Weapons Charges 

A weapons offense is the act of illegally using, buying, or selling weapons. Although the Second Amendment to the U.S. Bill of Rights guarantees the right to keep and bear arms, most states require a permit to legally purchase and own a firearm. Of all the different types of weapons, firearms (guns) are considered the biggest safety threat, and therefore have the strictest legislation and penalties. In the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, a state-base criminal background check is required to obtain a handgun license. This is a license to possess, not just purchase a firearm. In the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, a person must be 21 years of age to apply for a license. 

Typical weapon offenses include 

• assault with a deadly weapon
• unlawful possession of a weapon
• illegal sale of a weapon
• possession of a concealed weapon
•  violent crime involving the use of a weapon.

If you are convicted of a weapons offense you may face harsh penalties such as a prison sentence, heavy monetary fines, the loss of the right to own a weapon, or probation. A weapons charge is a serious offense. 

If you have been charged with a weapons offense in Massachusetts, it is important to speak to a criminal defense attorney to discuss your legal options. The Law Offices of Defilippis, Kaldis & Hennessey are  criminal defense attorneys who can advise you of your options and protect your legal rights. 

If you have been charged with a weapons offense in Massachusetts, the Law Offices of Defilippis, Kaldis & Hennesseyare committed to fighting criminal charges and preserving and protecting your best interest. 

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VIOLENT CRIMES 

A violent crime is the act of threatening or using force against a victim. An act is considered a violent crime if the act itself involves violence, as in cases of assault, or if violence is used to threaten or obtain something from the victim, like robbery. Violent crimes can be committed with or without the use of weapons. 

The U.S. Department of Justice distinguishes five categories of violent crimes: murder, forcible rape, robbery, aggravated assault, and simple assault. Depending on the severity of the crime, violent crimes can be categorized as a misdemeanor or felony. Typically, misdemeanors include simple assault, whereas rape, murder, and aggravated assault fall under felony jurisdiction. 

A person convicted of committing a violent crime will face harsh legal ramifications, such as imprisonment, monetary fines, probation, restitution to the victims and their families, court-ordered treatment and the loss of the right to possess a weapon. If you have been charged with a violent crime in Massachusetts, it is important to speak to a criminal defense attorney to discuss your legal options. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Defilippis, Kaldis & Hennessey are criminal defense attorneys who can advise you of your options and protect your legal rights.

If you have been charged with a violent crime in Massachusetts,  the attorneys at the Law Offices of Defilippis, Kaldis & Hennessey are committed to fighting criminal charges and preserving and protecting your best interest. crime

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White Collar Crimes 

The most commons forms of white collar crimes are 

• fraud, 
• bribery, 
• insider trading, 
• computer crimes,
• forgery, 
• extortion,
• tax evasion 
• embezzlement. 

The desire for more money and power is usually the motive for committing white collar crimes. Most white collar crimes are conducted in corporate environments or in the political arena because that is where people with high profiles reside. White collar crimes are considered a serious offense.

A person charged with committing a white collar crime will face harsh prosecution because of how financially damaging the crimes are to the economy and the government. Most people convicted of white collar crimes are required to pay financial restitution. Other penalties for committing white collar crimes include jail time, heavy monetary fines, large sums of debt, and probation. In addition, people convicted of white collar crimes also face long lasting damage to their personal and professional reputations. 

If you have been charged with a white collar crime in Massachusetts, it is important to speak with an attorney. 

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Hate crimes are violent acts carried out toward another person because of their race, national origin, religion, or color. At this time, federal legislation does not recognize sexual orientation, disability or gender as categories of hate crimes; however, members of Congress are currently drafting new legislation to include these groups as well. 

Two things must be proven to be convicted of a hate crime:

• The defendant’s motivation for committing a hate crime must be based on a bias toward race, religion, national origin or color.

• The hate crime must have intended to prevent the victim from exercising his/her federally protected rights. 

Hate crimes are serious criminal acts that can leave their victims physically and emotionally scarred for life. There have been extreme cases in which victims have died from acts of hate. Hate crimes can be carried out through verbal attacks and threats, or can manifest through property damage and physical assault and battery. Hate crimes directly violate the rights of U.S. citizens and are illegal according to federal and state laws. 

While the outcome of each case varies depending on circumstance, the attorneys at the Deflippis, Kaldis & Hennessey are committed to fighting criminal charges and preserving and protecting your rights and best interest. 

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Drug Crimes 

Drug offenses include the criminal act of:

• possessing, 
• trafficking, 
• distributing,
• manufacturing, 
• cultivating or 
• transporting illegal substances. 

The most common forms illegal substances include marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine. It is also considered a drug offense if the substance in question is a lawful medication, such as Vicodin and OxyContin, but is used for illegal purposes. Typically, drug offense charges depend upon the type of crime, type of drug possessed, and the amount of drug possessed. These offenses can range from mild to severe. 

If you are convicted of committing a drug offense in Massachusetts, you may face a variety of harsh punishments. These punishments can include imprisonment, monetary fines, seizure of property, court ordered rehabilitation, community service, and probation. 

The court considers many factors when determining a sentence, including the offender’s age, prior offenses, and intent to distribute. If you have been charged with a drug crime it is important to seek out an experienced Massachusetts drug crime attorney. 

A drug crime conviction can leave lasting negative effects, which can impact your career, education, and housing opportunities. 

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Sex Crimes

Sex crimes are sexual acts prohibited by law. Sex crimes are considered the most taboo of all crimes because they go against societal norms. The legal jurisdiction on sex crimes and their nature vary from state to state.  Some of the most common sex crimes include 

• rape
• sexual assault
• child sexual abuse
• statutory rape
• indecent exposure
• incest
• date rape
• sex with animals
• sexual harassment
• child pornography 
• pedophilia
• prostitution

An important element to any sex crime is the established age of consent.  If a person engages in sexual activity with another person below the established age of consent, they can face much harsher consequences. 

If you are convicted of a sex crime, you may be required to register as a sex offender, which can have a life-long negative effect on your personal and professional reputation. Furthermore, if you are convicted of a sex crime you may face jail time, probation, monetary fines, community service and psychological evaluation, in addition to the already damaging toll being taken on your professional and personal life. Being convicted of a sex crime is a serious offense. 

It is crucial to seek legal counsel of an attorney. 

If you are under investigation for any crime such as drug possession or drunk driving offense, if you have already been charged with a crime or drunk driving violation, please call

(508) 872-3144

or email us at:

j.hennessey@dwiouidefense.com

 We will give you a brief but professional “first-impression” analysis of your case and your situation, which will allow you to take an important first step in defending the case against you.