Massachusetts Criminal Lawyer Blog

May 7, 2021

2 Harassment Prevention Order Wins and 1 Abuse Prevention Order Win

AW and BD met about six months ago and fell in love. AW moved in with BD and life was grand. AW had been in a prior relationship with MA and AW and MA had a son – who is now age 25! AW’s relationship with MA had been on and off over the last 25 years. AW ended his relationship with MA for good about 2 years ago. MA did not take well to the end of the relationship and began a pattern of texting AW and BD. She (MA) had the ability to make her text messages appear as if they were coming from a phone number that was not hers. The text messages became more frequent and more threatening. MA even went so far as to send a text to BD’s employer saying that BD was a terrible employee. BD had a high level job at a major hi tech company and said enough is enough. BD filed for a harassment prevention order in Lawrence District Court and sought out a lawyer to represent her at the hearing. BD met with and hired Attorney Robert Lewin from Andover to prosecute her complaint for protection from harassment against MA. BD and Attorney Lewin spent many hours gathering all the text messages that MA had sent and made copies (42 pages of text messages) in preparation for the hearing. Attorney Lewin met at length with BD and AW and prepared them for testifying at the hearing.

On March 31, 2021 BD and AW and Attorney Lewin appeared at Lawrence District Court for the hearing. MA was also present and she had an attorney with her as well. BD testified as did AW and Attorney Lewin presented in evidence all the text messages and through the text of the messages themselves Attorney Lewin was able to establish that the messages had come from MA. MA herself testified and denied sending the messages. Attorney Lewin had obtained an affidavit that MA had signed in Peabody District Court. Her statements in that Affidavit directly contradicted her testimony in Lawrence District Court. The Judge in Lawrence District Court granted BD’s complaint for an Harassment Protection Order and stated from the bench at the end of the hearing that she found that MA had committed perjury. (That was win#1.)

Having lost in Lawrence District Court, MA went to Peabody District Court immediately after the hearing in Lawrence and filed for an Harassment Prevention Order against BD and for an Abuse Prevention Order against AW. “Hell hath no fury ….” BD and AW were served with notices of the complaints against them and they both retained Attorney Lewin to defend them against the orders in Peabody District Court.

April 10, 2021

THREE WARRANTS – TWO COURTS – ALL CASES DISMISSED

by Robert D. Lewin

MT, is a building and roofing contractor. He is now (April of 2021) age 57.

In 1994 he took a $5,350.00 deposit from a customer in Andover, MA but did not do the work. He was charged by the police with Grand Larceny. In 1994 he went to Lawrence District Court, was found guilty, and was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $5,350.00. He failed to make the payment and a default warrant issued for his arrest.
In 2015 he took a $4,000.00 deposit from a couple in Chelmsford, MA but did not do the work. The police charged him with Grand Larceny and a straight warrant for his arrest was issued by Lowell District Court. (A straight warrant simply means the court did not summons him; rather than a summons the court issued a “straight” warrant.)

April 8, 2021

UNLICENSED OPERATION CHARGE AVOIDED – NO CRIMINAL RECORD

by Robert D. Lewin

On October 8, 2020, RK, a 25 year old software engineer for a communications company from New York City, was travelling from NY to Boston. She had a learner’s permit from NY. The car she was driving had a temporary paper plate that had folded over on itself so that the full plate# was not visible. A State Trooper signaled for her to pull over on Route 84 and she pulled into a rest area and stopped. She had a male passenger in the car and he had no license. The trooper asked her for her license and she produced her NY State learner’s permit. The Trooper told her and the passenger to exit the vehicle. The Trooper, perhaps suspecting that she was transporting drugs, then completely searched the car including the trunk and the glove compartment – finding nothing. The Trooper said the car would have to be towed and she and her passenger would have to make arrangements to get picked up. The Trooper cited her for Unlicensed Operation (a criminal offense) and for a Number Plate Violation (failure to properly display). RK took the citation and completed the citation and mailed it in to the Dudley District Court to request a Clerk-Magistrate Hearing.

RK has a good job in a good profession and is very upwardly mobile. She absolutely did not want to have any criminal record. RK consulted with and retained Attorney Robert Lewin from Andover. Attorney Lewin explained to RK that getting her NY license would be very helpful to getting the case favorably resolved. RK signed up for her driving test in NY. Her driving test was set for April 1, 2021. Her court hearing on the ticket was set for April 8, 2021,

On April 1, 2021 RK was set to take her driving test; however, due to the covid-19 pandemic the DMV was not giving any road tests and her road test was cancelled.

April 7, 2021

SHOPLIFTING TWINS – CASES DISMISSED – NO CRIMINAL RECORD

by Robert D. Lewin

On Friday, August 21, 2020 two 18 year old twins got caught shoplifting at Walmart in Tewksbury. The police were called to the store and the twins were arrested. They were bailed from the Tewksbury Police station and told to appear in Lowell District Court on Monday, August 24, 2020. Over that weekend the twins met with and retained Attorney Robert Lewin from Andover. Attorney Lewin explained that the twins would qualify for the Middlesex County District Attorney’s Young Adult diversion program. The program essentially allows young adults to avoid prosecution for certain criminal offenses.

Over that weekend Attorney Lewin prepared a Motion to Divert the cases out of the criminal court system. On Monday, August 24, 2020 the twins and Attorney Lewin appeared in Lowell District Court. At Attorney Lewin’s request neither girl was arraigned. This is important because it is the taking place of the arraignment that creates a criminal record. Instead the cases were referred to the diversion program and the cases were continued to October 8, 2020 to see if the Diversion Program would accept the twins. On October 8, 2020 everyone appeared virtually (the twins had gone off to college and were away from Lowell) and the Assistant District Attorney and Attorney Lewin reported to the Judge that the twins had been accepted into the Diversion Program. On October 8, 2020 the arraignment again did not take place and the cases were continued until April 5, 2021 to allow the twins to complete the diversion program.

The twins successfully completed the diversion program. On April 5, 2021 the twins and Attorney Lewin appeared virtually one last time before the Court. The Assistant District Attorney and Attorney Lewin reported to the Judge that both young women had successfully completed the Diversion Program. The Judge then ordered both cases DISMISSED, prior to arraignment. Attorney Lewin explained to the two young women that because the cases were dismissed prior to any arraignment taking place the following took place:

April 3, 2021

WARRANT CLEARED – ALL CHARGES DISMISSED

by Robert D. Lewin

In July of 2019, SM, a 23 year old woman was pulled over by the Wakefield Police. The police had done a random scan/query of the registration plate on her car and it came back as revoked due to insurance cancellation. When the police asked for her license it turns out that her right to operate in Massachusetts had been suspended due to an unpaid speeding ticket. She was charged with operating an uninsured motor vehicle, operating a vehicle with a revoked registration, and operating after suspension of her right to drive. The Malden Court issued a summons for her to come to court but she claimed never to have received it. A warrant for her arrest was issued by the court.

She stopped driving after that and the car sat in her driveway. In 2021 she contacted and retained Attorney Robert Lewin from Andover wishing to clear things up. Attorney Lewin immediately filed his appearance as her lawyer and that gave him access to all the court papers and the police reports which he immediately obtained. Attorney Lewin explained to SM that if she got the car registered and insured and if she got her right to drive reinstated that that would go a long way toward getting the charges resolved very favorably. SM was a good client. She paid off the old speeding ticket and paid a reinstatement fee for her right to operate and her right to operate was reinstated by the Registry. She also got a new insurance policy and got the car reregistered. Attorney Lewin filed a Motion with the Court to cancel the warrant and dismiss the charges.

On April 1, 2021 Attorney Lewin and SM appeared virtually via zoom in Malden Court (which is in Medford!). Attorney Lewin had filed all the papers from the Registry with the Judge and with the DA to show that SM had taken care of all her issues. The Judge then said that she was ordering the warrant cancelled all the charges against SM dismissed prior to arraignment.

March 28, 2021

UNLICENSED OPERATION CHARGE DISMISSED

by Robert D. Lewin

October 3, 2020 was a terrible day for TK, a 26 year old gentleman from Richmond, VA. He was driving from VA to Boston. While driving in CT he was involved in an accident. His car got towed from the scene and he was cited by the police in CT for several motor vehicle violations. He was able to get his vehicle out of the tow yard. The vehicle was drivable so he continued on his way to Boston. He got on Route 84East and was going 105 miles per hour. A state trooper ultimately pulled him over. It turns out his VA license had been suspended. The police gave TK a criminal citation for Unlicensed Operation, No License in Possession, and Speeding. TK subsequently received a summons to appear for an arraignment in Dudley District Court. TK (with the help of his parents) sought out a lawyer (online) who could help. They found Attorney Robert Lewin from Andover.

After consulting with Attorney Lewin on the phone TK retained Attorney Lewin. Attorney Lewin immediately filed his appearance in Dudley District Court for TK and obtained a copy of the police report. Attorney Lewin reached out to the Assistant District Attorney in Dudley District Court and had a lengthy conversation with the Assistant District Attorney about the case. Attorney Lewin explained to the Assistant DA that TK had been successful in getting his license reinstated in VA and Attorney Lewin furnished a copy of TK’s new license to the Assistant DA.

On March 26, 2021 TK and Attorney Lewin appeared virtually via zoom in Dudley District Court for TK’s arraignment. The Assistant DA told the Judge that the Commonwealth was moving to Dismiss the criminal charge of unlicensed operation and that the Commonwealth was agreeable to findings of NOT responsible on the No license in possession charge and the speeding charge! (105 mph!!). The Judge agreed and ALL the charges were dropped.

March 28, 2021

ANOTHER HIT & RUN CASE DISMISSED AT CLERK-MAGISTRATE HEARING

by Robert D. Lewin

On November 24, 2020, LQ, an 81 year old gentleman from Methuen was pulling out of a bank drive-thru in Haverhill. As he turned onto the street he sideswiped a car that was parked on the street. According to LQ, he pulled over, got out of his car, did not see any damage, got back in his car and drove away. A husband and wife were behind LQ and saw the entire episode and took a picture of his car showing the license plate. The husband and wife called the police. The police responded to the scene and took a statement from the husband and wife in which they said that LQ had not stopped. The police obtained a copy of the photo showing the license plate of LQ’s car, ran the plate, and were able to locate LQ through the Registry of Motor Vehicles computer. The police called LQ on the phone and took a statement from LQ. According to the police report LQ seemed confused about the accident. The police issued LQ a citation for leaving the scene of a property damage accident. In addition the police issued an “immediate threat” notice to the Registry. An immediate threat notice is a notice by the police to the Registry that a driver may pose an immediate threat to the safety of the public if allowed to continue to drive. When the Registry receives the notice from the police the Registry sends out a Notice of Suspension to the driver. That happened to LQ.

LQ took the citation and requested a Clerk-Magistrate Hearing. Several days before the hearing LQ’s daughter contacted Attorney Robert Lewin from Andover. Attorney Lewin explained in detail what the Clerk-Magistrate hearing would entail and he also explained the ramifications of the Immediate Threat notice. Attorney Lewin explained that before the Registry would consider restoring the license to LQ the criminal charge would have to be resolved in Court. LQ retained Attorney Lewin.

Attorney Lewin immediately contacted the Haverhill District Court and obtained a copy of the police report. In addition Attorney Lewin contacted LQ’s Auto Insurance and got written confirmation that LQ had plenty of property damage insurance coverage ($100,000.00) and Attorney Lewin also confirmed that the lady who’s car was struck had not filed a claim for property damage. Attorney Lewin filed those documents with the Court Clerk. On Friday, March 26, 2021 Attorney Lewin and LQ appeared virtually via zoom at Haverhill District Court for the Clerk-Magistrate Hearing. After all the evidence was presented Attorney Lewin requested that the Clerk-Magistrate not issue a criminal complaint against LQ. The Clerk-Magistrate adopted Attorney Lewin’s request and denied the police application for a criminal complaint.

February 17, 2021

11 YEAR OLD WARRANT CANCELLED – CASE DISMISSED

by Robert D. Lewin

In 2010, SL, a 19 year old exotic dancer was living with another dancer in Fitchburg. They had a falling out and SL moved out and moved down to Florida. Unbeknownst to SL, her former roommate in Fitchburg accused SL of stealing money and a cell phone from the apartment they had shared. The roommate went to the police and the police took out a criminal complaint against SL for Larceny Over $250 (a felony). Because SL was of parts unknown a warrant was issued for her arrest by Fitchburg District Court. Years passed and SL moved to upper New York State. SL went to apply for a driver’s license but was turned down by the NY DMV because her right to drive in Massachusetts was under suspension because of the warrant in Fitchburg District Court. That is when SL first learned of the case in Fitchburg District Court.

SL contacted Attorney Robert Lewin from Andover. After a thorough initial free consultation SL, now age 29, hired Attorney Lewin. Attorney Lewin explained to SL that with a little luck they might be able to get the case favorably resolved without SL having to come to Massachusetts. On February 4, 2021 SL retained Attorney Lewin. Attorney Lewin immediately contacted the Fitchburg District Court and was able to obtain all the court papers and the police report. Attorney Lewin emailed copies to SL and they reviewed them together. SL told Attorney Lewin that she was innocent of the charge and after reading the police report it was clear to Attorney Lewin that the State could not prove the case against SL. Attorney Lewin immediately contacted the DA’s Office and within five days the DA’s Office agreed to dismiss the case without SL having to come to Massachusetts and the court.

On February 17, 2021 Attorney Lewin and SL appeared via Zoom in Fitchburg District Court. Attorney Lewin had prepared and filed a Motion to Cancel the Warrant, Allow the parties to appear via zoom, and Dismiss the case prior to arraignment. After a brief hearing the Judge Ordered the warrant cancelled and the case dismissed prior to arraignment.

January 12, 2021

11 YEAR OLD WARRANT CANCELLED – CASE DISMISSED

by Robert D. Lewin

In 2009 DH, a then 29 year old homeless man, was arrested in Peabody and charged with Trespassing and Disorderly Conduct. DH had a six page criminal record. He defaulted in Court and a warrant was issued for his arrest. He went to California and lived in CA for a number of years. DH got his life together and then returned to MA. He got married, got a good job, and went back to school. But he could not drive because he could not get a license due to the warrants in Peabody District Court. DH contacted Attorney Robert Lewin from Andover and they had an initial conference via FaceTime. DH retained Attorney Lewin.

Attorney Lewin immediately obtained all the court papers and the police report from the 2009 case. Attorney Lewin then reached out to the District Attorney’s Office and discussed the case at length with the DA. Attorney Lewin asked the DA to dismiss the case.

On January 12, 2021 Attorney Lewin and DH appeared in Peabody District Court. DH appeared in person and Attorney Lewin appeared via zoom. The case was called and Attorney Lewin and the Assistant District Attorney made a joint request of the Judge to cancel the warrant and dismiss the case. The Judge agreed. DH left the Court with no warrant hanging over his head and his 11 year old case dismissed. He was a happy client!

December 17, 2020

ANOTHER HIT & RUN CASE WON

by Robert D. Lewin

On July 1, 2020 a homeowner in Byfield, MA heard a loud crash outside her home. She went outside and observed an SVU pulling away from a utility pole. The pole was badly damaged. The SUV left the scene. She called the police and they found a number of parts from the SUV at the scene. Over the next few weeks the police did an investigation and they identified the parts as coming from a particular year and make of vehicle. A search of the RMV data base showed such a vehicle registered to JW who lived not far from the accident scene. It took several weeks and when they got to JW’s house they found the SUV – with no damage at all on it. A search of auto repair shops showed that the SUV had been brought in to a particular shop and had had repairs made to it – repairs that were consistent with the accident. A check with JW’s insurance company showed that they had paid for the damages to the SUV. The police went to speak with JW but he said nothing o them – absolutely nothing. He exercised his right to remain silent and would not answer one question. (Smart guy.) The police cited JW with Leaving the Scene and Failing to File a Police Report of an Accident and issued him a citation. JW called Attorney Robert Lewin from Andover. Attorney Lewin advised JW to immediately file the citation at Newburyport District Court and request a Clerk-Magistrate hearing.

JW retained Attorney Robert Lewin. (As it turns out JW had had Attorney Lewin represent him previously in another hit & run case which Attorney Lewin won.) Attorney Lewin immediately identified two problems with the police case against JW.

First: The leaving the scene charge requires the police to prove that JW was driving the car at the time of the accident. From the evidence the police had, the police could establish probable cause that it was JW’s vehicle that was involved in the accident. But that is not enough. They had to prove that JW was driving the vehicle at the time of the accident. There was no evidence of this.