Suitability in Massachusetts: What Gun Owners Need to Know in 2026
If you’re applying for a License to Carry (LTC) in Massachusetts, you’ve probably heard the term “suitability” come up. It’s a word that can feel....
Frequently Asked Questions: Your Massachusetts Summons Arraignment
Massachusetts summons arraignment notices can raise immediate questions. If you’ve received a summons for an arraignment in the mail, that envelope contains your case number,....
Your Arsenal After Indictment: Five Weapons Massachusetts Gives You to Fight Back
An indictment feels like defeat. A grand jury met in secret, heard the Commonwealth’s evidence, and decided there is probable cause that you committed a....
Personal Use: A Defense to Drug Trafficking Charges in Massachusetts
If you’re facing drug trafficking charges in Massachusetts, you’re probably terrified. You’ve heard about mandatory minimum sentences and prison time, and you’re wondering if there’s....
A Holiday Guide to Understanding Criminal Conspiracy
Look at the image above. What do you see? If you said “a Christmas tree,” you’re right—even though there’s no actual tree in the picture.....
The Strategic Power of Jury Instructions: A Missed Opportunity in Criminal Defense
The value of jury instructions in criminal trials cannot be overstated, yet too many defense attorneys treat them as an afterthought. This represents a fundamental....
Understanding Jury Selection: The Critical First Step in Your Trial
When you decide to take your criminal case to trial, the first crucial step happens before the trial technically begins: jury selection. This process, sometimes....
Receiving Stolen Property Charge: How Massachusetts Courts Handle It
Confronting a receiving stolen property charge in Massachusetts can come as a surprise to many defendants—especially those who claim they didn’t know an item was....
Juvenile Charged with Murder in Massachusetts: How Are These Cases Handled?
When a juvenile charged with murder in Massachusetts, the stakes are extraordinarily high. Even though the defendant is a minor, homicide charges—especially murder—trigger special procedures....
Understanding Child Support Calculations in Massachusetts
If you’re navigating a child support matter in Massachusetts, understanding how support amounts are determined can help you better prepare for what to expect. The....
Sealed Indictments in Massachusetts: A Plain-English Guide
Facing a criminal charge can be confusing, especially when terms like sealed indictment come up. This guide explains what a sealed indictment is in Massachusetts....
Self-Defense in a Massachusetts Homicide Case: When Does It Apply?
Facing a homicide charge in Massachusetts is one of the most serious legal situations anyone can encounter. In these cases, self-defense may provide a complete....
Understanding Attempted Murder Charges in Massachusetts
Facing an attempted murder charge in Massachusetts is an incredibly serious matter. While it differs from a completed homicide, the penalties are still severe and....
What Happens After a Murder Charge in Massachusetts?
Facing a murder charge in Massachusetts is among the most serious legal situations anyone can experience. The process that follows is complex, often lengthy, and....
Burglary vs. Home Invasion: What’s the Legal Difference in Massachusetts?
If you’re wondering about burglary vs home invasion in Massachusetts, the difference is more significant than most people realize. Both are among the most serious....
Breaking and Entering in Massachusetts: Felony or Misdemeanor?
Breaking and entering (B&E) is one of the more common property-related offenses in Massachusetts, but not all B&E charges are treated equally. Depending on the....
Can I Represent Myself for a Motor Vehicle Offense at a Clerk Magistrate’s Hearing?
If you’ve received a notice to appear at a Clerk Magistrate’s hearing for a motor vehicle offense in Massachusetts, you may be debating whether to....
Can I Represent Myself for a Theft by Check Charge at a Clerk Magistrate’s?
If you’ve been summoned to a Clerk Magistrate’s hearing for a theft by check charge in Massachusetts, you may be wondering whether you can represent....