In a 4-2 decision the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court affirmed a Superior Court judge’s decision to suppress a search made pursuant to a warrant. As a backdrop, the defendant in this case filed a motion to suppress cocaine, marijuana and drug related paraphernalia seized in his home during the execution…
Articles Posted in Search and Seizure
Chris Brown Formally Charged With Two Felonies
A two count felony complaint issued charging rhythm and blues singer Chris Brown with assault and criminal threats on a person referred to as “Robyn F.” “Robyn F.” is believed to be fellow singer and girlfriend Rihanna. According to news reports, Brown briefly appeared in a Los Angeles Court House…
Three Massachusetts Men Arrested And Charged With Trafficking Marijuana
After a two month investigation law enforcement officials in Norfolk County Massachusetts seized 340 pounds of marijuana at homes in Quincy and Canton. In all three men were arrested and charged with trafficking marijuana. The men have been identified as Tuan Ngoc Pham of Quincy; Jeffrey Falcone of Boston; and…
Understanding The New Marijuana Law
As I am sure most people involved in the criminal justice system are aware the legislature recently changed the law relative to an individual charged with possession of marijuana that is one ounce or less. Possession of an ounce or less of marijuana had been decriminalized. The new section changes…
Massachusetts Appeals Court Reverses Firearm Conviction Holding That Search Incident To Arrest Was Improper
On September 12, 2008, the Massachusetts Appeals Court reversed Harold Pierre’s conviction for possession of a firearm holding that the search conducted by the police at the time of the defendant’s arrest was unlawful. The police were conducting a surveillance in an effort to arrest the defendant on an outstanding…