Most people use the words theft, burglary, and robbery interchangeably. Although these three property crimes share some similarities, they are distinctly different. They all involve the act of taking or unlawfully entering another’s property, but that’s pretty much where the similarities end. Theft Also known as larceny, theft involves the…
Articles Posted in Criminal Law
MIT Frat House Cited for Operating as Night Club – Criminal Charges to Follow?
According to Boston police, MIT’s Phi Delta Theta fraternity house was being “operated as a nightclub” on Sunday night, complete with a DJ and strobe lights. The fraternity failed to obtain the City of Boston License Division’s approval, but the problems don’t stop there. Underage drinking, a waterfall pouring down…
What are Hate Crimes and How are they Punished in MA?
A hate crime is a criminal act committed against a victim because he or she belongs to a specific, protected group. In addition to the actual victim, hate crimes may pose a threat to society at large. For example, if a Muslim man is attacked for his religious beliefs, it…
Charged with Illegal Possession of a Firearm in MA? What you Need to Know
There are few things as controversial as the debate about the right to own a firearm in this country. Gun ownership is a constitutional right, but many people are prohibited from owning one. This is especially true in Massachusetts. Although the Second Amendment guarantees the right to bear arms to…
Been Charged With Criminal Harassment in MA? Here’s What You Need to Know.
The term harassment can be used to define many types of criminal behavior, including stalking and infliction of emotional distress. There is also civil harassment, which is often referred to in workplace contexts. For example, when a female worker is fired because she didn’t respond to her male superior’s requests…
Dealing With Domestic Abuse Charges in MA
People make mistakes, and couples fight. When that fighting becomes physical, criminal charges may follow. But what if you were both drinking and things just got a little out of control; she pushed you and you pushed her back. Nobody got hurt, but in her intoxicated state, she called the…
Reduction in Drug Crime Penalties in Oregon May be “Bellwether” Legislation for National Reform
In 2015, Oregon legalized recreational marijuana. To date, seven states and the District of Colombia have adopted full legalization, and 26 states have legalized marijuana in some form. But what about more serious drugs like crystal meth and cocaine? There are no plans to legalize narcotics in the near future,…
Boating Under the Influence in MA
In MA, as in all states, operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated is illegal. When it comes to land vehicles, passengers are also prohibited from consuming alcohol while in the vehicle. But what about boats? Can boat passengers imbibe? The answer is yes. Passengers can drink alcohol on a boat,…
Can I Get Convicted of OUI in MA if My Blood Alcohol Concentration is Less than 0.08 Percent?
In short, yes. In MA, a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher is above the legal limit. However, there are certain circumstances under which you can be charged with OUI with a lesser BAC. Some of these scenarios are listed below. Zero Tolerance Laws In Massachusetts –…
Truck Driver Charged in Human Trafficking Tragedy
A truck driver is being charged with human trafficking after eight people were found dead in a tractor trailer last week. The rig, which was parked at a Walmart in San Antonio, was being used to illegally transport immigrants. In addition to the eight victims, nearly 40 more passengers needed…