Consuming marijuana for recreational purposes is now permitted in Massachusetts, but other drugs remain firmly illegal. Cocaine has been extremely popular in the Bay State for many years, but individuals who use, distribute or traffic the drug face harsh penalties if...
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Why is eyewitness testimony sometimes unreliable?
When police in Massachusetts make an arrest, they often rely on eyewitnesses to pick out the suspect involved in the crime. Unfortunately, many factors can render their testimony flawed; these are the main problems with it. Factors that affect witness reliability...
Possible defenses to a drunk driving charge
A Massachusetts police officer who observes signs of impaired driving will often initiate a traffic stop. It's also possible that an officer will initiate a traffic stop after receiving reports of a vehicle being operated erratically. There are a number of defenses...
Cellphone searches in Maryland
A cellphone is more than just a technological convenience; today, people use them for almost everything, some of which are very private and important. For that reason, the Supreme Court ruled that law enforcement personnel must get a warrant to look through a person's...
The Supreme Court’s drug offense decision
Someone who faces sentencing after a criminal conviction will likely worry about the harshness of the penalty. Defendants convicted of offenses related to crack cocaine often dealt with tougher sentencings than those arrested and convicted of powdered cocaine...
Possession of drugs or drug paraphernalia in Massachusetts
One of the most severely punished criminal offenses in Massachusetts is getting caught with drugs. Depending on the type and amount of drugs in your possession, you could be looking at jail time, fines, and a criminal record. Actual versus constructive possessive Drug...
Interrogation methods to be aware of in Massachusetts
If you are arrested, the police officers may interrogate you in hopes of getting a confession. It is important to be aware of the different types of interrogation techniques so that you can protect your rights. The good cop/bad cop technique This technique involves...
Mistakes police make during DUI stops
All states have laws to combat drunk driving with various penalties, such as jail, loss of license and fines. However, police in Massachusetts and around the country can make mistakes when they conduct traffic stops, which may get a case dismissed. Unlawful traffic...
The unequal treatment of pretrial detention
It's an unfortunate truth that, more often than not, the impacts of pretrial detentions disproportionately impact people of color in Massachusetts just as it does the rest of the United States. This is according to new research, which suggests that bail amounts are...
Do you have to answer any questions at an OUI/DUI stop?
Being stopped by a Massachusetts law enforcement officer while behind the wheel can be a frustrating experience. The protocol associated with a traffic stop alone can be problematic, as the investigation begins immediately before being questioned about a driving...
