MPG Table of Contents

Title Page
Introduction
About the Author
Credits
PROCEDURE 1 (DISCOVERY)
- District Court Procedure
  - Bail Hearings
  - Special COVID-19 Bail Considerations
  - Detention
  - Warrant Management System
  - Governor's Warrants; Detainers
- A Prosecutor's Guide to Discovery
  - Note: The 2004 Revisions to Rule 14
  - 1. Statements of the Defendant
  - 2. Grand Jury Testimony
  - 3. Statements of Witnesses
  - 4. Names and Addresses of Witnesses
  - 5. Statements of Co-Defendants
  - 6. Exculpatory Evidence
  - 7. Lost or Destroyed Evidence
  - 8. Privileged Material
  - 9. Statements of Non-Witnesses
  - 10. Notes of Interviews; Witness s Notes
  - 11. Promises, Rewards, and Inducements
  - 12. Interviews With Witnesses and Victims
  - 13. Interviews With Witnesses in Custody
  - 14. Identity of Informants
  - 15. Surveillance Post Locations
  - 16. Documents and Other Exhibits
  - 17. Results of Examinations and Scientific Tests; Examiner s Worksheets; Polygraph Examinations
  - 18. Interception of Oral or Wire Communications
  - 19. Criminal Records of Defendant and Witnesses
  - 20. Police Reports; Public Records
  - 21. Reciprocal Discovery
  - 22. Bills of Particulars
  - 23. Defense Funds: Indigent Defendants
  - 24. Continuing Duty
  - 25. Sanctions
- Amending the Complaint
- Continuances
  - Defaults
  - Winning (and Losing) Continuances
  - What to Do (and Not to Do)
  - Reasons Not to Dismiss: The Separation of Powers
- Impeachment With a Prior Conviction
  - Other Crimes Evidence
PROCEDURE 2 (JOINT VENTURE)
- Multiple Defendants
  - Introduction: Joint Venture and Conspiracy
  - Joint Venture: Procedure
  - Joint Representation; Conflict of Interest
  - The Joint Enterprise Doctrine
  - Accessory Before the Fact; Aiding and Abetting
- The Bruton Rule
  - Introduction
  - Harmless Error
  - Redaction
  - Interlocking Confessions
  - Accomplice Testimony
  - Bench Trials
- Digest of Joint Venture Cases
  - Evidence Found Sufficient
  - Evidence Found Insufficient
- The Probable Cause Hearing
- Juvenile Proceedings
  - Violent Juvenile Offenders Act
  - M.G.L. c. 119, § 58. Dispositions in Juvenile Cases.
  - M.G.L. c. 119, § 65. Juvenile Sessions; Presence of Minors; Exclusion of the Public.
  - M.G.L. c. 119, § 72. Offenders Reaching Their Eighteenth Birthday.
  - M.G.L. c. 119, § 72A. Offenders Apprehended After Age Eighteen.
  - Extended Commitment Orders
  - Parent-Child Privilege
SEARCH AND SEIZURE
- Constitutional References
  - Amendment IV, United States Constitution
  - Art. XIV, Massachusetts Declaration of Rights
- Introductory Note
  - State Action
  - Security Officers
  - Foreign Searches
  - Massachusetts Rules of Standing
  - Federal Rules of Standing
- Privacy Analysis
  - Introduction
  - Property Interests
  - Third Party Disclosures
  - Matters Open to Public View
  - Enhancement of the Senses
  - Commercial Premises
  - Contraband; Trespassed Premises
  - Pretrial Detainees, Prisoners, Prison Visitors, Probationers and Parolees
  - Privacy Interests; Common Areas
  - Bodily Integrity
  - Abandonment
- The Exclusionary Rule Exceptions
  - The Warranted Good Faith Exception
  - Independent Source
  - Inevitable Discovery
- Fruit of the Poisonous Tree; Attenuation
  - The art. 14 Exclusionary Rule
  - Federal Practice
  - Footnotes
THRESHOLD INQUIRIES
- Nonconstitutional Encounters
  - Street Encounters
  - Suspicionless Searches
  - Community Caretaking
- The Threshold Inquiry
  - Basis for the Doctrine
  - Reasonable Suspicion ; Informants Tips
  - Past Crimes
  - The Stop
  - Pursuit and Seizure
  - Miranda Warnings
- Use of Force
  - Scope of the Stop
  - Pre-Arrest Investigative Detentions and Showups
- Specific and Articulable Facts
  - Insufficient Facts
- The Frisk
  - Automatic Companion Rule
  - Orders to Exit a Vehicle
  - The Warranted Terry Detention
  - Detention of Mail
- Drunk Driving Roadblocks; Investigatory Checks
  - License, Registration, and Drug Interdiction Roadblocks; Identification Checks
- Practice Questions
SEARCHES INCIDENT TO ARREST
- Searches Incident to Arrest
  - The Arrest
  - Misdemeanor Arrests
  - Arrests on Informant Information
  - Warrantless Arrests; Judicial Determination of Probable Cause
  - The Search Incident to Arrest
  - Custodial Inventories
  - Scope of the Search Incident to Arrest
  - Security Sweeps
  - Note on M.G.L. c.276, sec. 1
  - Footnotes
- The "Automobile" Arrest
- "Body" Evidence
PLAIN VIEW (sample chapter)
- Plain View
SEARCHES BY CONSENT
- Consent Searches; The "Special Needs" Exception
  - Introduction
  - A Knowing Waiver Is Not Required
  - Validity of Consent
  - Implied Consent
  - Third Party Consent
  - Apparent Authority
  - Scope of the Search
- The "Special Needs" Exception
  - Introduction
  - School Searches; School Locker Searches
  - Searches of Public Employees, Pupils, Probationers, Parolees and Prisoners
  - Drug Testing of Public Employees
SEARCHES OF VEHICLES
- The Vehicle Exception
  - Introduction
  - The Vehicle Exception
  - The Vanishing of the Exigency Requirement
  - Exigency No Longer Required in Massachusetts
  - Permitted Scope of the Search
  - Inventory Searches of Impounded Vehicles
- Storage, Identification, and Exterior Searches
  - Identification Searches
  - Exterior "Searches"
  - Footnote
EXIGENT SEARCHES
- Introduction
- Hot Pursuit
- Threatened Destruction of Evidence or Escape
- Exigent Search of the Person
- Emergency Investigations
- Protective "Sweeps"
- Dire Emergencies
SEARCHES WITH WARRANTS
- Introductory Note
- Staleness
- Scope of the Warrant
- First Amendment Issues
- Third Party Searches
- Particular Description
- Persons Present
- Connection to the Premises
- Catch-All Clauses
- Partial Suppression: Redaction
- Anticipatory Warrants
- Body Warrants
- Administrative Warrants
- No-Knock Warrants; Entry by Ruse
- Execution of the Warrant
- Nighttime Searches; Surreptitious Searches
- Securing Premises, Containers and Persons
- The Affidavit: Gates and Upton
  - The Affidavit: The Two-Pronged Test
  - Veracity and Reliability
  - Corroboration
  - Basis of Knowledge
  - Misstatements in the Affidavit: The Franks Hearing
  - The Amral Hearing: Disclosure of the Informant
- Private Searches
- Procedure
- Return of Property
- Abolition of Trial De Novo: Special Procedures
- Footnotes
ADMISSIONS AND CONFESSIONS
- Constitutional References
- The Fifth Amendment
- The Sixth Amendment
- Art. 12, Massachusetts Declaration of Rights
- The Miranda Rule
- Non-Testimonial Evidence
- Right (Not) to Testify
- Witnesses
- Sixth Amendment
  - Right to Counsel
  - Waiver of Counsel
  - Surreptitious Interrogation
  - Unindicted Crimes; Impeachment
  - Post-Indictment Evidentiary Procedures
  - Sixth Amendment Violations: Remedies
- Fifth Amendment
  - Voluntariness
  - State Action
  - The Humane Rule
  - Waiver
  - Introduction
  - Acts of Waiver
  - Timing
  - Warnings as to Consequences
  - Availability of Counsel
  - Right to Counsel; The Edwards Rule
  - Right to Silence
  - Miranda Warnings
  - Selective Waivers
  - Waivers by Juveniles
- The Totality of the Circumstances Test
  - Introduction
  - Characteristics of the Accused
  - Hearing Impaired Persons; Interpreters
  - Trickery
  - Interrogation Techniques
- Custodial Interrogation
  - Introductory Note
  - The Safe Harbor Rule
  - Telephone Privilege
  - Interrogation
  - Private Parties
  - Custody
  - Field Investigations; Traffic Stops; Booking; Pre-Sentence Interviews
  - Public Safety Exception
- Silence and Impeachment
  - Impeachment of the Defendant
  - Witnesses: Failure to Come Forward
  - Character Witnesses
  - Missing Witnesses
  - Corroboration
- Fruit of the Poisonous Tree; Attenuation
  - Fourth Amendment
  - Fifth Amendment; Derivative Evidence
  - Harris-Marquez Rule
  - Elstad Rule; Smith-Haas Rule
- Practice Notes
- Recording of Confessions
- Rule 13
- Footnotes
IDENTIFICATION
- Identification
  - Conflicting Standards: Motions to Suppress
  - The Botelho Test
  - The Biggers-Brathwaite Test
- The Botelho Factors
  - 1) Opportunity to observe.
  - 2) Accuracy of prior description.
  - 3) Failure to Identify Previously
  - 4) Suggestion
  - 5) Time elapsed.
  - 6) Extrinsic evidence.
  - 7) Familiarity.
- In-Court Identification; Prior Fourth Amendment Violations
- Footnote
IDENTIFICATION EVIDENCE
- Identification Evidence
  - Jury Instructions
  - Cross-Racial Identification
  - Due Process
  - Common-law Exception
  - Right to Counsel
  - Lineups
  - Photographic Identification
  - Showup Identifications
  - One-on-One Showings: Inanimate Objects; Simulacrums; Reenactments; Photo Enhancements
- Accidental Confrontations
  - Contrived Confrontations: Sixth Amendment
  - Field Confrontations
- Suggestive Remarks
- Uses of Extrajudicial Identification
  - As Corroboration
  - As Impeachment
  - As Substantive Evidence
- In-Court Identification
  - Failure to Identify Previously
  - Certainty; Conflicting Testimony
  - Possible Mistake; Other Crimes
  - Altered Appearance, Consciousness of Guilt
- Expert Testimony
  - Opinions as to Identity
- Forensic Identification
  - Composites
  - Voice Identification
  - Physical Characteristics; Fingerprints
- DNA Testing
- Note on Daubert
- DNA Data Banks
- Hypnotically Refreshed Identification
- Footnote
SIMPLE AND AGGRAVATED ASSAULT
- Statutory References
  - Jurisdiction
  - M.G.L. c. 265, § 13A. Assault or Assault and Battery; Punishment.
  - M.G.L. c. 265, § 15B. Assault by Means of a Dangerous Weapon.
  - M.G.L. c. 275. Threats.
  - M.G.L. c. 268, § 13B. Influence or Intimidation of Witnesses or Jurors.
- Assault: Simple and Aggravated
  - Definitions
  - Attempted Battery
  - Offer of Harm (Threatened Battery)
  - Aggravated Assault
  - Words, Threats, and Conditional Offers
  - Joint Venture; Sentencing
  - As a Lesser Included Offense
  - Specific Intent; Voluntary Intoxication
  - Instructions
- Note on Commonwealth v. Howard
- Note on Apparent Ability and Apprehension of the Victim
BATTERY
- Statutory References
  - Jurisdiction
  - M.G.L. c. 265, § 13A. Assault or Assault and Battery; Punishment.
  - M.G.L. c. 265, § 13F. Assault and Battery on a Mentally Retarded Person.
  - M.G.L. c. 265, § 13J. Assault and Battery of a Child; Liability of Person Having Custody; Penalties.
  - M.G.L. c. 265, sec. 13K; Assault, Abuse, Neglect and Financial Exploitation of an Elderly or Disabled Person.
  - M.G.L. c. 265, § 13L. Reckless Endangerment of Children
  - M.G.L. c. 265, § 44. Assault and Battery for Purposes of Coercing Gang Membership.
  - M.G.L. c. 276, § 55. Discharge if Injured Party Satisfied.
  - M.G.L. c. 278, § 8A. Killing or Injuring of Person Unlawfully in a Dwelling; Defense.
  - M.G.L. c. 233, § 23F. Admissibility of Evidence of Physical, Sexual or Psychological Abuse and Related Expert Testimony.
  - M.G.L. c. 265,§ 37. Civil Rights Violations; Sentence and Punishment.
  - M.G.L. c. 265, § 39. Intimidation Because of Race, Color, Religion, National Origin, Sexual Orientation or Disability; Assault or Battery; Damage to Real or Personal Property; Monetary Fines; Imprisonment.
- Battery
  - Definition
  - Nature of the Act
  - Wanton and Reckless Conduct
  - Involuntary Manslaughter
  - Voluntary Manslaughter
  - Transferred Intent
  - Consent
  - Miscellaneous Defenses
  - Battered Child Syndrome
- Defense of Self
  - Self-Defense: Nondeadly Force
  - Self-Defense: Evidence
  - Battered Woman Syndrome
  - Self-Defense: Burden of Proof
  - Defense of Another
  - Defense of Property
  - Accident; Duress
  - Lesser Included Offenses
  - Accord and Satisfaction
- Civil Rights Violations
DANGEROUS WEAPONS (A&B)
- Statutory References
  - Jurisdiction
  - M.G.L. c. 265, § 15A. Assault and Battery with Dangerous Weapon.
  - M.G.L. c. 265, § 14. Mayhem.
  - M.G.L. c. 265, § 15. Assault with Intent to Murder or Maim.
  - M.G.L. c. 265, § 18. Assault with Intent to Rob or Murder, Being Armed.
  - M.G.L. c. 265, § 29. Assault with Intent to Kill.
- Assault and Battery: Dangerous Weapon
  - Dangerous Weapon
  - Intent Required
  - Defenses; Pleading
  - Joint Venture
  - Evidence
  - Lesser Included Offenses
  - The Shod Foot
- Mayhem
  - Lesser Included Offenses
- Assault with Intent to Murder or Kill
  - Lesser Included Offenses
ASSAULTS ON POLICE; POLICE MISCONDUCT
- Statutory References
  - Jurisdiction
  - M.G.L. c. 265, § 13D. Assault and Battery on Public Officers and Employees.
  - M.G.L. c. 265, § 13I. Assault on Emergency Medical Technician, Ambulance Operator, or Ambulance Attendant.
  - M.G.L. c. 127, § 38B. Assaults Upon Corrections Employees.
  - M.G.L. c. 276, § 33. Physical Examination of and Report on Persons Arrested.
  - M.G.L. c. 263, § 2. Arrest on False Pretence; Penalty.
  - M.G.L. c. 263, §3. False Imprisonment; Limitation on Action.
  - M.G.L. c. 268, § 32B. Resisting Arrest.
  - M.G.L. c. 265, § 25. Attempted Extortion.
  - 42 U.S.C. § 1983. Civil Action for Deprivation of Rights.
- Assault and Battery: Police Officer
  - Police Officer
  - Use of Force to Effect Arrest: Police Officers
  - Illegal Arrest: Resistance
  - Defenses: Absence of a Complaint
  - Right of Arrest: Police Officers
  - Right of Arrest: Private Citizens
  - Lesser Included Offenses
  - Note: Assault and Battery on Corrections Officers
- Constitutional Torts; Police and Municipal Liability
  - Section 1983 Claims
  - Procedural Due Process; Substantive Due Process
  - Duty to Protect; Equal Protection; Creation of Danger; Police Pursuits
  - Due Process; Prisoner s Liberty Interest
  - Excessive Force
  - False Arrest; Malicious Prosecution
  - Immunity
    - Qualified Immunity
    - Prosecutorial and Judicial Immunity
    - Supervisory Liability
    - Municipal Liability
    - Covenants Against Suit
- The Massachusetts Tort Claims Act
  - Discretionary Function Exception
  - Intentional Conduct Exception; Damages; Indemnification
  - The Public Duty Rule
- Eighth Amendment Claims
  - Sovereign Immunity
INDECENT ASSAULT AND BATTERY (CHILDREN)
- Statutory References
  - M.G.L. c. 277, § 63. Statute of Limitations.
  - M.G.L. c. 265, § 13B. Indecent Assault and Battery on a Child Under Fourteen.
  - M.G.L. c. 265, § 13F. Indecent Assault and Battery on a Mentally Retarded Person.
  - M.G.L. c. 265, § 13H. Indecent Assault and Battery.
  - M.G.L. c. 265, § 13L (Reckless Endangerment of Children: District Court)
  - M.G.L. c. 272, § 16. Lascivious Cohabitation and Lewdness.
  - M.G.L. c. 272, § 35A. Unnatural, etc., Acts with Child under Sixteen.
  - M.G.L. c. 272, § 35. Unnatural and Lascivious Acts.
  - M.G.L. c. 278, § 16A. Public May Be Excluded at Trials of Certain Crimes Involving Minors Under Age of Eighteen.
  - M.G.L. c. 278, § 16F. Expedited Trials; Sex Crimes Against Children.
  - M.G.L. c. 233, § 21B. Evidence of Victim's Sexual Conduct.
  - M.G.L. c. 233, § 81. Criminal Proceedings; Out-of-Court Statements Describing Sexual Contact; Admissibility.
  - Note on Child Pornography: M.G.L. c. 272, sec. 29A
- Indecent Assault and Battery (Children)
  - The Offense
  - Proving Age
  - First Complaint
  - Medical Records
  - Child Witnesses: Credibility and Competency
  - Spousal Privilege
  - Rape Shield Statute; Impeachment
  - Joinder; Uncharged Conduct
  - Consent and Other Defenses
  - Parental Duty
  - Pleading
  - Mentally Retarded Persons
  - Statutory Rape
  - Lesser Included Offenses
- Unnatural and Lascivious Acts
  - Nature of the Act
  - Consensual Public Acts
  - Defenses
  - Indecent Exposure (Children)
- Evidence and Procedure
  - Statute of Limitations
  - Interracial Crimes: Voir Dire; Peremptory Challenges
  - Expert Witnesses: Child Sexual Abuse; Credibility
  - Rape Trauma Syndrome
  - Videotaped Depositions; Right of Confrontation
  - The Unavailable or Incompetent Child
  - Closure During Child's Testimony
  - Privileged Communications: Access and Review
- Practice Note: Fresh Complaint
  - Consent and Sexual Offenses Against Children
LARCENY
- Statutory References
  - Jurisdiction
  - M.G.L. c. 277, § 41. Indictment for Larceny.
  - M.G.L. c. 266, § 30. Larceny, etc.
  - M.G.L. c. 266, § 28. Theft or Concealment of Motor Vehicles, etc.
  - M.G.L. c. 266, § 20. Stealing in a Building, Ship, etc.
  - M.G.L. c. 266, § 31. Signature; Obtaining Under False Pretenses.
  - M.G.L. c. 266, § 33(2). False Pretences Relating to Banking Transactions or Credit.
  - M.G.L. c. 266, § 25. Larceny from the Person.
  - M.G.L. c. 266, § 40. Common and Notorious Thief.
  - M.G.L. c. 265, § 19. Robbery, Not Being Armed.
  - M.G.L. c. 265, § 17. Armed Robbery.
  - M.G.L. c. 265, § 21A. Carjacking.
  - M.G.L. c. 265, § 20. Assault with Intent to Rob, Not Being Armed.
  - M.G.L. c. 266, § 37. Drawing and Uttering Fraudulent Checks, Drafts and Orders.
  - M.G.L. c. 266, sec. 37E. Identity Fraud and False Impersonations;
  - M.G.L. c. 266, § 30A. Shoplifting; Alteration of Price Tag; Theft of Shopping Cart; Etc.
- Larceny
  - Merger of Distinct Offenses
  - Property Subject to Theft
  - Property of Another
  - Value; Grand and Petit Larceny
  - Corporate Liability
- Larceny By Stealing
  - Trespassory Taking
  - Lost or Mislaid Property
  - Mistakenly Delivered Property
  - Intent to Steal
  - Asportation (Carrying Away)
- Larceny by False Pretenses
  - Introductory Note
  - Definition
  - False Statements of Fact
  - Knowledge
  - Reliance
  - Defenses
  - Identity Fraud
- Embezzlement
  - Definition
  - Trust
  - Fraudulent Conversion
  - Property of Another
  - Demand and Refusal
- Evidence and Pleading
  - Evidence
  - Pleading
  - Common and Notorious Thief
  - Lesser Included Offense
- Larceny From the Person
  - The Offense
  - Robbery (Purse Snatching)
  - Lesser Included Offenses
- Shoplifting
- Misuse of Credit Cards
- Restitution Orders
- Worthless Checks
RECEIVING STOLEN PROPERTY
- Statutory References
  - Jurisdiction
  - M.G.L. c. 266, § 60. Stolen Goods; Buying or Receiving.
  - M.G.L. c. 266, § 60A. Stolen Trade Secrets; Buying or Selling.
  - M.G.L. c. 266, § 62. Common Receiver of Stolen Goods.
  - M.G.L. c. 266, § 28. Receiving a Stolen Motor Vehicle.
  - M.G.L. c. 277, § 42. Indictment for Receiving Stolen Property.
  - M.G.L. c. 277, § 58A. Buying, Receiving, Concealing, or Aiding in the Concealment of a Stolen Motor Vehicle or Trailer or Stolen or Embezzled Property: Venue.
  - M.G.L. c. 277, § 79. Effect of Annexed Forms.
- Receiving Stolen Property
  - Stolen Property
  - Buying, Receiving or Concealing
  - Knowledge
  - Possession of Recently Stolen Goods
  - Defenses
  - Pleading and Jurisdiction; Jury Unanimity
  - Common Receiver
  - Recovered Property and the Fence
  - Note: When Is Property "Recently" Stolen?
BREAKING AND ENTERING
- Statutory References
  - Jurisdiction
  - M.G.L. c. 278, § 10. Nighttime Defined.
  - M.G.L. c. 266, § 14. Burglary, Being Armed or Making an Assault.
  - M.G.L. c. 265, § 18A. Armed Assaults in Dwelling Houses.
  - M.G.L. c. 265, § 18C. Armed Home Invasion.
  - M.G.L. c. 266, § 15. Burglary, Not Being Armed, etc.
  - M.G.L. c. 266, § 16. Breaking, in Night Time, Building or Ship; Injury or Destruction of Safe or Other Depository of Valuables.
  - M.G.L. c. 266, § 16A. Breaking and Entering Building, Ship, Vessel or Vehicle with Intent to Commit Misdemeanor.
  - M.G.L. c. 266, § 17. Entering, in Night Time, without Breaking, or Breaking, etc., in Day Time.
  - M.G.L. c. 266, § 18. Dwelling House; Entry at Night; Breaking and Entering in Day Time.
  - M.G.L. c. 266, § 18A. Entering a Dwelling House Without Breaking.
  - M.G.L. c. 266, § 19. Railroad Car; Breaking and Entering.
  - M.G.L. c. 266, § 20A. Breaking and Entering of Trucks, Tractors, Trailers or Freight Containers.
  - M.G.L. c. 266, § 49. Burglarious Instruments; Making; Possession; Use.
  - M.G.L. c. 266, § 20. Stealing in a Building, Ship, etc.
- Breaking and Entering
  - Definition
  - Breaking
  - Constructive Breaking; Timing
  - Entering
  - Dwelling (Building) of Another
  - Nighttime
  - Intent to Commit a Felony
  - Evidence
  - Lesser Included Offenses
  - Alleging a Theft
  - Breaking a Depository
  - Note on Curtilage
- Armed Crimes in a Dwelling
  - Armed Assault in a Dwelling
  - Armed Home Invasion
  - Armed Burglary
  - Lesser Included Offenses
- Possession of Burglarious Implements
  - Possession
  - Burglarious Tools
  - Intent (Knowledge); Any Other Crime
  - Depository
  - Expert Opinion
- Breaking and Entering Motor Vehicles
  - Automobile Master Keys
- Note: Any Other Crime
CRIMINAL TRESPASS
- Statutory References
  - Jurisdiction
  - M.G.L. c. 266, § 120. Trespass on Buildings, Boats, Improved or Enclosed Land, Wharves, etc., after Being Forbidden; Arrest.
  - M.G.L. c. 266, § 123. Trespassing upon Land of Certain Institutions.
  - M.G.L. c. 266, § 120E. Obstruction of Entry to or Departure from Medical Facility; Injunctive Relief; Damages.
  - M.G.L. c. 266, § 121. Entry on Land with Firearms.
  - M.G.L. c. 266, § 121A. Trespasses Involving Motor Vehicles.
  - M.G.L. c. 266, § 122. Defacing Posted Notices.
- Criminal Trespass
  - Introduction
  - Property of Another
  - Notice
  - Using Force to Eject
  - Defenses: Necessity (Competing Harms)
  - Defenses: Labor Related Activity and Preemption
  - Defenses: First Amendment; Arts. 16 and 19
  - Defenses: Implied License
  - Defenses: Emergency Aid
MALICIOUS MISCHIEF
- Statutory References
  - Jurisdiction
  - M.G.L. c. 266, § 127. Malicious or Wanton Injuries to Real or Personal Property.
  - M.G.L c. 266, § 126A. Defacing Real or Personal Property.
  - M.G.L c. 266, § 126B. Tagging Public or Personal Property.
  - M.G.L. c. 266, § 104. Injury to a Building.
  - M.G.L. c. 266, § 113. Timber, Wood and Shrubs; Wilful Cutting and Destruction on Land of Another.
  - M.G.L. c. 266, § 114. Malicious Injuries to Trees, Fences, etc.
  - M.G.L. c. 266, § 127A. Wilful or Wanton Injury to a Church, Synagogue, Burial House, School, or Adjacent Grounds and Personalty; Threatening Harm to a Place or Worship)
  - M.G.L. c. 272, § 73. Tombs, Graves, and Memorials.
  - M.G.L. c. 265, § 39. Intimidation Because of Race, Color, Religion, National Origin, Sexual Orientation or Disability; Assault or Battery; Damage to Real or Personal Property; Monetary Fines; Imprisonment.
  - Note on the Statutes
- Malicious Mischief
  - Definition
  - The Omnibus Statute, M.G.L. c. 266, § 127
  - Wilful and Malicious Destruction
  - Wanton
  - Wilful and Wanton Compared
  - No Lesser Offense
  - Vandalism; Defacement
  - Property of Another
  - Value
  - Defenses
  - Civil Rights of Action
- Footnotes
PUBLIC ORDER OFFENSES
- Statutory References
  - Jurisdiction
  - M.G.L. c. 272, § 16. Open and Gross Lewdness.
  - M.G.L. c. 272, § 53. Common Night Walkers, Common Railers and Brawlers, etc.
  - M.G.L. c. 272, § 53A. Engaging in Sexual Conduct for Fee; Payors and Payees; Penalties.
  - M.G.L. c. 272, § 54. Arrest of Disorderly Person in Streets, Highways, etc.
  - M.G.L. c. 272, § 59. Arrest without a Warrant for Violations of Ordinances, etc.
  - M.G.L. c. 111B, § 8. Persons Incapacitated in Public Places. Protective Custody.
  - M.G.L. c. 111B, § 3. Definitions.
  - M.G.L. c. 123, § 35. Commitment of Alcoholics and Substance Abusers.
  - M.G.L. c. 268, § 32B. Resisting Arrest.
- Public Order Offenses
  - Introduction
  - Disorderly Persons
  - Accosting or Annoying
  - Disturbing the Peace
  - Protective Custody
  - Lewd, Wanton and Lascivious Conduct
  - Indecent Exposure (Open and Gross Lewdness)
  - Common Night Walking, Prostitution, and Pimping
  - Note on "Public" Places
  - Juvenile Curfews; Anti-Gang Injunctions
  - Annoying Telephone Calls
- Footnote
FORGERY AND UTTERING
- Statutory References
  - Jurisdiction
  - M.G.L. c. 277, § 39. Meaning of Certain Words and Phrases.
  - M.G.L. c. 267, § 1. Forgery of Records, Certificates, etc.
  - M.G.L. c. 267, § 5. Uttering Forged Record or Contract.
  - M.G.L. c. 266, § 37. Drawing and Uttering Fraudulent Checks, Drafts and Orders.
- Forgery and Uttering
  - Introduction
  - Making a False Writing
  - Apparent Legal Significance
  - Intent to Defraud
  - Varieties of Forgery
  - Evidence
  - Defenses
  - Uttering
  - Lesser Included Offenses
  - Joint Venture
  - Forgery and Larceny by False Pretenses
- Forged Checks
- Business Records
- Footnote
FIREARMS OFFENSES
- Statutory References
  - Jurisdiction
  - M.G.L. c. 269, § 10. Penalty for Possessing or Carrying Firearms in Public, etc.
  - M.G.L. c. 140, § 121. Definitions.
  - M.G.L. c. 278, § 7. Burden on Defendant to Prove License.
  - M.G.L. c. 140, § 121A. Certificate of Identification of Firearm as Prima Facie Evidence, etc.
  - M.G.L. c. 269, § 10A. Sale of Silencers for Firearms.
  - M.G.L. c. 269, § 10C. Use of Tear Gas.
  - M.G.L. c. 269, § 10D. Body Armor or Protective Devices; Use During Commission of Felony; Penalties.
  - M.G.L. c. 269, § 10E. Trafficking in Firearms.
  - M.G.L. c. 269, § 10G. Sentencing Enhancement. Prior Convictions for Violent Crimes and Drug Offenses.
  - M.G.L. c. 269, § 10H. Possession of a Firearm While Intoxicated.
  - M.G.L. c. 265, § 18B. Commission of a Felony While in Possession of a Firearm.
- Firearms
  - Introduction
  - Evidence of A Firearm
  - Knowledge and Control: Vehicles
  - Possession (Carrying)
  - Lesser Included Offense
  - Carrying a Dangerous Weapon
  - License: Inference Against; Restrictions
  - Defenses
- Licensing (Gun Control Act of 1998)
- Abuse Prevention Orders
- Trafficking
- Miscellaneous
DRUG CRIMES
- Statutory References
  - Jurisdiction
  - M.G.L. c. 111, § 13. Certificate of result of analysis of narcotic drugs, poisons, drugs, medicines or chemicals; evidence.
  - M.G.L. c. 94C, § 32. Unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing or possession of controlled substances in Class A; criminal penalties; subsequent offenses.
  - M.G.L. c. 94C, § 32A. Unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing or possession of controlled substances in Class B; criminal offenses; sentence.
  - M.G.L. c. 94C, § 32B. Unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing or possession of controlled substances in Class C; criminal penalties; subsequent offenses.
  - M.G.L. c. 94C, § 32C. Unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, cultivation or possession of controlled substances in Class D; criminal penalties; subsequent offenses.
  - M.G.L. c. 94C, § 32D. Unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, or possession of controlled substances in Class E; criminal penalties; subsequent offenses.
  - M.G.L. c. 94C, § 32E. Trafficking in marijuana, cocaine, heroin, morphine, opium, etc.; criminal penalties.
  - M.G.L. c. 94C, § 32F. Unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing or possession with intent to manufacture, etc., of controlled substances in Classes A to C to minors.
  - M.G.L. c. 94C, § 32G. Unlawful creation, distribution, dispensing or possession of counterfeit substances; criminal penalties.
  - M.G.L. c. 94C, § 32H. Prosecutions not to be continued or placed on file; suspension or reduction of sentence; eligibility for parole, etc.
  - M.G.L. c. 94C, § 32I. Sale of drug paraphernalia; penalties.
  - M.G.L. c. 94C, § 32J. Drug free school zones.
  - M.G.L. c. 94C, § 32K. Inducing or abetting minor to distribute or sell controlled substances.
  - M.G.L. c. 94C, § 34. Unauthorized possession; penalties; dismissal and sealing of record in certain cases of first offense.
  - M.G.L. c. 94C, § 35. Presence where heroin is kept or in company of person in possession of heroin prohibited; penalties.
  - M.G.L. c. 94C, § 37. Stealing controlled substance; penalties.
  - M.G.L. c. 94C, § 40. Conspiracy to violate chapter; penalties.
  - M.G.L. c. 94C, § 41. Arrest without warrant.
  - M.G.L. c. 90, § 22(f). Suspension of license to operate; Controlled Substances Act convictions.
- Narcotics Evidence
  - The Controlled Substances Act
  - Search and Seizure
- Possession vs. Distribution
  - Distribution
  - Distribution; Involuntary Manslaughter
  - Expert Testimony
  - Possession and Knowledge
  - Accessorial Liability
  - Lesser Included Offense
  - Certification of a Controlled Substance
  - Chain of Custody
- Entrapment
  - Sentencing Manipulation
- Mistake as to the Nature of a Substance
  - Counterfeit Substances
- Trafficking (Mixtures); Lesser Offenses
- Drug Free School and Park Zones; Abetting a Minor
- Second and Subsequent Offense
- Cocaine Isomer Defense
- Religious Use; Medical Necessity
- Being Present (Heroin)
- Drug Paraphernalia
- Conspiracy
- Interpreters
- Forfeiture
- Loss of Driving Privileges
MOTOR VEHICLE STATUTES
- Statutory References
  - M.G.L. c. 90, § 1. Definitions.
  - M.G.L. c. 90, § 21. Arrest.
  - M.G.L. c. 233, § 79F. Proof of Existence of Public Way.
  - M.G.L. c. 233, § 75. Acts, Resolves, Rules and Regulations of Public Bodies, Ordinances and By-Laws.
  - M.G.L. c. 90, § 24(1)(a)(1). Driving While Under the Influence of Intoxicating Liquor; Second and Subsequent Offenses; Treatment Programs.
  - M.G.L. c. 90, s. 12 Permitting Unlicensed Operation
  - M.G.L. c. 90, § 24(1)(b)(c)&(d). Revocation of License.
  - M.G.L. c. 90, § 24(1)(e)&(f). Blood Alcohol Tests.
  - M.G.L. c. 90, § 24(1)(g). Loss of License; Hearing.
  - M.G.L. c. 90, § 24(1)(h). Operating Under the Influence of Narcotics.
  - M.G.L. c. 90, § 24(2)(a). Operating to Endanger; Leaving the Scene; False Statements; Use Without Authority.
  - M.G.L. c. 90, § 24D. Probation, Driver Alcohol Education, Treatment and Rehabilitation Program for Driver Convicted of or Charged with Operating Motor Vehicle under the Influence of Intoxicating Liquor; Investigation.
  - M.G.L. c. 90, § 24E. Persons Eligible for Disposition under Alternative Plan; Dismissal of Charges.
  - M.G.L. c. 90, § 24G. Homicide by Motor Vehicle.
  - M.G.L. c. 265, s. 13 1/2 Manslaughter - Driving Under the Influence
  - M.G.L. c. 90, § 24I. Open Containers.
  - M.G.L. c. 90, § 24J. Inquiry of Convicted Defendant as to Alcohol Served at a Licensed Establishment.
  - M.G.L. c. 90, § 24L. Reckless or Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle While Under Influence of Liquor or Drugs; Imprisonment and Fine; Minimum Sentence Required to be Served; Definition of Serious Bodily Injury ; Revocation of License.
  - M.G.L. c. 90, § 24N. Additional Penalties; Suspension of License; Prima Facie Showing of Evidence of Alcohol in Blood, etc.; Hearing; Limited Issues.
  - M.G.L. c. 90, § 24 O. Notice of Penalties for Repeat Offense.
  - M.G.L. c. 90, § 24P. Suspension of License; Person Under Twenty-One Years of Age.
  - M.G.L. c. 90, s. 24Q Alcohol and Drug Assessment
  - M.G.L. c. 90, s. 24R Revocation of License
  - M.G.L. c. 90, s. 24S Ignition Interlock Device - Failure to Use
  - M.G.L. c. 90, s. 24T Ignition Interlock Device - Tampering
  - M.G.L. c. 90, s. 24U Ignition Interlock Device - Misuse
  - M.G.L. c. 90, s. 24V Child Endangerment
  - M.G.L. c. 90, s. 24W Forfeiture of Motor Vehicle
  - M.G.L. c. 90, s.24X Motor Vehicle Registration
  - M.G.L. c. 263, § 5A. Right to Immediate Medical Examination of Persons in Custody for Operating Motor Vehicle While Under the Influence of Intoxicating Liquor.
  - M.G.L. c. 276, § 33A. Use of Telephone Maintained in Place of Custody.
  - M.G.L. c. 90, § 23. Operation of Motor Vehicle After Suspension or Revocation of License; Concealment of Identity.
  - M.G.L. c. 90, § 22(c), (h). License Revocation: Out of State Convictions; Outstanding Defaults or Warrants.
  - M.G.L. c. 266, § 28. Motor Vehicle or Trailer; Theft or Concealment; License Revocation.
  - M.G.L. c. 278, § 6A. Testimony of Owner of Stolen Motor Vehicle.
  - M.G.L. c. 147, § 4G. Certificate of Title as Prima Facie Evidence of Unauthorized Use of Motor Vehicle.
  - M.G.L. c. 276, § 92A. Restitution for Motor Vehicle Thefts or Fraudulent Vehicle Insurance Claims.
MOTOR VEHICLE LAW
- Motor Vehicle Offenses
  - Motor Vehicles
  - Public Way
  - Operation
  - Motor Vehicle Citations
  - Speeding; Radar as Evidence
  - Operating to Endanger
  - Reckless Driving
  - Leaving the Scene
  - Uninsured Motor Vehicles
  - Use Without Authority
  - Larceny of a Motor Vehicle
  - Proof of Ordinances and Regulations
  - Civil Infractions: Disposition and Appeal
  - Miscellaneous: The Helmet Law; Altering Title
- Operating Under the Influence
  - The "Per Se" Law; Melanie's Law
  - Under the Influence
  - Public Way
  - Blood Alcohol Tests; Consent and Refusal
  - The Blood Alcohol Test
  - Field Sobriety Tests
  - Independent Medical Examination
  - Telephone Privilege
  - Hearing Impaired Persons
  - Narcotic Drugs; Combining Drugs and Alcohol
  - Commercial Vehicles
- Motor Vehicle Homicide
  - Greater and Lesser Offenses
- The 1994 Drunken Driving Act: A Summary
  - Introduction
  - Operating Under the Influence: First Offense
  - Operating Under the Influence: Second Offense
  - Operating Under the Influence: Third Offense
  - Operating Under the Influence: Fourth Offense
  - Operating Under the Influence: Fifth and Subsequent Offenses
  - Nuisance Drinking Establishments
  - Possession or Purchase of Alcohol by a Person Under Twenty-One: Suspension of License
  - Breathalyzer Refusals; Suspension of License
  - Operating After Revocation
  - Open Containers
  - Motor Vehicle Homicide
  - Serious Bodily Injury
  - Child Endangerment
  - Pretrial Loss of License
  - Roadside Loss of License
  - Notice to Defendant
  - Melanie's Law: Additional Provisions
  - Victim's Compensation
  - Out of State Convictions and License Revocations
  - Proving the Second Offense
- The Breathalyzer: Regulations and Testing
  - The Test
  - The Infrared Device
  - Diabetic Testees; Chemical Interference
  - Partition Ratios
  - Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus Test
DOMESTIC ABUSE
- Statutory References
  - M.G.L. c. 265, § 43. Stalking.
  - M.G.L. c. 265, § 43A. Criminal Harassment.
  - Note on Stalking
- The Household Abuse Law
  - Definitions: Section One
  - Jurisdiction: Section Two
  - Relief: Sections Three and Three A
  - Surrender of Firearms: Sections Three B and Three C
  - Temporary Orders and Hearings: Section Four
  - After Court Hours: Section Five
  - Full Faith and Credit: Section 5A
  - Powers of Police: Section Six
  - Service of Court Orders; Penalties: Section Seven
  - Confidentiality: Section Eight
  - Complaint Forms: Section Nine
  - Assessment: Section Ten
  - Appeals
  - Domestic Violence Record Keeping
  - Note on Parental Kidnapping