Don't Go Stag!

Thinking of representing yourself in court? It is your right... However, it is our pleasure. If you aren't familiar with the ins and outs of the law, that is ever-changing, then it's not unlike kayaking down Niagara Falls for the first time, alone, with no experience. You will likely be usurped by a wall of white water. As would be the likely outcome of representing yourself in a court of law if you don't have experience. The Prosecutors would likely devour you for sport.
That's why Attorney Paul Moraski defends his clients so vigorously. You shouldn't be regarded as a case number, but a human being with inalienable rights. You need someone on your side who not only knows the law, but knows you. Whether you are facing DUI/OUI or first degree murder, Attorney Moraski is prepared with the skill and knowledge to handle your case. Call us today for a consultation. Preserving your future is our goal.

Chemist Sends Enormous Ripple Throughout Massachusetts' Legal System

This past September, chemist Annie Dookhan, was arrested for falsifying drug test results. As we discussed in October's blog, her actions have sent an enormous ripple throughout the Massachusetts legal system.

As of today, the state of Massachusetts is forging ahead with a plan to retry every case that Dookhan's actions affected... which in reality is in the tens-of-thousands. Her tenure spans over nine years, and any evidence that came through her lab is now suspect whether or not she specifically handled a case. It is estimated by court administrators that in addition to the 34,000 cases in which she was personally involved, her actions would require that the remaining 102,000 cases that didn't bear her name, but did pass through her lab, also be retried.

You may be wondering the cost of all of this. The cost is becoming more astounding by the day. It is estimated that the preliminary costs could well exceed 30 million dollars. And that is merely the beginning. Many are discouraged with the state of Massachusetts' plan to retry each case. Its cost is staggering and piling on by the day, which is why many feel that it would be much more effective to release the prisoners and reenter them into society. This is a method that Boston Mayor Thomas Menino strongly favors, and one that has proven to work before. He has requested 15 million dollars to fund such a venture. The savings and the results would prove beneficial. If we continue with the status quo, it could cost over 50 million dollars and take more than five years to see through. Many would like to see an outside probe brought in to perform an independent review.

Annie Dookhan's blatant perversion of the law affected thousands of lives and will resonate emotionally and financially for the families and the state for years to come. Now that the elections are over, the state of Massachusetts is mired in the web of calamity that this scandal has presented. Sentiments to rethink the current method are growing.

To date, Attorney Moraski has been filing Motions for a New Trial, Motions to Stay the Execution of a Jail/Prison Sentences, Motions for Post Conviction Discovery Requests and Motions to Withdraw Guilty Pleas. Contact Massachusetts Criminal Defense Attorney Paul R. Moraski at (978) 744-1200, if you believe your drug conviction was jeopardized by improper testing.

The Law Office of Paul R. Moraski
221 Essex Street, Suite 51
Salem, Massachusetts 01970
Tel: 978.744.1200
Cell: 978.397.0011
Fax: 978.825.1370

What Does Chemist Annie Dookhan's Arrest Mean For Your Case?

Friday, September 28, chemist Annie Dookhan was arrested for falsifying drug tests results. Her actions resulted in countless convictions of people whose freedom depended on the accuracy of these tests. Her arrest has led to the closing of a Massachusetts State lab where she worked for nine years.

Attorney General Martha Coakley said in a news conference, "Annie Dookhan's alleged actions corrupted the integrity of the entire criminal justice system." She went on to add, "There are many victims as a result of this."

Following Dookhan's arrest, roughly 20 defendants have been released while their attorneys challenge the drug charges against them. During Dookhan's nine year career, she tested more that 60,000 drug samples pertaining to 34,000 defendant's cases. Many more defendants are expected to be released in the future.

Dookhan told state police that on occasion she would add cocaine to a negative sample in order to falsify a positive result. She also said that she would take roughly 20 samples and rather then testing them all, only test about five and then list them all as positive. Dookhan forged her co-worker's signatures and lied about having a master's degree in chemistry. State officials found 1,141 defendants who are currently serving time as a result of Dookhan's testing.

Governor Deval Patrick said that people currently incarcerated will be the state's first priority. That will be followed by people who have already served sentences and people awaiting trial. The problem is that the State is not going to do anything for your case or your loved one’s case without his or her attorney pushing for a New Trial, Stay of Execution (whether post conviction or after plea) or a looking into the discovery process after or before a conviction.

Attorney Paul R. Moraski is currently working dozens of cases because of these falsified drug results. Attorney Moraski is taking the approach that any case involving Annie Dookhan is tainted and warrants a new trial. Attorney Moraski is currently filing on the behalf of clients: Motions for a New Trial, Stays of Execution and Motions for Post Conviction Discovery.

Contact Massachusetts Criminal Defense Attorney Paul R. Moraski at (978) 744-1200, if you believe your drug conviction was jeopardized by improper testing.


The Law Office of Paul R. Moraski
221 Essex Street, Suite 51
Salem, Massachusetts 01970
Tel: 978.744.1200
Cell: 978.397.0011
Fax: 978.825.1370

attorneymoraski@yahoo.com
www.northofbostonlaw.com
www.massdefense.com
www.massdrugdefense.com