The Brief
What You Need to Know. No More, No Less.
What the Rodriguez Decision Means for Massachusetts Gun Charges
The SJC's Rodriguez decision gives Massachusetts gun defendants a powerful new suppression tool, extending Commonwealth v. Long to police investigative choices made before any stop. A footnote also abrogates Commonwealth v. Donnell.
How the Donnell Decision Could Overturn Gun Possession Convictions in Massachusetts
In Commonwealth v. Donnell, the SJC ruled that Massachusetts's discretionary gun license law for nonresidents violated the Second Amendment. If you were charged under §10(a) or §10(h) and your conviction wasn’t final when Bruen was decided, you may be eligible to have your conviction vacated.
What Is an Application for Further Appellate Review (FAR) in Massachusetts?
The FAR process is the final step in a Massachusetts appeal. This post explains how defendants can ask the Supreme Judicial Court to take their case and what standards apply.
Can You Appeal a Guilty Plea in Massachusetts?
Many defendants believe a guilty plea is final. In reality, Massachusetts law allows certain pleas to be challenged when constitutional or procedural errors occurred.
How Does the Criminal Appeals Process Work in Massachusetts?
An appeal isn’t a new trial, it’s a review of what went wrong the first time. This post explains how appeals move through the Massachusetts court system and what issues can be raised.