Child abuse is a crime, there is no question about that. But what about the failure to report child abuse? If you suspect that a child has been abused, do you have to speak up? Is failing to do so a crime? It depends. Mandated Reporters Certain people are required…
Bail is a type of payment—or the pledge to make a payment—in exchange for being released from custody. The defendant is temporarily released, but agrees to return to court when ordered to do so. As long as the defendant shows up at court as agreed, bail money is returned once…
The Miranda rule, more commonly known as the “right to remain silent,” goes as follows: You have the right to remain silent; If you do say anything, what you say can be used against you in a court of law; You have the right to consult with a lawyer and…
The crime of rape, whether committed by someone the victim knows and trusts or a complete stranger, often involves alcohol or other drugs. Women who have had too much to drink are particularly vulnerable to sexual assault and rape, including date rape. Although certain drugs come to mind when the…
Martin Shkreli gained notoriety in 2016 by spiking the price of a life-saving HIV drug by about 5,000 percent. Dubbed ‘Pharma Bro,’ he later found himself in hot water for committing investment fraud. Although his lawyer was pushing for less than 18 months, Shkreli was recently sentenced to seven years…
Yesterday, we discussed an item posted on Boston.com , about a driver who was busy videotaping his car hit 100-miles-an-hour when he was stopped by law enforcement. The unnamed driver, hereinafter, the “Defendant”, was apparently not arrested although he did give a full confession. The story made me a little…
Harassment, which occurs when a person intentionally annoys, threatens or provokes another person – or causes them to feel emotional distress – can take many forms. Workplace sexual harassment, for example, may include everything from making inappropriate jokes of a sexual nature in the presence of a co-worker to outright…
Often, I receive calls from victims of crimes. Yes, I know that I generally call them “complainants” because I am a criminal defense attorney. I do know, however, that crimes do indeed happen and, when they do, it is usually a victim that they happen to. Besides, as far as…
Arson is a criminal offense that occurs when a person intentionally and maliciously sets fire to another’s property. The term ‘property’ can refer to a house or building, but it also includes motor vehicles, and even open land. Fires caused by arson result in hundreds of deaths and thousands of…
None of us really wants to be on the other side of the justice system. But when we find ourselves in such a position, it is essential that we face the problem head on, and deal with it immediately. Unfortunately, warrants do not just disappear. Avoiding or postponing the inevitable…