Salem MA Criminal Defense Law Blog

Juvenile crimes can be a tragedy. It is a sad scene when a life so young has been marred. However, there doesn't need to be such a grim outcome. Often, the youth of Massachusetts, as well as kids across the nation, can fall victim to making poor choices which can result in juvenile charges. Their brains are not yet fully developed and as such they can be prone to making irrational decisions, from underage drinking to homicide. Their impulses can be instinctual and can result in severe consequences if not properly handled.

One young man from Massachusetts is appealing his conviction of second-degree murder in the shooting and subsequent killing of a 19-year-old man. The young man's brother was also convicted of man-slaughter and accessory. The brother reportedly ordered the man that was convicted of second-degree murder to kill the decedent over a monetary dispute.

With tax day passing just last week, millions of Americans filed their federal income taxes recently. As such, many filers are expecting refunds. It is worth noting, then, that the Federal Trade Commission recently reported that the highest number of complaints that it receives are identity theft cases. And among white collar crimes, tax fraud through identity theft is becoming more prevalent.

An individual that assumes someone's identity most typically begins the process by collecting someone else's name, Social Security number and date of birth. Sometimes, the collecting individual uses the information from dead people. The individual then fills out a tax return using fake income and withholding information. Finally, the fraudulent tax claim is completed when the collecting individual receives a tax refund that is filed under another individual's personal information. Experts estimate that this form of tax fraud was executed more than 500,000 times in 2011.

Massachusetts residents are likely well aware by now that on Feb. 26 a neighborhood watchman in a gated community in Sanford, Florida, shot and killed an unarmed 17-year-old boy named Trayvon Martin. Police say the shooter is claiming self defense. Accordingly, Florida law enforcement authorities have not accused him of any criminal charges.

Under Florida law, a person may use deadly force to defend themselves against death or great bodily harm. The Florida statute, known as the "stand your ground" law, has been controversial since its inception. In the wake of the recent incident in Sanford the law is being scrutinized even further. Recently, Massachusetts legislators are questioning their own proposal to adopt a law similar to the one in Florida.

When juveniles commit serious crimes, the consequences can be tragic for both the victims and the offenders. This summer, the United States Supreme Court will decide whether the Constitution allows courts to sentence juveniles to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The debate over juvenile crime charges is very contentious and emotional, particularly amongst the parents of the victims and the offenders.

The parent of one 21-year-old inmate that was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole is quoted as saying, "Until you're dragged into a situation like this, I don't think you could possibly understand the implications of taking a young person, and saying to them, 'That's it. Forever'."