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Criminal Defense

Recent Posts in Criminal Defense Category

  • How the Insanity Defense Works in Massachusetts

    You’re probably familiar with the insanity defense, but do you understand how it works, how a defendant may be found not guilty by reason of insanity, and what the outcome of such a ruling is? No, an insanity defense does not claim that a defendant is innocent, but rather that they did commit the criminal act, but are not legally culpable for their conduct because of poor mental health. A defense ...
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  • What Is Wire Fraud?

    Wire fraud is one of the most serious white collar felonies on the books. Every year, fraud costs the U.S. economy trillions of dollars. As a result, the government fiercely prosecutes those suspected of fraud to reduce fraudulent activity in the future. Sadly, these overly-enthusiastic pursuits can result in innocent people getting caught up in the criminal justice system over misunderstandings ...
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  • Overall Crime Down in Boston, But Murders Up Significantly

    Murders jumped 50% in Boston during the first half of this year compared to last, while overall crime is down 5%, according to statistics released by police last month. Between Jan. 1 and June 10, 24 people were killed in the city—8 more than the 16 murdered in the first six months of 2017. “Five of them have been stabbings, which is very unusual for us,” said Police Commissioner William Evans. ...
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  • What Is Health Care Fraud?

    Unlike other health law matters, health care fraud cases progress very quickly and carry significant penalties and fines. In recent years the federal government has teamed up with state and local government to aggressively identify and stop health care fraud. Investigators are often ruthless and use informants, previous employees and others with potential inside information to assist in the ...
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  • How to Defend Against Sex Crime Allegations in the #MeToo-Era

    At Brad Bailey Law, we routinely defend clients who have been accused of sex crimes in courtrooms throughout Middlesex, Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk County. During this time, we have witnessed first-hand the way that the #MeToo movement has changed the back-drop for how these cases are now being tried before juries. We’re not saying that accused sex offenders can no longer get fair trials; they ...
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  • Shoplifting Charges in Massachusetts

    Not all crimes are created equally, but they can all potentially result in serious consequences for an offender, including fines, probation, jail time, and a criminal record. Shoplifting is one of those crimes that people often view as a minor, non-violent criminal offense. Stealing a beer from a convenience store may not be thought of on the same level as robbery, but it can in Massachusetts. ...
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  • What Police Don't Tell You About Field Sobriety Tests

    After you get pulled over by the police you’re probably nervous, even if no crime has been committed. It’s normal to feel anxious, but unfortunately, that can disrupt your decision-making process, often leading to poor choices. One of those poor choices is taking a field sobriety test. A common misconception is that because of implied consent laws, you’re required to take a field sobriety test. In ...
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  • What Is the Presumption of Innocence?

    A bedrock principle of the American criminal justice system is that a defendant accused of a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This protection comes from the due process guarantees in the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution. It exists to guard against convictions based on factual error. You may wonder, especially if you are involved in a ...
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  • Can You Be Arrested for Self-Defense?

    Our country’s laws allow us to protect ourselves. As part of your Constitutional right, you have the right to “security of person,” which means you have the right to protect yourself from harm, such as in instances of assault and battery, domestic violence or even destruction or theft of property. Unfortunately, a police officer may arrest you even if you did nothing wrong. Is self-defense really ...
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  • What You Need to Know About Indecent Exposure

    Laws surrounding indecent exposure make it a crime for any person to knowingly and purposefully display their genitals in public, especially when it offends or alarms other people. While indecent exposure is usually committed for sexual gratification or in an attempt to entice a sexual response, embarrassing acts such as public urination, inadvertent public sex acts or other displays of nudity in ...
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  • Long-Term Costs of a Juvenile Criminal Conviction

    Roughly 1.3 million children under the age of 18 are arrested each year in the U.S. As a parent, you never expect your own kids to be part of that statistic, but unfortunately it happens. While it’s easy to dwell on their arrest, it’s extremely important that you act quickly and hire an experienced criminal defense attorney for them. You should never take a juvenile crime lightly, because the ...
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  • Is Drug Trafficking a Felony or Misdemeanor?

    Depending on the amount of drugs, the type of drugs, where they were found, intent, and whether or not they were being shared, possession of a controlled substance can be a misdemeanor. Drug trafficking/distribution, on the other hand, is a felony and is considered a much more serious crime than simple possession. If you are found in possession of a controlled substance, you could be charged with ...
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  • 6 Three Strikes Law Pros and Cons

    In 2012, Massachusetts became the 27 th state to implement a “three strikes” law, making criminals who have been convicted three times of specific crimes ineligible for parole, forcing them to serve their full sentence. While the bill was touted as only affecting “habitual offenders,” it has been criticized for its lack of judicial discretion and dramatic increase in the types of crimes (1 to 19) ...
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  • Consequences for Money Laundering in Massachusetts

    Money laundering is the process of concealing the origins of illegally obtained money and making it appear legal, or “clean.” Typically, this process involves three steps: placement, layering and integration. First, the illegal funds are introduced into a legitimate financial system. Next, the money is moved around, whether it’s by transfer or wire, through several accounts. Finally, it is ...
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  • What to Do If You've Been Falsely Accused of Sexual Assault

    In today’s climate, more and more men in positions of power are being accused of sexual assault. While this is unacceptable in any industry or arena, many of these allegations are being thrown out without any definitive proof. In fact, many of the accused are losing jobs, losing their loved ones, and facing a public outcry before they even have a chance to deny or accept these claims. First things ...
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  • Are Criminal Convictions Public Record?

    If you have been convicted of a crime in the United States, this fact is public record. This means the record of your conviction, including the details of the case, are available for anyone who goes to a court clerk’s office and searches for your specific files. The only exception to this general rule is when the judge rules to seal a conviction. This is also known as expungement, which occurs if ...
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  • Will My Child Be Tried in Juvenile Court?

    Experienced Juvenile Criminal Defense Lawyer in Boston The fact that a child is under 18 years old does not necessarily eliminate the possibility that they could be tried in court as an adult. In fact, whether they are tried as an adult or in juvenile court depends largely on the severity of the crime they are alleged to have committed. Massachusets Laws In the state of Massachusetts, there is a ...
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  • 4 Questions to Ask Your Criminal Defense Attorney

    Before you hire someone, you want to make sure they have the skills, knowledge, and drive to help you reach your goals. The same goes with a criminal defense attorney. If you are facing criminal charges, it is important that you seek the help of an experienced, competent criminal defense attorney. The legal process can be complicated and long, so it is crucial that you work with a lawyer who can ...
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  • Can the Police Take My Blood Without a Warrant?

    According to a ruling by the Supreme Court, law enforcement officers may not draw blood without consent or a warrant. However, implied consent laws have since made these laws a bit trickier to navigate. Drivers who are pulled over under suspicion of DUI are subject to implied consent laws, which will result in the legal requirement to provide a blood sample. The Fourth Amendment requires a warrant ...
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  • Protecting Your Rights During a White-Collar Investigation

    White-collar crimes, becoming increasingly more widespread, are financially motivated, nonviolent crimes committed most commonly by business people and government professionals. Protecting your rights during a white-collar investigation starts with enlisting in the help of a Boston criminal defense lawyer you can trust, such as ours at Brad Bailey Law. Once you are backed by legal counsel, care, ...
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  • What Does the Law Say About Sexting?

    Criminal Defense Attorney in Boston, Massachusetts Since most states do not have laws that specifically, uniquely refer to sexting as a crime, sexting charges can be brought under that state’s child pornography and obscenity statutes. In any case, charges of sexting could result in conviction of a sex crime involving a child, which carries serious consequences for all parties involved. If you or ...
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  • What is Probable Cause?

    You have likely heard “probable cause” in reference to a criminal defense investigation , though many people aren’t aware of what the term actually entails. Probable Cause Defined Stemming from the 4 th amendment of the U.S. constitution, probable cause means the law enforcement are required to have a satisfactory reason to arrest someone, conduct a search, or seize property relating to a ...
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  • What Does Pleading No Contest Mean?

    Pleading no contest is essentially saying you accept the punishment of a crime without admitting any guilt. These pleas are only possible under certain circumstances, and they depend on the facts of your case and the judge’s discretion. While pleading no contest may seem futile if you still have to accept the sentence and penalties, it can actually provide some benefits. Here are two benefits ...
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  • What Is the Difference Between Murder & Manslaughter?

    You may have heard the terms murder and manslaughter used in criminal law settings, and maybe you or someone you know is facing charges under those titles. Knowing the difference between these two terms can help you understand your options when facing charges so you can make informed decisions. Our Boston criminal defense lawyers at Brad Bailey Law have defended hundreds of clients against charges ...
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  • Preparing for First Court Appearance

    Going to court for the first time can be an incredibly overwhelming experience. Judges can be intimidating, and the entire process is confusing if you are unfamiliar with how things usually go. Your chances of obtaining the best outcome increase exponentially when you are prepared for what’s ahead. In order to be on the judge’s good side, you will need to ensure you follow all official and ...
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