputation and ties to the community. Your letter may be very important in assisting […]
Did You Know? The Secret Court Overseeing U.S. Surveillance
Did you know that there’s a secret court in the United States that oversees government surveillance? It’s called the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC), and it plays a crucial role in national security—though many people have never heard of it! What Exactly Is the FISC? The FISC was created in 1978 under the Foreign Intelligence […]
Two Big MA 2A Cases: Marquis and Donnell
On March 11, 2025, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court (“SJC”) issued rulings in two pivotal cases—Commonwealth v. Marquis and Commonwealth v. Donnell—addressing the Commonwealth’s firearm licensing requirements for nonresidents in the face of Second Amendment challenges. These decisions shape the legal landscape of Second Amendment rights in Massachusetts, particularly concerning how nonresidents are permitted to […]
How to Fill Out a Short Form Financial Statement in Massachusetts
Filling out the Short Form Financial Statement is a crucial step in Massachusetts Family court cases involving financial matters such as alimony, child support, or division of property. This form provides the court with a clear picture of your financial situation. If you have an attorney, follow their advice. However, there are a lot of […]
