Defendant convicted of rape and child abuse challenged admissibility of statements to pastor, polygraph reference, and motor vehicle record. Appeals Court affirmed, finding no privilege violation or constitutional error.
Appeals Court vacated and remanded a defendant's motion to vacate a 1997 guilty plea to assault by means of a dangerous weapon based on counsel's failure to advise of immigration consequences, finding substantial issues of ineffective assistance and prejudice warranting hearing.
Appeals court affirms denial of anti-SLAPP motion by insurer sued for failing to offer reasonable settlement when liability became clear.
Affirmed level three sex offender classification where offender targeted minor online, misrepresented age, and traveled to meet her despite no prior record.
Drug distribution conviction upheld where defendant emerged from house to sell prescription pills to undercover officer during controlled buy arranged by his nephew.
Affirmed commitment of defendant as sexually dangerous person. Prior New York conviction properly authenticated through certified documents; presumption of regularity applied. Peremptory challenge issue not reached.
Appeals Court affirmed civil commitment as sexually dangerous person. Prior out-of-state conviction properly admitted; presumption of regularity applied. Peremptory challenge allocation not reversible error.
Best evidence rule does not require original currency when identity, not contents, is at issue in drug distribution prosecution.
Appeals Court vacates sua sponte dismissal of drug charges where prosecutor failed to produce untested drug analysis certificate due to lab backlog.
Mandatory mediation before filing court action violates right of free access to courts. Custody award vacated where judge failed to weigh guardian ad litem recommendation and substantial evidence.
