What Constitutes Disorderly Conduct in Massachusetts? Over 2,000 people a year find themselves under arrest for disorderly conduct in Massachusetts. But what exactly is disorderly conduct? Often used as a catch-all offense when someone acts in a way that is likely to upset others, disorderly conduct actually applies to a…
Articles Posted in Juvenile Crimes
Charged With Malicious Destruction of Property in MA? What to Expect.
Facing a Malicious Damage Charge in MA? Any type of property damage—from vandalism and graffiti to hitting another’s property with your car—can result in a criminal charge for malicious damage. As with most crimes, penalties for malicious damage are largely dependent on the circumstances of the case, the severity of…
Zero Tolerance Laws for Underage OUI
It is illegal in all 50 states to purchase, and even to possess, alcohol if you are under the age of 21. And although it is illegal for anyone to drive under the influence of alcohol, individuals under age 21 are prohibited from driving with even the slightest trace of…
Is Failing to Report Child Abuse a Criminal Offense?
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…
PA District Attorney Refiles Most Serious Charges in Penn State Hazing Case
Tim Piazza, a 19-year-old sophomore at Penn State University, died last year due to injuries sustained in a hazing incident. The Beta Theta Pi fraternity, which was supposed to be alcohol-free due to a previous suspension, led Piazza and several other pledges through a hazing ritual dubbed “the gauntlet.” Surveillance…
MA Man Among 10 People Arrested in Death of LSU Fraternity Pledge
On September 14, an 18-year-old college student from Roswell, Georgia was killed during a hazing incident at Louisiana State University. Maxwell Gruver died of complications related to acute alcohol intoxication while trying to join Phi Delta Theta. Students hoping to be accepted into a particular fraternity or sorority are called…
Charged with Child Endangerment in MA?
If you are caring for a child – whether your own or someone else’s – you have a legal responsibility to keep that child away from unreasonably harmful or dangerous situations. If you put a child in an unhealthy, inappropriate, or dangerous situation, or you don’t intervene to help remove…
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…
Four Fraternity Members Agree to Plea in 2013 Hazing Death
On Monday, four men who were initially charged with murder pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of voluntary manslaughter for the 2013 hazing death of would-be fraternity brother, Chun Hsien Deng. The 18-year-old student died at a weekend retreat for potential Baruch College members of the Pi Delta Psi, an…
Charged with Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor in MA?
An adult who persuades or helps a minor commit an act of juvenile delinquency may be charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor (CDM). In MA, a minor is anyone under the age of 18. Juvenile delinquency is generally a criminal offense committed by a minor. Examples of…