Massachusetts Criminal Defense Lawyer

Law Offices of Russell J Matson, PC - Criminal Defense

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Do I Need a Lawyer for an Arraignment in Massachusetts?

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Very often, I have clients who hire me at the last minute. I frequently get calls immediately after someone is released after having been arrested. They often have an arraignment the next day.

Sometimes, I even get a call or text that morning as the person is on the way to court for the arraignment. While I am happy to talk to people needing help whenever I can, I am very often booked in another court.

We have a number of associate attorneys on staff to help out with last minute court dates.

But sometimes we can’t get to you in time. So it’s ok for me to tell you that you can get through arraignment absolutely fine by yourself without us if you need to.

And I can usually answer questions by text early mornings or late at night, so feel free to do so. Click to text me now if you are on a mobile device.
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Impersonating a Police Officer by Decorating Your Car

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TD;DR: This was a wild case which we got dismissed at a clerk magistrate’s hearing.

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The case of the Transformers fan car that got my client charged with a crime.  It’s hard to believe this really happened.

The police prosecutor wanted the charge to go forward and argued strenuously that my client was a legitimate threat to public safety, and had criminal intent.

I argued that my client did absolutely nothing wrong, and certainly did nothing that met the criminal statute.

decepticonsmaseratiFortunately, the clerk magistrate did not accept the argument of the police officer prosecuting the case, and also did not think that decorating your Maserati in a fashion similar to a police car met the statute for impersonation of a police officer. Dress up is not impersonation.

This is the best possible outcome for the client. A case dropped at a clerk magistrate’s hearing (a show cause hearing) means that no criminal complaint was ever formally issued, and the client will have no record.

And this is a victory for common sense over police authority.

Interviewed by Channel 7 News
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Is it a crime to decorate your car like a vehicle from one of your favorite movies? This case is definitely  “more than meets the eye.”

Or maybe less. [Read more…]

Mandatory Minimums in Juvenile Murder Cases

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Juveniles convicted of murder in Massachusetts are now eligible for parole after 20-30 years on a 3 tier basis depending on the facts of their case. First degree felony murder becomes eligble after 20-30 years, first degree premeditated murder after 25-30 years, and first degree murder “with extreme cruelty” is only after 30 years.

But some critics, like Jon Keller don’t agree. His claim increasing mandatory minimums for juveniles convicted of 1st degree murder would “send a message” is nonsensical and cruel. And there is no evidence that higher sentences have any deterrent effect, particularly on kids who are not seriously considering the consequences of deadly and risky decisions. [Read more…]

I Know I Am Guilty. Should I Just Plead Guilty in Court?

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A lot of people I speak you believe they are guilty, feel terrible about a mistake. They are ashamed, embarrassed, and just want to get the situation resolved and over with. They know they did the crime, and believe they are dead to rights. Maybe there are witnesses, videotape, or other incontrovertible evidence suggesting that you are guilty.

And we are taught as children that admitting guilt when we’ve made a mistake is the honest and honorable thing.

But I am here to tell you that you should still not plead guilty automatically. Here is why. [Read more…]