Boston Criminal Lawyer Blog
Although crime in Boston is reportedly down, murders were up in 2016. There were a total of 47 homicides in Boston last year, which is nine more than 2015. The first homicide of last year was a 16-year-old teen who was shot and attacked with a machete in East Boston. Sadly, he was the third teen to be murdered in that neighborhood in only four months. According to police, all three deaths were part of an initiation for the MS-13 street gang. Suspects are currently awaiting trial.
According to Boston Police Commissioner William Evans, the police department has been cracking down on violent gang activity. “Our No. 1 priority is taking guns off the street and taking the violence out of our communities,” said Evans. “Operation Wolfgang” is a joint effort among federal, state and local law enforcement to seize drugs, cash, and guns and clear the streets of a drug ring known as the Mozart Street Gang.
46 People Overdose Every Day in the US
According to Suffolk County District Attorney Dan Conley, the arrests of nearly three dozen traffickers will save lives. “Traffickers like these, not only do they rob, shoot and even kill their business rivals and innocents who get caught in the crossfire, they’re responsible for the overdoses that claim three times more lives in Massachusetts than handguns and motor vehicles combined,” said Conley. According to FBI Special Agent Harold Shaw, “Drug overdose is the leading cause of injury death in the United States, claiming the lives of 46 people every day.” These arrests are also likely to make a dent in the amount of heroin passing through Boston’s city, and suburban, streets. If you are facing charges for any type of criminal offense, contact a Boston defense lawyer today.
Shannon Grants
MA has awarded $5.7 million in grant funds to support the efforts of law enforcement to clear the streets of gang violence. According to Gov. Charlie Baker, the funds will be distributed to more than a dozen organizations and communities in the Boston area. Part of this funding goes to providing at-risk youth with education and employment opportunities. The hope is that these opportunities will be a welcome alternative for kids who may have otherwise gotten involved with gangs. The so-called “Shannon Grants” are named for Charles Shannon, a police officer who later became a Senator. The cities receiving funding are Boston, Brockton, Fall River, Fitchburg, Haverhill, Holyoke, Lawrence, Lowell, Lynn, New Bedford, Pittsfield, Springfield and Taunton. If you have been charged with a crime, contact a MA defense lawyer today.
Gang violence is a problem in Boston, but sometimes people are simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. If you are charged with a gang-related crime by association when you did nothing wrong, you will need the assistance of a skilled defense lawyer to avoid getting locked up and paying hefty fines. In some cases, simply being photographed with a person who is flashing a gang sign can be enough to convict you of crime by association.
Altman & Altman, LLP – Boston’s Top Criminal Defense Law Firm
If you have been charged with any type of crime, the skilled legal team at Altman & Altman, LLP can help. We will analyze the details of your case and ensure that you understand your rights and options. Don’t let a mistake ruin your life. Together, we will come up with an airtight legal strategy and position you for the best possible outcome. We will fight tirelessly to protect your rights, reputation, and freedom. If you are facing charges for any type of criminal offense, we can help. Contact Altman & Altman, LLP today for a free and confidential consultation about your case.
