In the state of Massachusetts, domestic violence laws include physical harm or the intent to physically harm, the infliction of fear of physical harm, and involuntary sexual relationship against a family or other household member. This crime is especially serious if the victim was violated by the suspect while a protective order was in place. Definition of a household member: people who are or have
In 2012, a police officer in Springfield was convicted criminally based upon actions taken during the course of an arrest. Following the conviction, the officer retained RJA to pursue an appeal on his behalf. In the brief filed with the Massachusetts Appeals Court, RJA argued that the trial judge did not instruct the jury properly on the applicable law, as she failed to provide guidance
The Massachusetts Accident Data Center website reveals an array of accidents that occur in our State every day: a 8 year old boy was injured while riding his bicycle in Worcester; a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle in Shrewsbury; and a two-car wreck in Paxton left four people seriously hurt. You can’t help but wonder what YOU would do, if you — or your
An attorney often is required to persuade a judge or a jury on a particular issue. More rarely achieved, but no less important, is an attorney’s ability to persuade an opposing counsel to concede. RJA was retained to represent a sergeant with the Lawrence Police Department with regard to claims made by a plaintiff who alleged that she was assaulted and battered, resulting in a
Workplace accidents happen far too often, especially on or near construction sites. The dangerous nature of the profession subjects workers to serious industry specific hazards. In Massachusetts, the construction industry is thriving, and the number of construction accidents is rising. Statistics from the United States Department of Labor tell us that twenty percent of all workplace fatalities nationwide occur in the construction industry. In 2014, that was 899
RJA’s client, a police lieutenant for the Wareham Police Department, was terminated from the employment that he had held for more than twenty years, and almost all of his adult life. Believing that the termination was improperly driven by personal and political reasons, RJA soon set out, with its client, to gather together the strong evidence and arguments to prove that the firing was unjust.
When deciding to pursue a divorce in Massachusetts the parties must be aware of the discovery requirements and obligations imposed by the Rules of Domestic Relations Procedures, Supplemental Probate and Family Court Rule 410 and Supplemental Probate and Family Court Rule 401. These are some of the procedural rules that set forth the requirements imposed upon each party to provide discovery, including some mandatory initial
Under Massachusetts common law, the owner or keeper of an animal usually considered docile, such as dogs, cats and birds, is liable to an injured person only where there is evidence that the animal was dangerous or had dangerous propensities. There is a statute that imposes greater liability on the owners and keepers of dogs, however. It provides that, if a dog causes bodily injury
Federal civil rights claims are known to be among the most complex areas of the law and require, for a successful defense, experienced litigators who are well-versed in constitutional law. RJA’s client, a police officer for the City of Revere, was sued in federal court in Boston for, among other things, allegedly violating the plaintiff’s First, Second and Fourth Amendment rights through an earlier arrest.
by Paula J. Owen – published in Telegram & Gazette FITCHBURG — Racy photos, sexually graphic blogs and sexually provocative posts on social media sites can be used against you by your employer. Teachers nationwide have been fired for salacious Facebook postings, online photos and even for modeling for bikini photos. Though it’s not criminal behavior by any means, their actions while off duty were deemed