Blog Posts in 2019
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The Importance of Remaining Silent
Posted By Sweeney & Associates, LLCContinue Reading
If you ask anyone walking down the street what Miranda warnings are, nine times out of ten, you will encounter someone who can recite them word for word. Since Miranda warnings are often recited on TV shows like Cops and Law & Order, people every day are exposed to them. Miranda warnings are one of the most important rights you are given by the police when you are in custody and you should always ...
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How to Cope When a Loved One is Charged with a Crime
Posted By Sweeney & Associates, LLCContinue Reading
Having a loved one charged with a crime often comes out of the blue. Maybe a loved one was driving home after having a few drinks at a bar and you get a call at 2am saying they need you to bail them out of jail. In other instances, they get arrested and you get a call from an attorney at the courthouse letting you know they are in custody. Another not uncommon phone call we get is from a parent ...
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The Dangers of Internet Encounters
Posted By Sweeney & Associates, LLCContinue Reading
We have received many calls from both men and women who met someone online, then met them in person, and after trying to break off the relationship whether it was after a first date or lengthy relationship, found themselves on the receiving end of some frightening behavior. You may encounter someone who is constantly calling or texting you, showing up uninvited at your house or work, or sending ...
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Possible Criminal Case Results in Massachusetts
Posted By Sweeney & Associates, LLCContinue Reading
The law is not black and white- guilty or not guilty. In many cases there is an in-between way to resolve different types of criminal charges. Every case is different and the options of resolving your case are different. Dismissals Cases can be dismissed in certain circumstances. If your case is dismissed that means you are no longer facing charges. For less serious charges like Operating on a ...
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Peeping Toms, Upskirting, and the Punishment for Recording Someone
Posted By Sweeney & Associates, LLCContinue Reading
At Sweeney & Associates we have seen a steady increase in people charged with voyeur related crimes over the past several years. While this can be attributed to a number of different reasons, it is likely because it is now much easier to record someone without their knowledge. Peeping Tom and Upskirting cases are the most common voyeur crimes we represent people against and are criminalized in ...
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Negligent Operation and Drunk Driving
Posted By Sweeney & Associates, LLCContinue Reading
Charges of Operating Under the Influence (OUI) and Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle often go hand-in-hand. It is rare for us to see a criminal case where someone was charged with Operating Under the Influence, but not charged with Negligent Operation. There were two reasons these charges always went together: (1) the arresting officer assumed that if you were driving while under the ...
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Operation Playpen: The court weighs in on whether the FBI was right to run a child pornography website
Posted By Sweeney & Associates, LLCPlaypen Arrests In February 2015, the FBI obtained a warrant that gave them permission to seize the Playpen website. Playpen was a child pornography website where users could download, trade, and view child pornography. The website also had discussion forums where users could discuss topics such as techniques to avoid law enforcement or how to groom children. Once the FBI got the warrant, they ran ...Continue Reading -
Learner’s Permit Violations
Posted By Sweeney & Associates, LLCContinue Reading
Getting your learner’s permit is a rite of passage but what happens when you don’t abide by the specific conditions associated with it? You could end up facing criminal charges for driving without a license and your learner’s permit could be suspended. Not only that, your passenger may also be at risk for criminal charges or having their license suspended. Massachusetts Learner’s Permit Rules When ...
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Do I Need an Attorney If I’m Guilty?
Posted By Sweeney & Associates, LLCContinue Reading
Many people don’t hire a good lawyer because they tell us “I did it so what can I do now?” Why should I spend the money on a good lawyer if I can’t win? The answer is A LOT! Depending upon the charges you face a good lawyer can get some charges reduced or even dropped in what is called “plea negotiations.” In other cases the sentencing range is vast and involves jail time. In these cases you want ...
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How To Stay Out Of Trouble On A Holiday
Posted By Sweeney & Associates, LLCContinue Reading
Most holidays are a great time to get together with family and friends and share a drink. Especially if it’s a holiday with a parade! Some people, however, often have a little too much fun when they’ve been drinking all day. A good time can quickly get out of hand and you can end up being arrested and facing criminal charges. There are certain things you can do though to keep yourself and those ...
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What's the Difference Between Criminal and Civil Harassment under Massachusetts Law?
Posted By Sweeney & Associates, LLCContinue Reading
What Constitutes Harassment in Massachusetts? There are two different kinds of harassment in Massachusetts: criminal harassment and civil harassment . Criminal harassment occurs when a person continuously engages in behavior to upset or bother a specific person. Civil harassment is similar but is not a criminal charge. A conviction for Criminal Harassment is punishable by up to 2.5 years in the ...
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What 2019 May Bring for Massachusetts Marijuana Laws & Regulations
Posted By Sweeney & Associates, LLCContinue Reading
In 2016, Massachusetts voters chose to legalize recreational marijuana. In particular, it is legal to have one ounce of recreational marijuana on your person, and up to 10 ounces in your home. The cannabis industry does not sprout up overnight, though. Now that 2019 is here, how Massachusetts will regulate its cannabis industry and refine its marijuana laws is looking clearer. What ...
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