tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30869779887156030992024-02-20T08:36:43.933-05:00Michael Erlich - Criminal Defense Worcester"Let me take the fear & uncertainty out of your criminal case"Michael Erlichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17910329177163205597noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086977988715603099.post-60694809379944712752012-08-20T12:52:00.001-04:002012-08-20T12:52:07.348-04:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><br />
<div id="containerPageTitle" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 315px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 22px; padding-left: 22px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 34px;">
<h1 id="pageTitle" style="color: #234268; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-transform: uppercase;">
A CALL FOR REFORM OF SENTENCING GUIDELINES</h1>
</div>
<div id="content" style="color: #5a5a5a; padding-bottom: 22px; padding-left: 22px; padding-right: 50px; padding-top: 0px;">
<div class="post postFirst" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(90, 90, 90); border-left-color: rgb(90, 90, 90); border-right-color: rgb(90, 90, 90); border-top-color: rgb(90, 90, 90); clear: both; padding-bottom: 14px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<div class="byline" style="line-height: 1.45em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 1.2em; padding-top: 0px;">
Posted by Attorney Michael Erlich, Attorneys at Law and posted in <a href="http://www.worcestercriminaldefenselaw.com/drug-crimes/" style="color: #183a63;">Drug Crimes</a> on Friday, August 17, 2012</div>
<div class="containerPostContent">
<div class="postContent">
<div style="line-height: 1.45em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 1.2em; padding-top: 0px;">
During the past 22 years, the United States has made great strides in many areas. One area where we as a society have failed and continue to fail, however, is related to sentencing guidelines for non-violent offenders like those charged with <a href="http://www.criminaldefenseworcester.com/possessions.html" style="color: #183a63;" target="_blank">drug crimes</a>. In fact, during the past 22 years, the average prison sentence has increased in length by 36 percent.</div>
<div style="line-height: 1.45em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 1.2em; padding-top: 0px;">
While many other developed nations, including Canada, have worked towards sentencing reform, the U.S. has moved towards stricter and more punitive sentencing guidelines. Prior crimes are also typically taken into account by judges who are more liable to impose harsh sentences on individuals with prior convictions.</div>
<div style="line-height: 1.45em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 1.2em; padding-top: 0px;">
One man, who had two prior convictions both related to non-violent crimes, was recently sentenced to 60 years in prison for attempting to sell $40 worth of narcotics. In another state, a man with prior nonviolent convictions was sentenced to 45 years in prison for stealing a woman's purse. Regardless of prior convictions, one must ask themselves if in these instances the punishment fits the crime.</div>
<div style="line-height: 1.45em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 1.2em; padding-top: 0px;">
Rather than provide additional funding for treatment and rehabilitative programs, most states have opted to impose harsher sentences for less serious crimes. The idea that harsher sentencing guidelines somehow deter or discourage nonviolent offenders, however, does not seem to be working. Rather, there are simply more people flooding our nation's prisons, many of whom do not belong there.</div>
<div style="line-height: 1.45em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 1.2em; padding-top: 0px;">
As a nation, it's critical that we examine current sentencing guidelines and call for sentencing reform. Locking an individual up does nothing to aid in rehabilitation or discourage them from committing another crime. Many individuals convicted of drug crimes, are sick and need treatment. Likewise, individuals convicted of other non-violent crimes often benefit from education and work programs.</div>
<div style="line-height: 1.45em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 1.2em; padding-top: 0px;">
<strong>Source</strong>: American Civil Liberties Union, "<a href="http://www.aclu.org/blog/criminal-law-reform/extreme-sentencing" style="color: #183a63;" target="_blank">Extreme Sentencing</a>," Rachel Myers, Aug. 13, 2012</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Michael Erlichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17910329177163205597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086977988715603099.post-89958997252791223372012-08-13T13:08:00.005-04:002012-08-13T13:08:59.352-04:00NEW PROSTITUTION LAW MIGHT BE COSTLY<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #484848;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #484848;"><span style="color: #383838; font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">Attorney Michael Erlich posted on Monday, August 13, 2012</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #484848;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="color: #383838; font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">Being arrested on the suspicion on soliciting prostitution is
not only a serious and an embarrassing matter but if the City has its way, it
will be a costly one as well. </span><span style="color: #1d1d1d; font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">The proposed legislation would
allow the Worcester district attorney to apply the drug forfeiture laws to
prostitution-related crimes. City Solicitor David M. Moore said the
special legislation is similar to legislation filed by the city in 1996 and
nearly identical to a bill pending before the state Senate filed by Sen. John
F. Keenan, D-Quincy.</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #1d1d1d; font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">While the special legislation sought
by the city manager would apply only to Worcester, the proposed general
legislation now before the Legislature would authorize the state attorney
general and district attorneys statewide to seek court orders declaring
prostitution-related property as eligible for forfeiture.</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #1d1d1d; font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #1d1d1d; font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">At first glance you would think that
it would have a deterrent effect on prostitution but I would love to see the
statistics on how much of a deterrent effect the same forfeiture laws have had
on drug dealing. You might think twice the next time you let someone borrow your vehicle.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_23644981"><span style="color: #383838; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Worcester
Telegram & Gazette<i>, Johns</i></span><i><span style="color: #1d1d1d; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"> could lose cars under Worcester city
manager's proposed law</span></i></a><a href="http://www.telegram.com/article/20120813/NEWS/108139979/1116"><span style="color: #0000f6;">. Nick Kotsopoulos</span></a><span style="color: #1d1d1d;">
August 13, 2012.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #484848;"><br /></span></div>
Michael Erlichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17910329177163205597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086977988715603099.post-86707410695589633842012-08-07T13:49:00.001-04:002012-08-07T13:49:46.867-04:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><br />
<div id="containerPageTitle" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 315px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 22px; padding-left: 22px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 34px;">
<h1 id="pageTitle" style="color: #234268; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-transform: uppercase;">
INVESTIGATION RESULTS IN SEVERAL DUI CHARGES BEING DROPPED</h1>
</div>
<div id="content" style="color: #5a5a5a; padding-bottom: 22px; padding-left: 22px; padding-right: 50px; padding-top: 0px;">
<div class="post postFirst" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(90, 90, 90); border-left-color: rgb(90, 90, 90); border-right-color: rgb(90, 90, 90); border-top-color: rgb(90, 90, 90); clear: both; padding-bottom: 14px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<div class="byline" style="line-height: 1.45em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 1.2em; padding-top: 0px;">
Attorney Michael Erlich posted in <a href="http://www.worcestercriminaldefenselaw.com/drunk-driving-charges/" style="color: #183a63;">Drunk Driving Charges</a> on Wednesday, August 1, 2012</div>
<div class="containerPostContent">
<div class="postContent">
<div style="line-height: 1.45em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 1.2em; padding-top: 0px;">
Being arrested on the suspicion of <a href="http://www.criminaldefenseworcester.com/Overview_Case_Summaries.html" style="color: #183a63;" target="_blank">drunk driving</a> is a serious matter. Those found to be intoxicated while operating a motor vehicle in Massachusetts face hefty fines, suspension of their license and jail time. Additionally, they must deal with the fallout from damage to their image and personal relationships. For these reasons, it's crucial that those accused of driving under the influence know their rights and that arresting officers follow correct procedures when making DUI arrests.</div>
<div style="line-height: 1.45em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 1.2em; padding-top: 0px;">
Several DUI arrests made by one police officer were recently thrown out after an investigation showed they lacked "sufficient information to prosecute". Of the 37 DUI arrests made by the police officer, 24 resulted in charges being dropped. Charges were either dropped because the drivers' blood-alcohol content was determined to be too low or due to the drivers' refusal to submit to sobriety tests.</div>
<div style="line-height: 1.45em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 1.2em; padding-top: 0px;">
Many of those individuals who refused to submit to a sobriety test did so after being insulted and verbally abused by the police officer in question. An investigative panel scolded the police officer for acting in a "demeaning and abrasive" manner. Likewise they chastised him for making comments to drivers that were deemed both unprofessional and inappropriate.</div>
<div style="line-height: 1.45em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 1.2em; padding-top: 0px;">
When making DUI arrests, the police officer relied almost solely on results of the Horizontal gaze nystagmus or HGN test which is not admissable in court. Video footage of the police officer administering the HGN test, however, proves that he did not perform it correctly nor did he take the results of additional sobriety test measures into account. </div>
<div style="line-height: 1.45em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 1.2em; padding-top: 0px;">
Based on the results of the investigation, the police officer has been demoted. He is, however, appealing to be reinstated to his previous position.</div>
<div style="line-height: 1.45em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 1.2em; padding-top: 0px;">
<strong>Source</strong>: Bay News 9, "<a href="http://www.baynews9.com/content/news/baynews9/news/article.html/content/news/articles/bn9/2012/7/27/pinellas_deputy_who_.html" style="color: #183a63;" target="_blank">Exclusive: Transferred for bad DUI arrests, Pinellas deputy fighting to get old job back</a>," Josh Rojas, July 30, 2012</div>
</div>
<div class="postMeta" style="clear: both;">
<div class="tags" style="line-height: 1.45em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.5em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
Tags: <a href="http://www.worcestercriminaldefenselaw.com/mt-bin/mt-search.cgi?blog_id=14366&tag=DUI&limit=20" style="color: #183a63;">DUI</a>, <a href="http://www.worcestercriminaldefenselaw.com/mt-bin/mt-search.cgi?blog_id=14366&tag=Sobriety%20test&limit=20" style="color: #183a63;">Sobriety test</a>, <a href="http://www.worcestercriminaldefenselaw.com/mt-bin/mt-search.cgi?blog_id=14366&tag=criminal%20charges&limit=20" style="color: #183a63;">criminal charges</a></div>
<div class="comments" style="line-height: 1.45em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.5em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
Comments: <a href="http://www.worcestercriminaldefenselaw.com/2012/08/investigation-results-in-several-dui-charges-being-dropped.shtml#comments" style="color: #183a63;">Leave a comment</a></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>Michael Erlichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17910329177163205597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086977988715603099.post-91029954705142104342012-07-27T13:55:00.002-04:002012-07-27T13:56:47.842-04:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><br />
<div id="containerPageTitle" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 315px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 22px; padding-left: 22px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 34px;">
<h1 id="pageTitle" style="color: #234268; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-transform: uppercase;">
OLYMPICS LIKELY TO CAUSE INCREASE IN DOMESTIC VIOLENCE</h1>
</div>
<div id="content" style="color: #5a5a5a; padding-bottom: 22px; padding-left: 22px; padding-right: 50px; padding-top: 0px;">
<div class="post postFirst" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(90, 90, 90); border-left-color: rgb(90, 90, 90); border-right-color: rgb(90, 90, 90); border-top-color: rgb(90, 90, 90); clear: both; padding-bottom: 14px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<div class="byline" style="line-height: 1.45em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 1.2em; padding-top: 0px;">
Attorney Michael Erlich, posted in <a href="http://www.worcestercriminaldefenselaw.com/domestic-violence/" style="color: #183a63;">Domestic Violence</a> on Friday, July 27, 2012</div>
<div class="containerPostContent">
<div class="postContent">
<div style="line-height: 1.45em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 1.2em; padding-top: 0px;">
As the world gears up for the 2012 Olympic Games, London organizers are busy planning for nearly every foreseeable issue. While the sporting events and fanfare will no doubt be the main focus, the Olympics have shed light on another serious issue, that of <a href="http://www.criminaldefenseworcester.com/domestic_violence.html" style="color: #183a63;" target="_blank">domestic violence</a>.</div>
<div style="line-height: 1.45em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 1.2em; padding-top: 0px;">
A center has opened near the Olympic Park that will provide shelter, support and counseling for domestic abuse and violence victims. The facility was opened in response to past research indicating an increase in instances of domestic violence when large sporting events occur.</div>
<div style="line-height: 1.45em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 1.2em; padding-top: 0px;">
Researchers believe a major contributing factor to increases in domestic violence they see during events such as the Olympics, stem from more people being cooped up at home. Due to the large influx of visitors to the city, many London employers have encouraged workers to work from home. Even those who will venture out for work, however, are more likely to remain indoors at home during times they normally may be out socializing.</div>
<div style="line-height: 1.45em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 1.2em; padding-top: 0px;">
The added stress of feeling as though you can't leave the house may be enough for already troubled relationships to turn violent. Additionally, relationships already prone to violence will likely become even more dangerous during the Olympics.</div>
<div style="line-height: 1.45em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 1.2em; padding-top: 0px;">
Public safety officials are also anticipating an increase in numbers of sexual assaults. Officials report that large crowds, as those expected during the Olympics, tend to breed more crimes of sexual violence such as assaults and rape.</div>
<div style="line-height: 1.45em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 1.2em; padding-top: 0px;">
Olympic officials have also warned of potential athlete-on-athlete assaults. They are taking preventative measures to cut down on the number of assaults within the Olympic Park and also providing services for victims.</div>
<div style="line-height: 1.45em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 1.2em; padding-top: 0px;">
<strong>Source</strong>: BBC, "<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-18950390" style="color: #183a63;" target="_blank">London 2012: Domestic hub opens near Olympic Park</a>," Josephine McDermott, July 24, 2012</div>
</div>
<div class="postMeta" style="clear: both;">
<div class="tags" style="line-height: 1.45em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.5em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
Tags: <a href="http://www.worcestercriminaldefenselaw.com/mt-bin/mt-search.cgi?blog_id=14366&tag=criminal%20charges&limit=20" style="color: #183a63;">criminal charges</a>, <a href="http://www.worcestercriminaldefenselaw.com/mt-bin/mt-search.cgi?blog_id=14366&tag=domestic%20violence&limit=20" style="color: #183a63;">domestic violence</a></div>
<div class="comments" style="line-height: 1.45em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.5em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
Comments: <a href="http://www.worcestercriminaldefenselaw.com/2012/07/olympics-likely-to-cause-increase-in-domestic-violence.shtml#comments" style="color: #183a63;">Leave a comment</a></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>Michael Erlichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17910329177163205597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086977988715603099.post-55303840688609462582012-07-19T19:40:00.001-04:002012-07-19T19:40:36.138-04:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><br />
<div id="containerPageTitle" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 315px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 22px; padding-left: 22px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 34px;">
<h1 id="pageTitle" style="color: #234268; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-transform: uppercase;">
NON-VIOLENT DRUG OFFENDERS NEED TREATMENT, NOT JAIL TIME</h1>
</div>
<div id="content" style="color: #5a5a5a; padding-bottom: 22px; padding-left: 22px; padding-right: 50px; padding-top: 0px;">
<div class="post postFirst" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(90, 90, 90); border-left-color: rgb(90, 90, 90); border-right-color: rgb(90, 90, 90); border-top-color: rgb(90, 90, 90); clear: both; padding-bottom: 14px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<div class="byline" style="line-height: 1.45em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 1.2em; padding-top: 0px;">
Posted in <a href="http://www.worcestercriminaldefenselaw.com/drug-crimes/" style="color: #183a63;">Drug Crimes</a> on Wednesday, July 18, 2012</div>
<div class="containerPostContent">
<div class="postContent">
<div style="line-height: 1.45em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 1.2em; padding-top: 0px;">
Individuals who abuse drugs often do so as a means of escape. Typically unable to cope with past trauma, drug users often become addicted to drugs and are unable to quit without treatment which many cannot afford. The high costs associated with <a href="http://www.criminaldefenseworcester.com/possessions.html" style="color: #183a63;" target="_blank">drug charges</a>, coupled with the realization that offenders can be rehabilitated are leading many states to provide treatment in lieu of jail time.</div>
<div style="line-height: 1.45em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 1.2em; padding-top: 0px;">
A key issue in the treatment of drug offenders is to uncover the root cause of their drug use and then provide counseling. This allows individuals to view their situation differently and develop better and healthier coping mechanisms. When successful, those that undergo drug treatment can go on to become productive and contributing members of society.</div>
<div style="line-height: 1.45em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 1.2em; padding-top: 0px;">
In one state that is favoring drug treatment over jail for non-violent drug offenders, rules of the program are strict and focused on successful results. On a weekly basis, participants in the drug court program must submit to three random weekly drug screens, attend one individual and one group counseling session, attend three 12-step meetings, and meet with their case manager.</div>
<div style="line-height: 1.45em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 1.2em; padding-top: 0px;">
Additionally, program participants are subject to random visits from their case manager and must adhere to a strict 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew. Proponents of these types of drug rehabilitation programs believe they do much more to combat repetitive drug crimes than any amount of jail time.</div>
<div style="line-height: 1.45em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 1.2em; padding-top: 0px;">
Another attractive benefit of drug treatment programs revolves around costs. While on average it costs about $19,000 per year to jail a non-violent drug offender, it only costs roughly $5,000 to provide them with the treatment and counseling services they need to overcome their addiction.</div>
<div style="line-height: 1.45em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 1.2em; padding-top: 0px;">
<strong>Source</strong>: Enid News, "<a href="http://enidnews.com/localnews/x1483813640/Drug-court-program-offers-substance-abusers-comprehensive-treatment" style="color: #183a63;" target="_blank">Drug court program offers substance abusers comprehensive treatment</a>," James Neal, June 30, 2012</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>Michael Erlichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17910329177163205597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086977988715603099.post-57580098898579790942012-05-22T11:16:00.002-04:002012-05-22T15:09:07.349-04:00OUI LOOPHOLE<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<a href="http://bostonherald.com/news/regional/view/20220518state_senate_to_debate_drunken_driving_loophole"><span style="color: #0000f6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">Boston Herald: Senate to Debate OUI Loophole</span></a><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.25in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">State senators will debate next week whether to close a gaping loophole in Massachusetts’ drunk-driving laws that has given thousands of offenders a free pass on their first OUI bust.</span></b><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court recently ruled unanimously against the RMV in how it applies administrative suspension for people arrested for OUI's.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The heart of the case deals with how the RMV treats a continued without a finding ruling (CWOF). The case clarified that the RMV cannot treat a CWOF as a prior conviction therefore lessening the administrative suspensions for a breath test refusal on <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a subsequent OUI. For instance, if a person refused a breathyliazer on a second offense and their first offense was a CWOF (typical first offense disposition) then the RMV cannot suspend the individual's license of 3 years as a second offense refusal. This usually comes into play during a second offense but may also have implications for multiple offenders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If a person refuses a breath test on a 4th offense, the license suspension is lifetime. Under the new law, the same person would be subjected to a 5-year suspension.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What the CWOF doesn't do however, as the article fails to point out is give any person a free pass on their first OUI. Even if a case is continued without a finding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In addition to the court license suspension, the defendant will have to complete a driver alcohol school, pay significant fines and be on probation for a year costing over $700 just in probation fees. Though it will be dismissed after the one year, it never evaporates and it's still a first offense. In addition, under the law as it existed, the court will suspend the individuals’ license for 2 years on a second offense, with no importance being placed on how the first offense was treated.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I anticipate that this loophole will be closed shortly, however, at the time of this blog, thousands could benefit from the ruling.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>Michael Erlichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17910329177163205597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086977988715603099.post-10987101875607265882012-05-04T12:58:00.001-04:002012-05-04T15:57:45.891-04:00CORI LAW REFORM WILL BE SIGNIFICANT<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 20pt; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #343434;">There are many changes to our CORI laws taking effect today, May 4, 2012, but without question the most significant change in addition to the reduction in waiting periods to seal your criminal record is found in </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #343434;"><a href="http://www.malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIV/TitleII/Chapter276/Section100C">MGLA Chapter 276 Section 100C</a></span><span style="color: #343434;"> .</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 20pt; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #343434;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The prior law stated: </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 20pt; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #343434;">"In any criminal case wherein a
nolle prosequi has been entered, or a dismissal has been entered by the court,
<b>except in cases in which an order of probation has been terminated</b>, and it
appears to the court that substantial justice would best be served, the court
shall direct the clerk to seal the records of the proceedings in his files. The
clerk shall forthwith notify the commissioner of probation and the probation
officer of the courts in which the proceedings occurred or were initiated who
shall likewise seal the records of the proceedings in their files.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 20pt; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #343434;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have highlighted the pertinent section of the old law because that qualifier has been removed by the new CORI law. This means for example, that if you had a misdemeanor A&B charge Continued Without a Finding for 1 year (CWOF) and you were placed on probation with a dismissal entering last month, you would be eligible to have that case sealed under the new law. Prior to today, you would have had to wait the statuary waiting period for a misdemeanor which was 10 years. ( Its 5 years under the new law). </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 20pt; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #343434; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Although it appears that a hearing will still be required by law to show to a court that substantial justice would be served by sealing the record, the threshold to make that showing is quite attainable. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 20pt; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #343434; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #343434; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>Michael Erlichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17910329177163205597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086977988715603099.post-6306577466689129782012-04-12T18:32:00.002-04:002012-04-13T10:57:57.448-04:00Zimmerman<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 10pt; text-align: center;">
<h2>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>WHY IT TOOK SO LONG TO
ARREST GEORGE ZIMMERMAN AND WHY IT WILL BE DIFFICULT TO
CONVICT HIM</b><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></h2>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Under Florida law, Section
776.032 provides immunity from arrest unless the police have "probable
cause that the force that was used was unlawful." This law puts police in the position of
having to make a two-part analysis. They
cannot place the suspect under arrest unless they have probable cause. This means they cannot merely believe there
was a killing, but also must know that the killing was not in self-defense. </span><span style="font-size: small;">Unless
there are witnesses to the shooting it cannot be suggested that it was not
self-defense. In this case the only person who could have refuted
self-defense at the scene was Trayvon Martin. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The uniqueness of Florida’s
"Stand Your Ground" law certainly played a role in the delay of
George Zimmerman’s arrest. In
Massachusetts, self-defense is an
affirmative defense to be raised at only at the time of trial. Under Florida law however, this provision can
act as both immunity from prosecution or in Zimmerman’s case arrest. </span><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Recently, the Florida
Supreme Court ruled that anyone claiming "Stand Your Ground" immunity
in a death, battery, or assault case could request a hearing on the evidence of
self-defense. This preliminary hearing basically
allows both the prosecutor and the defense attorney to present all the elements
of the self-defense issue to a judge. In order to get charges dismissed, the
defendant must convince the judge that a reasonable person would believe that
using deadly force or the threat of using deadly force was the only way to
protect his or her life. At his hearing,
</span><span style="font-size: small;">Zimmerman's lawyers would only have to
prove by a preponderance of evidence that he acted in self-defense. Although
at this stage the burden has uniquely shifted to the defendant, the burden is a
relatively low hurdle. We, in Massachusetts, have no such preliminary
hearing. Here, it is
the obligation of the prosecution to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the
accused did not act in self-defense. To do so however the following circumstances
must be present: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">1) The defendant
had a reasonable belief that he was being attacked or about to be attacked <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">2) That he limit the force
he uses to that which is reasonably necessary under the circumstances and <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">3) That he
do all he reasonably can to avoid combat.
This is the so-called duty to retreat that makes our laws quite
different than Florida.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>Michael Erlichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17910329177163205597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086977988715603099.post-79486536117942270122012-03-24T16:48:00.002-04:002012-03-24T17:07:00.356-04:00ITS TIME TO REFORM OUR SYSTEM OF BAIL<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Our justice system is based on
the presumption of innocence. With the exception of individuals facing murder,
probation detentions or revocation of bail based on a new offense, citizens
charged but not yet convicted have the right to a bail amount that is realistic
given their economic circumstances. The primary goal of the bail system is not
to punish or penalize, but rather to ensure that the accused show up for their
court date.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When a criminal defendant is
brought into a court of law, many factors go into the decision of whether bail
will be set or whether the person will be ordered to return by essentially
promising to return (personal </span><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">recognizance).
Although Chapter 276 Section 58 of our General Laws lists the financial resources as a factor a
court can take into consideration, it rarely comes into play. Occasionally the
prosecutor will ask how much bail can your client make; however when there is a
disagreement, the indigent are placed at an extreme disadvantage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A great example of this occurred last week my
client was charged with a serious offense in which his co-defendant’s bail was
set at $5,000. Even though both defendants were charged with the same
offense, the prosecutor asked the judge to set bail at $50,000. The dollar
amount was basically plucked out of air and had as much thought as if a wheel
was spun and the needle landed on that number. Admittedly, my client was
already on probation but both individuals were under 22, had minor records and
both had significant ties to the community. </span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If our bail system utilized a practice similar to sentencing guidelines in Superior Court, we would have a more uniform and fair system that what now exits. Sentencing guidelines promote fairness and reduce disparity while preserving that degree of judicial discretion necessary to fashion the sentence appropriate for the individual offender and the specific offense. Similar to sentencing guidelines, my proposal would not only factor in a defendant's record and seriousness of crime but would also include a detailed analysis of the individual’s income or net worth. When a person requests a court appointed attorney the probation department takes a financial statement. If our system could extend that analysis when setting bail, we would have a system that is not subjected to random dollar amounts that have no rational basis as to whether a person will return to court. Why should a doctor who is charged with domestic assault & battery and who's bail set at $5,000 not even flinch, when the factory worker who committed the same offense ends up in custody for the duration of the case. Our Massachusetts Declaration of Rights, Article XXVI, declares, no magistrate or court of law shall demand excessive bail or sureties, impose excessive fines, or inflict cruel or unusual punishments. I would suggest any bail is excessive when the financial impact of setting that bail is not taken into consideration.</span>Michael Erlichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17910329177163205597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086977988715603099.post-58997535166699263222012-03-08T14:43:00.001-05:002012-03-08T14:56:24.236-05:00MY THEORY OF SUCCESS<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The simple premise I use when going into a case is the fact that most likely each member of the jury is sitting there and thinking but for the grace of God, this could be me. This is probably the only charge in our criminal justice system that this premise works. It certainly does not work for Robbery, Drug or Domestic Violence cases. So now that we have the premise going into trial that the people who are going to hear the case and decide your fate probably have consumed 1,2,3 or more drinks and then got behind the wheel. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The prosecutor has to prove that the amount of alcohol you consumed has diminished your ability to operate a motor vehicle safely. Sounds pretty simple but what on earth does that mean? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I like to focus on what it doesn’t say. The instruction doesn’t say is that if you have consumed any alcohol whatsoever, you’re guilty. In other words, ITS NOT ILLEGAL TO DRINK AND DRIVE. A couple of years ago the State Police had a commercial, “you drink, you drive, you lose. Unfortunately that was not and is not the law and I routinely used that premise in my closing arguments to juries. It is no longer their slogan. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What does it mean to be “under the influence” of alcohol? The jury instruction that a judge will read after the trial is over is as follows: </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Someone does not have to be drunk to be under the influence of alcohol. A person is under the influence of alcohol if he (she) has consumed enough alcohol to reduce his (her) ability to operate a motor vehicle safely, by decreasing his (her) alertness, judgment and ability to respond promptly. It means that a person has consumed enough alcohol to reduce his (her) mental clarity, self-control and reflexes, and thereby left him (her) with a reduced ability to drive safely. The most important part of this section of our jury instructions is what is said next. “The amount of alcohol necessary to do this may vary from person to person. “ Twice in the past 3 years I had clients admit to consuming 7 and 8 drinks respectively yet the jury acquitted both clients. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When you factor in that the prosecutor has to prove their case Beyond a Reasonable Doubt, it becomes clearer why OUI’s are very winnable. Part of the jury instruction the court reads on Beyond Reasonable Doubt is as follows. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“A charge is proved beyond a reasonable doubt if, after you have compared and considered all of the evidence, you have in your minds an abiding conviction, to a moral certainty, that the charge is true. The judge will also instruct the jury “I have told you that every person is presumed to be innocent until he is proved guilty, and that the burden of proof is on the prosecutor. If you evaluate all the evidence and you still have a reasonable doubt remaining, the defendant is entitled to the benefit of that doubt and must be acquitted. It is not enough for the Commonwealth to establish a probability, even a strong probability, that the defendant is more likely to be guilty than not guilty. That is not enough. Instead, the evidence must convince you of the defendant’s guilt to a reasonable and moral certainty; a certainty that convinces your understanding and satisfies your reason and judgment as jurors who are sworn to act conscientiously on the evidence. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not only is it NOT enough that the jury PROBABLY thinks my client is guilty but the words MORAL CERTAINTY are used in the instruction as well. I argue to juries in almost every trial that whenever the words moral are used in anything, you have to think we are taking about a very high standard. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let me review your case and give you a free analysis on what I think your cases strengths and weaknesses are. Not every case is winnable but make sure your attorney has a track record of success.</span></div>Michael Erlichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17910329177163205597noreply@blogger.com0