The age-old saying regarding lost property typically begins with some variation of the words "finders, keepers." You may indeed believe that if you find property or money most would classify as lost or mislaid that you are within your rights to claim it. Yet is that...

When assessing the safety of an area, people always look at the rates of violent crimes and property crimes. While these two areas do not cover every crime, they do offer good insight into the overall stability of an area.  According to the FBI, Worcester had a...

What would you do if someone broke into your home? Would you do anything you can to protect your family? Most people would take whatever steps necessary. However, this can create a sticky legal situation. It is important that you know the state's stance on your right...

Spooky season is the favorite time of year for many in Massachusetts. It is a time to dress up and invoke the power of make-believe. While the holiday is geared mostly toward children, adults love it too. Unfortunately, there is one thing about Halloween that many...

Making purchases online is very convenient thanks to the use of online credit card payments that do not require the use of your physical card. All you have to do is enter your card numbers to complete a purchase that will be shipped to your Massachusetts address....

Stiff penalties come with vandalism crimes in Massachusetts. Individuals found guilty may face a misdemeanor or felony conviction. According to FindLaw, vandalism refers to the destruction or unlawful damage of an individual’s property. Malicious damage covers a...

Graffiti was once an underground form of illegal street art. Over the years, though, it has become more and more popular. Elements of graffiti have been incorporated into commercial and highbrow art, clothing design and popular media. This form of painting can be a...

Some people try to justify shoplifting as a minor, victimless crime, but these justifications are false. Shoplifting is very serious and causes retailers to lose significant revenue--sometimes millions of dollars--every year. The Massachusetts criminal justice system...

The laws in Massachusetts regarding misdemeanor vs. felony theft are quite different than in the rest of the United States. Nearly every state in the country has a dollar threshold for theft. Stealing property that is valued under the threshold is charged as a...

Being charged with a crime is never pleasant. Neither is going to court. If you have been charged with theft, a trial may very well be in your future. If you are convicted, you could face serious legal consequences that affect you for a long time. Still, it is...