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We blog about relevant issues in criminal defense law, discuss the misconceptions surrounding criminal defense law, and provide readers with helpful criminal defense information and resources.


Please visit www.massdefense.com for more information.


Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Massachusetts' Social Host Liability Law

A Social Host is a term for someone who furnishes alcohol to another person as an act of hospitality, and who also permits alcohol to be consumed on the property that the host either controls or owns. Social Host Liability means that host may be held liable for injuries suffered by their guests and third parties who are harmed by alcohol served to them as an act of social courtesy. The mere provision of alcohol to underage individuals is a criminal violation.

One Massachusetts mother has been accused of providing alcohol to minors and keeping a disorderly house. During a New Year's Eve party, numerous 17 to 19 year olds were found drinking and smoking marijuana by local police. A report was made to local police that an unconscious male was at the party. After the male was revived the homeowner stated that she had thrown the party for her daughter, age 17. Many of the teens fled but the several remaining were each served with a summons to appear on charges of minor in possession, including the homeowners daughter. The homeowner is currently facing fines and jail time.

Under Massachusetts' social host liability law, a person who provides alcohol or allows it to be consumed by anyone under the age of 21 can face consequences of a $2000 fine and/or imprisonment of up to a year; you could also be found civilly liable. These consequences become much more steep if one's guest leaves the social event and injures or kills someone.

Additionally, a conviction under this statute can have serious consequences resulting in a criminal record or employment issues. The penalties for violating the Social Host Law can be severe and a person facing these penalties needs to employ an attorney with an extensive understanding of the Social Host Law so they may be presented with the best defense possible. If you have been charged with a Social Host violation, immediately contact Massachusetts Criminal Defense Attorney Paul R. Moraski at (978) 744-1200.

Paul R. Moraski, Esq.
The Law Office of Paul R. Moraski
221 Essex Street, Suite 51
Salem, Massachusetts 01970
Tel: 978.744.1200
Fax: 978.825.1370
Email: attorneymoraski@yahoo.com
Websites:
http://www.northofbostonlaw.com/
http://www.massdefense.com/
http://www.massdrugdefense.com/

There Are Three Categories Of Sex Offenders In Massachusetts

There are three categories of sex offenders in Massachusetts and it is the Sex Offender Registry Board (SORB) who determines the levels. The SORB is a panel that assigns one of three categories to people who have committed a sex crime. The three categories range from lesser offenses to people who have been convicted of sexually violent crimes or multiple counts. This panel also deals with appeals.

One of the three categories is a Level 1 offender. Level 1 is considered to have a low risk of reoffense and is not considered a danger to the public. Level 1 offender information is not available to the public and police are not allowed to distribute information to the public.

A Level 2 sex offender is considered to have a moderate risk of reoffense and dangerousness. The public has access to a level two sex offender's information through the Sex Offender Registry Board as well as through the local police department.

Level 3 sex offenders are deemed to have a high risk of reoffense in addition to a high degree of dangerousness. Fliers are distributed to the public regarding level 3 offenders. Their information is also available to the public at the local police station and SORB.

Every three years there is an opportunity for a registered sex offender to lower their classification level. The SORB acknowledges that the threat of offense and level of dangerousness changes over time. It is imperative that you have an attorney experienced in these types of hearings, whether you are attempting to lower your level or have received information that the SORB is raising your level.

Going in front of the SORB is one of the most important moments of your life. Depending on your classification, you may be subjected to public dissemination of your criminal history and personal information or not. The difference is having a skilled attorney on your side advocating for you. Each case requires a highly specialized and aggressive defense and not every attorney is knowledgable in this field. Experience is everything!

When dealing with Sex Offender Registry Board matters, contact Massachusetts Criminal Defense Attorney Paul R. Moraski at (978) 744-1200 for a thorough investigation and defense of your case.


Paul R. Moraski, Esq.
The Law Office of Paul R. Moraski
221 Essex Street, Suite 51
Salem, Massachusetts 01970
Tel: 978.744.1200
Fax: 978.825.1370
Email: attorneymoraski@yahoo.com
Websites:
http://www.northofbostonlaw.com/
http://www.massdefense.com/
http://www.massdrugdefense.com/