Boston Motor Vehicle Crimes Lawyer
Boston Vehicular Crimes Defense Attorney
In Massachusetts, criminal motor vehicle offenses can be charged as misdemeanors, which carry a penalty of up to two and one-half years in the house of correction, or as felonies, which can carry much longer sentences. In addition to jail time, vehicular offenses may result in suspension of your Massachusetts driver's license and substantially higher insurance premiums. Depending on the type of crime with which you are charged, you may not be able to apply for certain kinds of employment or you may lose your current job if it involves the use of a company car. If you have been charged with a vehicular crime, you should seek legal representation as soon as possible. A skillful criminal defense lawyer may be able to persuade prosecutors to charge you with a less serious traffic offense, or not to charge you at all.
Before talking to police or investigators, contact motor vehicle crimes defense attorney David R. Yannetti today. He will evaluate your case and discuss how he can help you fight the charges against you.
Charges Involving Motor Vehicle Crimes
Attorney Yannetti represents clients in Boston and throughout Massachusetts charged with all types of vehicular crimes, including:
- Negligent operation of a motor vehicle
- Reckless driving
- Driving under the influence (DUI/OUI)
- Operating to endanger
- Vehicular assault
- Vehicular homicide
- Driving after suspension or revocation of license
- Motor vehicle theft or larceny of a motor vehicle
- Receiving stolen motor vehicle
- Uninsured motor vehicle
Addressing the Impact of a Motor Vehicle Crime
In addition to the criminal aspect of a vehicular crimes case, clients may also face license suspension issues with the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles. Attorney Yannetti represents clients in the criminal case to protect their freedom and in the civil case to protect their driver's license. Attorney Yannetti has been successful in both arenas.
Recent Motor Vehicle Cases:
January 23, 2012
November 30, 2011
Attleboro District Court
Clerk's Hearing
Client, a 45 year-old attorney, faced a potential complaint for Operating a Motor Vehicle so as to Endanger the Lives and Safety of the Public. The police alleged that when an ambulance was speeding through a traffic jam, Client drove her car in a fast and unsafe manner, following directly and closely behind the ambulance in order to cut through traffic herself. Client hired the Yannetti Criminal Defense Law Firm to preserve her otherwise clean criminal record. Today at the clerk 's hearing, Attorney Yannetti persuades the police prosecutor and the assistant clerk magistrate that Client should not face a criminal complaint and instead should be allowed to pay the fine for "following too closely," a civil infraction. As a result, no criminal complaint issues. Result: Application for Complaint Dismissed.
Woburn District Court
November 14, 2011
Clerk's Hearing
Client, a 22 year-old university student, was summonsed to court for a clerk's hearing for a potential complaint of Leaving the Scene after Causing Property Damage. The police alleged that Client had struck another vehicle then fled the area without exchanging information with the other driver. As a result of the collision, Client's license plate was actually imbedded in the other driver's vehicle. Client also admitted to the police that she had caused the collision. Client was an immigrant very concerned about keeping her record clean, so she hired the Yannetti Criminal Defense Law Firm to represent her. Today at the clerk magistrate's hearing, Attorney Yannetti persuades the police prosecutor and the assistant clerk magistrate that no criminal complaint should issue against Client. Client avoids an arraignment before a judge and the application for complaint will be dismissed in three months without ever appearing on Client's criminal record. Result: Application for Complaint Dismissed.
Attleboro District Court
Clerk's Hearing
Client, an immigrant and recent college graduate, was cited by the police for Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle. The police alleged that while driving on his learner's permit, Client did not have a licensed driver in the car with him. Client then ran a stop sign and smashed into another vehicle crossing the intersection. Client hired the Yannetti Criminal Defense Law Firm to preserve his clean criminal record. Today at the clerk magistrate's hearing, Attorney Yannetti suggests that Client would be willing to pay a fine for failing to yield -- a civil infraction -- in exchange for a dismissal of the application for a criminal complaint. Both the police prosecutor and the assistant clerk magistrate agree. No criminal complaint issues against Client, Client never appears before a judge and this case will never affect his immigration status in the U.S. Result: Application for Complaint Dismissed.November 4, 2011
Cambridge District Court
Docket No. 1052-CR-1757
Client, a 18 year-old college student, was charged with Breaking and Entering into a Motor Vehicle with Intent to Commit a Felony and two counts of Malicious Damage to a Motor Vehicle. The police alleged that Client and a friend broke into two cars and stole money from each of them. Both youths were apprehended and identified shortly after the break-ins. Client's family retained the Yannetti Criminal Defense Law Firm to represent him. For over a year, Attorney Yannetti negotiates with the prosecution to try to avoid having a conviction enter on Client's record. After having been rebuffed by more than one assigned prosecutor, Attorney Yannetti files a motion to suppress to fight the case. Today, at the scheduled hearing date for the motion to suppress, the prosecution finally relents and agrees to place Client on pre-trial probation for one year. Client admits to no wrongdoing. As long as Client performs fifty hours of community service, these felonies will never appear on Client's criminal record. Result: Case Dismissed.October 28, 2011
East Brookfield District Court
Clerk's Hearing
Client, an immigrant working on a temporary visa as a financial analyst, was cited by the police for Wrongfully Attaching Registration Plates and Operating an Uninsured and Unregistered Motor Vehicle -- all criminal charges. Client hired the Yannetti Criminal Defense Law Firm to represent him at the clerk magistrate's hearing. Today at the hearing, Attorney Greg L. Johnson persuades the clerk magistrate that no criminal complaint should issue Client. Client never appears before a judge and this case will never affect his immigration status in the U.S. Result: Application for Complaint Dismissed.October 24 2011
October 12, 2011
Concord District Court
Docket No. 1147-CR-1000
Client, a 19 year-old college student, faced an arraignment for Operating a Motor Vehicle with a Suspended License, a misdemeanor. Client's family retained the Yannetti Criminal Defense Law Firm to represent him. Today, Yannetti associate, Attorney Greg L. Johnson, persuades the judge and prosecutor to dismiss the charge prior to arraignment. As long as Client attends a one-day driver's safety class, no criminal charge will appear on Client's criminal record. Result: Case Dismissed Prior to Arraignment.
Dedham District Court
Clerk's Hearing
Client, a executive at a multi-national corporation, faced a potential criminal complaint for Operating a Motor Vehicle with a Suspended Registration and Revoked Insurance. Client hired the Yannetti Criminal Defense Law Firm to represent her at the clerk magistrate's hearing. Today at the hearing, Attorney Greg L. Johnson persuades the clerk magistrate that the complaint should not issue -- despite the fact that Client had been driving an unregistered and uninsuranced motor vehicle for over a month. Client will never have to appear before a judge and this case will never appear on her criminal record. Result: Application for Complaint Dismissed.September 22, 2011
August 26, 2011
Dedham District Court
Docket No. 1154-CR-1332
Client, a 19 year-old college student, was charged with Operating an Uninsured Motor Vehicle, a misdemeanor. Client's family retained the Yannetti Criminal Defense Law Firm to represent him at his scheduled arraignment. Today, Yannetti associate, Attorney Greg L. Johnson, persuades the judge and prosecutor to dismiss all charges prior to arraignment. As long as Client performs sixteen hours of community service, these criminal charges will never appear on Client's criminal record. Result: Case Dismissed Prior to Arraignment.
Boston Municipal Court
Charlestown Division
Docket No. 1104-CR-0343
Client, a 26 year-old man with a criminal history, was charged with Operating after Suspension of his Driver's License. Ordinarily, this would be a minor charge with only minor consequences. Client, however, had previously received various types of probation for drug distribution, firearms possession and attempted breaking-and-entering. In addition, Client had a prior conviction on his record for Operating after Suspension. Client was worried about the possiblity of being sentenced to a short prison sentence, so he hired Attorney Yannetti to represent him. Today, at Client's arraignment, Attorney Yannetti persuades the prosecutor and the judge to resolve this case without imposing another conviction for Client. Despite his record and previous offense, the judge continues this case without a finding of guilty. As long as Client performs 12 hours of community service per month -- and stays out of further trouble -- this case will be dismissed in one year. Result: Client Avoids a Conviction Despite His Lengthy Record and Prior Similar Offense.August 4, 2011
July 18, 2011
Dedham District Court
Docket No. 1154-CR-1129
Client, a software engineer in the country on a Mexican visa, contacted the Yannetti Criminal Defense Law Firm yesterday because he learned that there was a warrant for his arrest. Apparently, the police cited him for Operating a Motor Vehicle without a License -- but sent the summons to the wrong address. Client did not receive it until after he missed his arraignment date and a warrant issued. Attorney Yannetti rearranged his afternoon schedule to appear with Client in Dedham to remove the warrant. In addition, Attorney Yannetti persuades the prosecutor and the judge to place Client on pre-trial probation for three months. That means that Client admits no fault or guilt and the case will automatically be dismissed in three months as long as Client is not charged with any further crimes. Finally, Attorney Yannetti persuades the prosecutor and judge to find Client "Not Responsible" on the civil infractions for not having his registration in his possession and for crossing over the marked lanes while driving. Result: Case Dismissed.
Framingham District Court
Clerk's Hearing
Client, a 32 year-old engineer and businessman, faced a potential criminal complaint for Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle. Client allegedly made an illegal U-turn in heavy traffic on a busy highway -- cutting off a police officer driving in the other direction. Client is a professional with no criminal record and desperately wanted to preserve his clean record. He hired Attorney Yannetti to represent him at his clerk magistrate's hearing. Today, at the hearing, Attorney Yannetti persuades the police and assistant clerk magistrate that no complaint should issue. Instead, Client pays $100.00 in court costs and escapes both civil and criminal liability -- meaning that the violation will not even show up on his driving record. Client never appears before a judge and maintains a clean CORI. Result: Application for Complaint Dismissed.June 21, 2011
Malden District Court
Docket Nos. 1050-CR-0497 and 1050-CR-1424
Client, a 40 year-old mechanic, was arrested for Assault by Means of a Dangerous Weapon, a felony, and Malicious Destruction of a Motor Vehicle, another felony. The police alleged that he used a shovel to smash the car window of someone who was revving tires at his auto shop. Client admitted to the police that he had broken the window. Client hired Attorney Yannetti to represent him. After being released on bail, Client was rearrested for Operating under the Influence of Alcohol (OUI/DUI). In that new case, Client alleged told the arresting officer to "F--- off." Attorney Yannetti first prevented his bail from being revoked on the pending felony charges, despite the fact that Client has a lengthy record of prior convictions. Attorney Yannetti then investigated both cases over the course of several months. Today, Attorney Yannetti persuades the prosecutor to dismiss the Assault by Means of a Dangerous Weapon charge. He also persuades the prosecutor to reduce the remaining felony charge to Malicious Destruction under $250.00, a misdemeanor. Then, over the prosecutor's objection, Attorney Yannetti persuades the judge to continue both cases without a finding for a year. Client will need to attend the alcohol education program and anger management counseling, but these cases will be dismissed in one year if he successfully completes his probation. Result: One Felony Charge Dismissed, the Other Felony Charge is Reduced to a Misdemeanor and Client Avoids a Conviction on All Charges.June 8, 2011
Wrentham District Court
Docket No. 1157-CR-0794
Client, a 25 year-old law school graduate, was charged with Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle and four civil infractions. An off-duty state trooper allegedly witnessed Client pull out into traffic and cut him off, causing the trooper to have to jam on his brakes to avoid a collision. The trooper then allegedly witnessed Client speed off in an erratic manner. Client initially hired Attorney Yannetti to represent him at a clerk magistrate's hearing in March. The off-duty state trooper was insistent that the complaint issue against Client. Today, however, on Client's arraignment date, Attorney Yannetti persuades the prosecutor not to arraign Client on the criminal complaint. Client instead needs only to pay fines for the civil infractions and this case will never appear on his criminal record. Result: Case Dismissed Before Arraignment.April 22, 2011
October 13, 2010
Quincy District Court
Docket No. 1156-CR-0982
Client, a 34 year-old man, was charged with Operating to Endanger. The state police alleged that he was driving erratically on Route 3, speeding and switching lanes. Client allegedly attempted to pass another vehicle on the right while driving too fast and caused a collision that led to both vehicles being totaled. Today, at the pre-trial conference, Attorney Yannetti persuades the prosecutor and the judge to dismiss the criminal case against him. Client only pays a fine for speeding and avoids any criminal conviction. Result: Case Dismissed.
Taunton District Court
Docket No. 0931-CR-1599
This was a tragic case. Client, a 29 year-old laborer, was charged with Motor Vehicle Homicide by Reckless Operation. Three eyewitnesses reported to the police that Client was driving very fast (in excess of 90 mph) and erratically (abrupt lane changes, criss-crossing in between cars) on the highway. At one point, Client's car slammed into the back of a Jeep Cherokee, causing horrific results. The Jeep was vaulted into the air, crashed down and rolled off the highway, landing in some trees 20 feet off the highway. One passenger suffered a broken leg. The driver suffered fractured ribs. The driver's 14 year-old son tragically died as a result of the accident. Client was remorseful and wanted to accept responsibility for the accident, but the D.A.'s Office insisted on a prison sentence that was slightly less than the maximum penalty allowed by law. This forced Attorney Yannetti to take the case to trial. Attorney Yannetti employed a private investigator who uncovered an eyewitness whom the police and the prosecutor ignored. Attorney Yannetti also prepared a devastating cross-examination of the prosecutor's accident reconstructionist. Today, after a painful, two-day trial, the jury returned a verdict of Not Guilty. Result: Not Guilty Verdict after Jury Trial.September 10, 2010
August 27, 2010
Boston Municipal Court
West Roxbury Division
Clerk's Hearing
Client, a state employee, faced a potential charge of Leaving the Scene of an Accident after Causing Property Damage. Client allegedly struck an unoccupied vehicle in a parking lot in front of a witness, who only managed to get her license plate. Since the car was registered to her husband, he was the one originally summonsed to court. At the original clerk's hearing, however, both Client and her husband were unrepresented. When Client admitted having driven her car in the parking lot that day, the Clerk Magistrate dismissed the complaint against her husband and scheduled a clerk's hearing for Client instead. Client hired Attorney Yannetti. At the clerk's hearing today, Attorney Yannetti persuades both the Clerk Magistrate and the police department that no complaint should issue against Client. Instead, Client needs to produce proof that his insurance company paid the claim, or Client needs to make the damaged vehicle's owner whole. Client never appears before a judge, so her criminal record remains clean. Result: Application for Complaint Dismissed.
Clinton District Court
Clerk's Hearing
Client, a fellow attorney, faced a potential charge of Leaving the Scene of an Accident after Causing Property Damage. Client allegedly backed up into an unoccupied vehicle in a parking lot in front of witnesses, then left the lot to go home without stopping or leaving a note on the damaged vehicle. When the police confronted him at his home, Client admitted to bumping the vehicle but explained that he did not believe any damage occurred. Client hired Attorney Yannetti. At the hearing today, Attorney Yannetti persuades both the clerk magistrate and the police department that no complaint should issue against Client. Instead, Client needs to produce proof that his insurance company paid the claim, or Client needs to make the damaged vehicle's owner whole. Client never appears before a judge, so his criminal record remains clean. Result: Application for Complaint Dismissed.January 25, 2010
Dedham Juvenile Court
Docket Nos. FIYO-9Q-0049 through -0052, FID-09D-0020 through -0025, FID-09Q-0035 through -0039
Client, a 16 year-old high school student, was indicted as a Youthful Offender and faced 31 charges, including Larceny of a Motor Vehicle, Larceny of a Firearm, Carrying a Firearm without a License and Breaking and Entering into a Dwelling House with the Intent to Commit a Felony. The prosecution alleged that Client and two friends broke into one home, stole jewelry and stole the car from the garage. They then allegedly drove to Client's uncle's house, where they stole 9 firearms that had been locked up in the home. Client gave a full confession to breaking into the first home. If convicted as an adult -- which is generally the purpose of the prosecution when the seek "youthful offender" indictments -- client faced a minimum mandatory sentence of 1 1/2 years in the house of correction. After initially retaining another attorney (with whom they were unhappy), Client's parents hired Attorney Yannetti. Both of Client's friends pled guilty to all 31 charges they faced and both were prepared to testify against Client. Today, despite the strength of the prosecution's case against Client, Attorney Yannetti persuades the prosecutor to dismiss 20 of the 31 charges Client faced. In addition, Client admits to 9 of the charges as a juvenile and is placed on probation for those counts. Client only admits to two "carrying of a firearm" indictments as a youthful offender -- and is not sentenced as an adult. Instead, he is committed to the Department of Youth Services. He therefore will obtain counseling and treatment rather than being warehoused in a prison cell. Client may be released after as a few as six months. Result: Twenty of Thirty-One Charges Dismissed, Client sentenced as a Juvenile and Avoids a Minimum Mandatory House-of-Correction Sentence.June 22, 2009
Boston Municipal Court
Central Division
Docket No. 0801-CR-8913
Client, a 30 year-old professional, was charged with leaving the scene of an accident after causing property damage on the Massachusetts Turnpike. Client hired Attorney Yannetti to try to preserve his otherwise clean criminal record. Over the course of several months, Attorney Yannetti filed extensive discovery motions, which the judge allowed -- and with which the prosecutor had trouble complying. Today, Attorney Yannetti persuaded the judge to dismiss this case over the prosecutor's objection, because the prosecutor failed to comply with the discovery orders. Client therefore avoids a trial and avoids a conviction. Result: Case Dismissed.June 22, 2009
Boston Municipal Court
Central Division
Docket No. 0901-CR-3131
Client, a 25 year-old law student, was arrested for operating under the influence of alcohol. The police alleged that Client sped through an intersection without stopping, drove the wrong way down a one-way street, refused to identify himself or otherwise cooperate with the police, and wound up calling the officers derogatory names before eventually breaking down and crying at the police station. Client hired Attorney Yannetti to minimize the damage to his otherwise clean criminal record. Today, Attorney Yannetti persuaded the judge to dismiss two criminal charges -- resisting arrest and failing to identify himself to the police -- over the prosecutor's objection. On the OUI charge, Client was given the minimum loss-of-license, the minimum fees and fines, and that charge was continued without a finding. Result: Client Has Two Criminal Charges Dismissed and Avoids a Conviction on the Remaining Charge.June 10, 2009
Malden District Court
Docket No. 0850-CR-1362
In April of this year, this road-rage case was dismissed against Client after he had been placed on pre-trial probation and was ordered to receive anger-management counseling. Shortly after the dismissal, Client contacted Attorney Yannetti to petition to seal this case. Today, Attorney Yannetti succeeded in having all records of this conviction permanently sealed. As a result, Client can now truthfully answer on any job or official application that he has never been arrested, charged or convicted of any crime. Result: Case Permanently Sealed.June 3, 2009
Boston Municipal Court
East Boston Division
Docket No. 0805-CR-2342
Client, a foreign national in the U.S. on a student visa, failed to appear for his operating-after-suspension case back in January of this year. As a result, a warrant issued for his arrest. Client hired Attorney Yannetti to investigate and negotiate the terms of his surrender before the court. Attorney Yannetti contacted the prosecutor and eventually convinced him to agree that the charge should be dismissed. Today, Attorney Yannetti therefore brings Client into court to have the warrant recalled. Attorney Yannetti then persuades the judge to dismiss the case, on $200 court costs. Result: Application for Complaint Dismissed.March 20, 2009
Framingham District Court
Docket No. 0849-CR-2437
Client, a married family man, was arrested for assault and battery and operating to endanger as a result of an alleged mishap on the Massachusetts Turnpike. Client allegedly drove through the "Fast Lane" tolls without having the proper transponder in his vehicle. When approached by a toll-taker, Client willingly provided his driver's license for identification, but refused to sign any paperwork. When the toll-taker resisted returning his license, Client grabbed it out of the toll-taker's hands -- causing the toll-taker to lose his balance and fall face-first onto the roof of Client's vehicle. Client then sped off. The toll-taker broke his front teeth. Client hired Attorney Yannetti who, after several months of negotiation, eventually persuades the toll-taker to sign an "accord and satisfaction." The toll-taker essentially agrees to tell the prosecutor that he does not wish to go forward with the case. Today, over the prosecutor's objection, Attorney Yannetti persuades the judge to dismiss the case against Client. Result: Case Dismissed.
November 21, 2008
Cambridge District Court
Docket No. 0852-CR-2613
Client, a physician, allegedly drove her car down a street clearly marked "do not enter," in violation of a municipal ordinance. When the police officer pulled her over, he learned that her driver's license had been suspended and she did not have her registration in her possession. Client therefore faced two criminal charges and one civil infraction and hired Attorney Yannetti. Attorney Yannetti appeared at her arraignment, having persuaded the judge to waive Client's own appearance to minimize her absence from her medical practice. At the pre-trial conference today, Attorney Yannetti convinces the prosecutor and judge to dismiss both criminal charges upon the payment of court costs, and to enter a "Not Responsible" finding on the civil infraction. Client therefore avoids any adverse consequences to her driver's license and criminal record. Result: Case Dismissed.
November 14, 2008
Somerville District Court
Docket No. 0810-CR-1698
In an incident of road rage, Client allegedly bolted out of his car, ran to the driver behind him and intentionally punched and broke a side rear-view mirror. A police officer witnessed the entire confrontation, including the smashing of the mirror. Client was arrested and charged with both malicious destruction of property and disorderly conduct. Today, Attorney Yannetti convinces the prosecutor not to take the case to trial, and instead to allow Client to be placed on pre-trial probation. The judge agrees. This means that Client does not admit to any crime. After six months, the case will be dismissed with no repercussions for Client's record. Result: Case Dismissed.
October 31, 2008
Lowell District Court
Clerk's Hearing
Client, a software engineer, was stopped for driving his motorcycle 65 mph in a 35 mph zone, in a residential neighborhood. After he failed to immediately pull over for the police, the officer charged him with the criminal offense of operating to endanger, in addition to citing him for going 30 mph over the speed limit. Client faced a hefty speeding fine, as well as the prospect of a criminal record, so he hired Attorney Yannetti to represent him. At the clerk magistrate's hearing today, Attorney Yannetti convinces the clerk magistrate not to issue a criminal complaint alleging operating to endanger, and to instead allow Client merely to pay the minimum fine for speeding -- saving client a criminal record and hundreds of dollars in fines on the speeding citation. Result: Application for Complaint Dismissed.
December 19, 2007
Orleans District Court
Docket No. 0726-CR-0761
Client rented a motor vehicle which was involved in a serious one-car accident. When the police arrived, Client's girlfriend was barely conscious in the front passenger's seat. Client was pacing back and forth on a nearby street. The investigating officer quickly concluded Client was drunk and brought him back to the scene of the accident. After speaking with eyewitnesses, the police charged Client with operating under the influence (OUI/DUI), leaving the scene of an accident after causing personal injury, and operating a motor vehicle recklessly. Client hires Attorney Yannetti, who ultimately schedules the matter for trial. Pre-trial, Attorney Yannetti files several motions in limine, asking the judge to exclude from evidence: (1) any identification of Client; and (2) his blood alcohol level. Attorney Yannetti also prepares a persuasive motion for required finding of not guilty. Today, Attorney Yannetti convinces the judge to dismiss all three charges over the objection of the prosecutor. Result: Case Dismissed.
December 10, 2007
Boston Municipal Court
Roxbury Division
Clerk's Hearing
Driving home from work shortly before midnight, Client crashed his car into a guardrail. When the state police arrived to investigate, a state trooper charged him with driving with a revoked registration and no insurance. Client hires Attorney Yannetti, who schedules a clerk's hearing on the application for a complaint. Today, Attorney Yannetti spoke with the state trooper prior to the hearing and demonstrated the efforts that Client took to rectify his registration and insurance problems. The state trooper and the assistant clerk magistrate then agreed that no complaint should be issued against Client. Client's record therefore remains clean. Result: Application for Complaint Dismissed.
June 5, 2007
Boston Municipal Court
Brighton Division
Clerk's Hearing
Client, a college senior, was stopped twice for speeding in a two-week period. Regarding the first citation, Client paid the ticket (for driving 85 mph in a 55 mph zone) without contacting an attorney. The second officer to stop him, however, alleged that he was driving 73 mph in a 30 mph zone and charged him with the criminal offense of operating to endanger as well. At the clerk magistrate's hearing today, the officer testified that his department has issued 50,000 citations in the last 18 years and the previous "record" for the highest speed ever recorded on that road had been 71 mph. Nonetheless, Attorney Yannetti convinces the clerk magistrate not to issue a criminal complaint alleging operating to endanger, and to instead allow Client merely to pay the fine for speeding. Result: Application for Complaint Dismissed.
May 31, 2007
Leominster District Court
Docket No. 0761-CR-0169
Client, a professional driver who transports the elderly and the handicapped, was off-duty one night and arrested for operating under the influence of drugs, as well as possession of cocaine and pills. Client allegedly veered off the road and crashed into the woods. When the police arrived, Client was disoriented and paramedics reported that his heart was racing uncontrollably. The police found in his vehicle crack cocaine, as well as several unbottled prescription pills, including promethazine, alprazolam and cyclobenzaprine. Client admitted that the cocaine and pills were his. If convicted of OUI-drugs or either of the narcotics possession charges, Client's driver's license would have been suspended for one year. After several court dates, Attorney Yannetti convinces the prosecutor to (1) dismiss the OUI-drugs charge and allow Client to admit only to operating a motor vehicle negligently; (2) dismiss the possession of a class E controlled substance charge and allow Client to admit only to the possession of a class B controlled substance charge; (3) recommend that Client be found "not responsible" for the marked lanes civil motor vehicle infraction; and most importantly: (4) recommend that the operating negligently and possession class B charges both be "continued without a finding," meaning that Client will not lose his driver's license and will not ultimately have a criminal record if he complies with probation. The judge agrees to adopt the agreed-upon recommendation. Result: OUI-drugs and possession class E charges dismissed, Client retains his driver's license and avoids any criminal conviction.
May 22, 2007
Boston Municipal Court
Brighton Division
Docket No. 0708-CR-0252
Client, a foreign college student in this country on a student visa, was cited for driving an uninsured motor vehicle with a revoked registration -- two criminal charges. Today, Attorney Yannetti convinces both the prosecutor and the judge to dismiss both charges on $150 court costs. Most importantly, the judge agrees to dismiss the charges before Client's arraignment -- so there will be no entry at all on Client's criminal record. Result: Case Dismissed.
May 17, 2007
Boston Municipal Court
Central Division
Docket No. 0601-CR-5873
Client, a college student, was charged with motor vehicle homicide. Last year, he allegedly drove his car into a wall while traveling 94 mph with a blood alcohol level well over the legal limit. Tragically, his passenger -- and best friend -- died. If the district attorney's office insisted on prosecuting him under Chapter 90, Section 24G, Subsection (a), Client faced possible indictment by a grand jury and a minimum mandatory one-year state prison sentence. Over the course of several months after the accident, Attorney Yannetti persuaded the prosecutor and the victim's attorney that Client should not be indicted. Attorney Yannetti then convinced the prosecutor to proceed under subsection (b) -- which would allow Client to avoid the minimum mandatory one-year prison sentence. Today, Attorney Yannetti convinces a B.M.C. judge to sentence the defendant to serve 59 days in the house of correction. When released, Client will be on probation for 5 years with the remainder of his sentence suspended, and he will have to perform 200 hours of community service. Result: Client avoids indictment, avoids state-prison, avoids the minimum-mandatory one-year sentence, and will be released from the house of correction in July.
January 11, 2007
Cambridge District Court
Clerk Magistrate's Hearing
Client, an executive, was facing a charge of wrongfully attaching plates to her motor vehicle. At the clerk magistrate's hearing today, Attorney Yannetti convinces the clerk magistrate and the police prosecutor that Client was not at fault. Result: Application for Complaint Dismissed.
December 11, 2006
Boston Municipal Court
Charlestown Division
Docket No. 0604-CR-0627
Client was charged with failing to stop for a police officer who had attempted to pull over his motor vehicle. At Client's arraignment today, Attorney Yannetti convinces the prosecutor and the judge that Client was not at fault. Result: Case Dismissed.
October 19, 2006
Cambridge District Court
Docket No. 0652-CR-1681
Client, a scientist, was charged with leaving the scene after causing property damage as a result of a motor vehicle collision near his home. Today, Attorney Yannetti convinces the prosecutor and the judge to place Client on pre-trial probation - meaning that Client does not admit to any crime and the case ultimately is dismissed with no repercussions for Client's record. Result: Case Dismissed.
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn