You Were Struck by an Impaired Driver – Can You Still Get Compensation if They’re Found Not Guilty?
You did everything right, drove carefully, followed the rules and still ended up injured because another driver chose to get behind the wheel impaired. Now the criminal case has ended, and the driver was found not guilty. It’s a frustrating outcome, but here’s what matters: you may still be able to secure compensation through a […]
Dram Shop Laws in Massachusetts – How They Work
An injured party can typically file a personal injury lawsuit against someone who injured them and whose alcohol contributed to the accident. Additionally, the law occasionally permits the injured person to hold an alcohol distributor civilly accountable for delivering alcohol to the intoxicated person who caused the injuries in numerous jurisdictions, including Massachusetts. Due to […]
What Are My Rights If I’m Pulled Over In Massachusetts
Have you ever been pulled over by the police in Massachusetts and felt unsure about what to do or say? It’s a common situation that can leave anyone feeling anxious. Knowing your legal rights is crucial if you’re being questioned by the police. The police may react poorly or even arrest you if you become […]
Marijuana DUI Impairment in Massachusetts: Testing, Challenges, and Legal Implications
With the legalization of marijuana in Massachusetts, the landscape of driving under the influence (DUI) laws has evolved significantly. As more drivers engage with marijuana legally, it’s essential to understand how this affects DUI regulations and the implications for road safety. Facing a marijuana DUI in Massachusetts can be complex due to unclear testing standards […]
Can the Police Demand Doorbell Camera Footage?
Doorbell cameras have seen major commercial success in the last few years. As more Americans find ways to use digital technology to streamline their lives, it was only a matter of time before the traditional doorbell would also experience significant changes. However, as more households use doorbell cameras, police have also found a new form […]
Competency vs. Sanity in Criminal Law: Key Differences in Massachusetts Courts
When mental health and criminal law intersect, the results can be confusing, emotional, and highly consequential. Two legal concepts often surface in these cases competency and sanity. They sound similar, but they serve very different purposes in the courtroom. Competency asks: Is the defendant mentally able to participate in their trial right now? Sanity asks: […]
Who Has to Wear a SCRAM Bracelet and What It Means
When someone faces an OUI or DUI charge in Massachusetts, one question that often comes up is: Will I have to wear a SCRAM bracelet? Courts sometimes order what’s known as a SCRAM bracelet (Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor), a tool designed to track sobriety. At Riccio Law, a Massachusetts-based criminal defense practice, we’ve seen […]
What is Delta 8 and is it Illegal?
Cannabis legalization has swept the nation in the last decade. As of 2022, more states allow the use of recreational or medicinal marijuana than not. This phenomenon allows consumers to engage in cannabis safely, legally, and at a reasonable cost. However, the growing trend in legalization has opened up further questions regarding home-grow, limits on […]
Understanding Field Sobriety Tests and OUI/DUI Laws
Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense that carries significant legal implications. In Massachusetts, understanding OUI/DUI laws in Massachusetts and how field sobriety tests are used is crucial for every driver. This blog post will explain the essentials of these laws, the role of sobriety testing, breathalyzer evidence, what refusal means, and the […]
Will Parents Face Charges if Their Minor Children Are Caught Drinking?
Underage drinking is a serious concern in Massachusetts. Parents often wonder: if their child or a group of teens is caught drinking, can the parents themselves face criminal charges or civil lawsuits? It isn’t just a hypothetical worry but a situation that plays out in courtrooms every year across the state. Speaking with a Massachusetts […]