Drug Offense Archives

Search of a Van is invalid despite observing marijuana

Search of a Van is invalid despite observing marijuana

A van pulled over because of an unilluminated headlight could not be entered and searched by the police based on marijuana the officers saw inside the van, the Supreme Judicial Court has ruled.

After an officer saw “about a [one]-ounce bag” … Read More »



Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Chief Judge seeks to reform drug cases

Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Chief Judge seeks to reform drug cases

The new Chief Justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judical Court recently spoke on the “state of the judiciary”. One of his most important goals for the future is to call for the end to mandatory minimum sentences for low … Read More »



Sentencing in Drug Crimes Is Subject to Many Factors

Sentencing in Drug Crimes Is Subject to Many Factors

After years of controversy about mandatory minimum sentencing guidelines, the federal government appears ready to take a stance. The cost of overcrowded prisons and a sense of fairness likely compelled U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder to call for sentencing reform.

Massachusetts’ … Read More »