Massachusetts sex trafficking statute upheld as constitutional; knowledge requirement provides fair notice; term "commercial sexual activity" means sexual acts involving physical contact for value.
Affirmed convictions for open and gross lewdness and resisting arrest. Detective's testimony that he felt disgusted and concerned for bystanders satisfied the statutory requirement that defendant's exposure actually shock or alarm someone.
Defendant forfeited right to counsel at probation revocation hearing through pattern of threats, abuse, and demands that attorneys assist in violating probation conditions. Order affirmed.
Defendant failed to meet burden of proving plea invalid despite green sheet irregularities. Presumption of regularity stands when defendant offers no affidavit or evidence contradicting it.
DNA evidence derived from unlawful 2000 seizure admissible where attenuation doctrine applies due to statutory changes, passage of time, and intervening opportunities for lawful collection.
Conviction reversed where judge failed to instruct jury that it could not draw adverse inference from defendant's silence and prosecutor impermissibly commented on defendant's failure to testify.
Defendant convicted of rape committed at age sixteen but apprehended after turning eighteen. Direct youthful offender indictment without juvenile complaint and transfer hearing violates jurisdiction requirements. Conviction vacated.
Youthful offender indictment for rape dismissed below; Appeals Court vacates, holding evidence of digital penetration and isolation of young victim sufficient to establish threat of serious bodily harm.
Court strikes down statute criminalizing false statements about political candidates and ballot questions as violating free speech rights.
Affirmed finding of sexually dangerous person. Evidence of 1997 assault conviction properly admitted despite not being formally charged as sexual offense.
