Articles Posted in Violent Crimes

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In an interesting decision delivered today, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court reversed a defendant’s conviction for intimidation of a witness because the defendant’s intimidating conduct occurred before a crime had been committed.  The name of the case is Commonwealth v. Fragata.  Continue Reading

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An unusual fact pattern led the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court to reverse a man’s murder conviction because the Commonwealth did not prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the murder happened in Massachusetts.  The name of the case, which was delivered today, is Commonwealth v. Combs. Continue Reading

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The Massachusetts Appeals Court offered guidance today to juries who attempt to determine if assault victims are hurt enough to satisfy the “bodily injury” element of the assault and battery statute.  The name of the case is Commonwealth v. Ryan.  Continue Reading

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The Massachusetts Appeals Court today affirmed the witness intimidation conviction of a man who sent threatening text messages to his ex-girlfriend imploring her not to testify against him in court.  The name of the case is Commonwealth v. Alden.  Continue Reading

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The Massachusetts Appeals Court today upheld the Boston Police Department’s warrantless seizure of a car that was potentially connected to a murder on Christmas Day of 2013.  The name of the case is Commonwealth v. Holness.  Continue Reading

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The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court today affirmed the first-degree murder convictions against a drug-addicted Lynn man who slit the throats of his mother and grandmother in 2012.  The name of the case is Commonwealth v. Wright.  Continue Reading

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The Massachusetts Appeals Court yesterday agreed with a superior court judge that the stop of a home invasion suspect, and a subsequent search of his backpack, was supported by reasonable suspicion and therefore constitutional.  The name of the case is Commonwealth v. Hilaire.  Continue Reading

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A Cambridge District Court jury today found Attorney Chris Spring’s client not guilty of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon in a case that involved allegations of significant histories of domestic violence by both parties.  Continue Reading

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The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court today concluded the Massachusetts statute that allows crime victims to personally address the judge who is about to impose sentence on defendants is constitutional.  The name of the case is Commonwealth v. McGonagle.  Continue Reading