The Massachusetts Appeals Court yesterday reversed a district court judge's denial of a defendant's motion to suppress drugs, ruling that the district court judge incorrectly justified the search as a "protective sweep."  The name of the case is Commonwealth v. Colon. (more…)

The Massachusetts Appeals Court today affirmed a superior court judge's order suppressing a large amount of cocaine because the State Police improperly searched a car under the guise of an "inventory search."  The name of the case is Commonwealth v. Ortiz.  (more…)

The Massachusetts Appeals Court yesterday ruled that a man wrongfully convicted of drug trafficking is entitled to sue the Commonwealth for damages.  The name of the case is Santana v. Commonwealth.  (more…)

The Massachusetts Appeals Court today reversed the conviction of a man who was found guilty of misleading a police officer because the "crime" the officer was investigating was a ruse to obtain incriminating evidence from the defendant.  The name of the case is Commonwealth v. Occhiuto.  (more…)

In an important decision delivered today, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled that a police officer lacks the constitutional authority to stop a motor vehicle simple because the smell of marijuana smoke is emanating from the inside of the car.  The name of the case is Commonwealth v. Rodriguez.  (more…)