Janelle Grasty of Framingham, Massachusetts was engaged in an act of Prostitution with Nev Lima, another Framingham resident. After consummating the act Lima went to pay Grasty. She accepted her fee and pulled a knife on him, demanding the rest of his money. Lima defended himself and was bitten in the process. At least that is the story Lima told the police. Grasty on the other hand claimed that the money was hers, all one thousand two hundred dollars of it. According to a police report the two were fighting in a hallway, naked when the police arrived. Both have been charged with criminal offenses out of the Framingham District Court as follows:
Janelle Grasty
Prostitution,
Assault and Battery,
Armed Robbery
Nev Lima
Assault and Battery
Disorderly Conduct
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Framingham Sex Crimes Lawyer
So how is this case going to work out? A lot depends on what the police saw and more importantly whether anyone else witnessed this incident. According to the article the knife was found in a bathroom. Thus, it is difficult to determine who in fact is telling the truth here, at least about the Robbery allegation. It is true that prostitutes often get robbed. They also rob their customers. To prove the robbery allegation the prosecution will need a percipient witness. There is not one here. Here is another problem with this case from a prosecutorial point of view. Since both have been charged with criminal offenses it is probable that neither will be offering testimony against the other. Both Grasty and Lima will likely invoke their Fifth Amendment Privilege. That right, guaranteed by the United States Constitution provides that no one “shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself”. If Grasty and Lima decide to testify then they are waiving this privilege and, in the context of this case probably incriminating themselves. It would imprudent for either of them to do so, particularly where testifying truthfully would possibly result in an admission to the charges pending against them. The invocation of this privilege will make prosecuting this case virtually impossible. I would bet that the charges against these defendants get dismissed on the day of trial.
Experienced Massachusetts Criminal Defense Lawyers have to help their clients make decisions like this one every day. It is important that your lawyer not only knows the law but that he or she knows how to utilize the law to help with your defense. The end result of criminal cases in Massachusetts and throughout the country often results on the strategies employed by the defense attorney. Knowing your rights and properly embracing them is a good formula for success.
The Law Offices of Stephen Neyman is committed to defending the accused no matter what the crime. Call us at 617-263-6800 or contact us online to discuss your criminal case. No matter how serious the charge, a competent criminal lawyer can help you. Our office is staffed with competent, experienced professionals who stand ready to fight for you.