After you are arrested, the next step is an arraignment. An arraignment hearing is a legal procedure that establishes the charges against you among other things. It is your Constitutional right to a speedy trial, so the arraignment typically occurs quickly after the arrest. Here’s what you need to know about your arraignment and how […]

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has laws in place that prohibit individuals from being “disorderly,” or engaging in disorderly behavior. However, what does and does not constitute disorderly is largely up to the discretion of the arresting officer.  Without clear definitions of what disorderly conduct is, officers can make arrests at liberty. Here’s what you need […]

If a police officer believes a crime has been committed in your house, or believes there is evidence in your house that connects you or someone else who lives there to a crime, they may ask to search your home. Do you have the right to refuse? Here’s what you should understand.  Who May Legally […]

What You Need To Know About Restraining Orders   Often, child abuse, assault, or domestic violence charges also come with a restraining order. If you’ve been issued a restraining order after an alleged violent crime, or because someone has filed one against you, you need to learn about your rights. Here’s how you can protect […]

Meeting The Burden Of Proof   In every state in America, prosecutors must be able to meet a certain burden of proof if they wish to convict someone of a crime for which they’ve been accused. For criminal cases, this standard is quite high considering the impact a conviction can have on a person’s life. […]