Probation in criminal law is an alternative to serving time in jail or prison. It refers to a period of time in which an offender is subject to certain conditions set by the courts, often under the supervision of a probation officer. Probation is also a period of monitoring as a condition upon an...

Domestic violence is a terrible crime with far-reaching impacts. Too many domestic violence accusations, however, are baseless and made in the heat of the moment by an angry spouse or family member. This leads to many cases being stuck in the criminal justice system that should not be there. In these situations, the person...

An arraignment is typically the first court appearance required of an individual who is facing criminal charges (the defendant). You may have to attend an arraignment hearing if you get arrested in Massachusetts for driving under the influence, assault charges, or other crimes. You may also be called for an arraignment hearing if you're...

Having an open container of alcohol in your vehicle is a crime in many states, but Massachusetts is no longer one of them. As of February 21, 2020, the Supreme Judicial Court ruled that an open alcohol container is not a crime in the Commonwealth. This does not mean that you can have an...

Being arrested for an alleged crime can be a frightening and stressful experience. It is important, however, to realize that you have rights you must protect. There are things you can do if you're arrested in Massachusetts that can drastically improve your odds of winning a criminal case. If you believe you are going...