In a case that is attracting nationwide media attention, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has demanded that Apple, Inc., provide technical assistance in the form of “unlocking” a cellular telephone (an iPhone, to be exact) in order to assist the FBI’s investigation into an alleged terrorist attack in San Bernardino, California, on December 2,…
In the civil court system, a case begins with the plaintiff filing a lawsuit against the defendant(s), setting forth the various claims under which the plaintiff seeks relief. As the case progresses, each side is afforded an opportunity to discover information about the strengths and weaknesses of the other’s case…
In a world in which it is possible for others, including police and other government officials, to monitor the vast majority of our communications with others via cellphones, computers, and other electronic devices, the line between legitimate state action designed to protect would-be victims of crimes and the rights of…
In the case of In the Matter of a Grand Jury Investigation, a certain law firm agreed to represent a client in April 2013. At the time, the client was under investigation by a grand jury, but an indictment had not yet been issued. According to allegations by the Commonwealth, the client gave…
People often react negatively to the experience of being arrested. There is a high level of embarrassment, a dread of impending confinement, and sometimes a significant level of pain as the arrest is effectuated. A recent case in the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit illustrates some of the issues that can arise…
According to the Executive Clemency Guidelines issued by Governor Deval L. Patrick earlier this year, “The grant of executive clemency is primarily to remove barriers often associated with a criminal record or sentence, therefore facilitating the reintegration of the petitioner into the community of the law abiding… [It] is warranted…
We all have them, and most of us rely on them for much more than simply making a call. Cell phones have become a necessity of modern life, and we use them to communicate in many ways. We text. We surf the internet. We check our Facebook account. We read…
The Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution states in part, “In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial … and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense.” The courts have held that this guarantees the defendant in a criminal…
A criminal misdemeanor record for marijuana possession can have serious consequences and follow you for years. It will impact your ability to gain employment, receive security clearances, qualify for professional licenses, or obtain student loans. If you have been charged with criminal possession of marijuana, our attorneys at our law…