What is a CWOF and should you take it?
If you have or have spent time in a courtroom in Massachusetts you have probably heard attorneys, judges, or probation officers talking about a “CWOF.” “CWOF” is a commonly used acronym for a Continuation without a Finding. It is a way of resolving a case short of a guilty plea. If you accept a CWOF […]
Mental Health and Criminal Law
It is not uncommon for mental health issues to overlap with criminal charges. In some cases, mental health concerns are the root of actions leading to criminality. However, the question often arises as to how mental health interacts with the criminal justice system once someone is charged with a crime. In Massachusetts, there are two […]
Is a criminal case sealed automatically if it is dismissed?
The answer to this question is more complicated than it may appear. Prior to 2023, there was no such thing as automatic sealing of a criminal charge in Massachusetts. If a person wanted to have their criminal record sealed, and thus not readily available on most background checks, they would need to either file a […]
Can I be held without bail on “dangerousness”?
In Massachusetts, a court can hold a person charged with certain crimes in jail, without the right to bail, if the court finds the person to be a danger, and that no conditions of release will ensure the safety of the community, or any specific person. What crimes can a person be incarcerated for […]
