The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court today ruled that when a driver is suspected of operating under the influence of alcohol and agrees to blow the Breathalyzer, her inability to provide a valid sample will be shared with the jury.  The name of the case is Commonwealth v. Adonsoto.  (more…)

The Massachusetts Appeals Court today affirmed the manslaughter conviction against an illegal immigrant from Ecuador in a case that drew widespread media attention at the time of the crime.  The name of the case is Commonwealth v. Guaman. (more…)

In an important decision that will impact the thousands of people arrested for drunk driving in Massachusetts every year, the Supreme Judicial Court today ruled a defendant has no constitutional right to consult an attorney before deciding whether to take the Breathalyzer test.  The name of the case is Commonwealth v. Neary-French. (more…)

In an opinion delivered yesterday, the Massachusetts Appeals Court made it much easier for the Commonwealth to prove minor motor vehicle offenses (such as driving with a suspended license) by authorizing the introduction of records kept by the Registry of Motor Vehicles.  The name of the case is Commonwealth v. Royal.  (more…)

The Massachusetts Appeals Court today reversed a woman's conviction for operating under the influence of alcohol, ruling the trial judge made inappropriate comments that may have coerced the jury into finding the defendant guilty.  The name of the case is Commonwealth v. Firmin.  (more…)