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Questions Answered by Dakota Martin
4 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for Massachusetts on
Q: I got caught shoplifting days after the offence,I returned the item to the police department,what should I expect?
Dakota Martin
Dakota Martin
answered on Jun 13, 2018

you will still be charged with shoplifting.

The good news is that the dollar amount for a felony very recently increased from -over $250.00 to $1200 or $1400.

Get a lawyer and stop providing them with evidence to use against you (example- the items you returned)

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1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury for Arizona on
Q: My child was injured in a car accident while on they way to a school team event

- the coach driving was at fault. Do we look into suing the school district?

Dakota Martin
Dakota Martin
answered on May 4, 2018

How you approach this depends on the injury. His insurance will likely cover your claim, though it may be a battle. I would need more information. Whether the school asks your coach to drive students or if he simply offers, would be an issue.

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for Rhode Island on
Q: Should you turn yourself in for wanted in questioning to the police station that you are wanted at or courthouse ?
Dakota Martin
Dakota Martin
answered on May 4, 2018

No. Call a lawyer. That lawyer will speak to the police. If there is a warrant they will bring you in to the court.

You always look better in Street clothes without cuffs when your lawyer explains the circumstances.

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for Massachusetts on
Q: I am in default in 4 cases from 1985 one of the lawyers here suggested I go to the court with an attorney.

The cases are open but no warrants. I cannot afford an attorney. If I go to court alone will I be arrested.

Dakota Martin
Dakota Martin
answered on May 3, 2018

Bring a lawyer. They WILL take you into custody if you don’t.

Find someone you’re comfortable with. Go when you’re ready.

Have some bail money set aside. Just in case.

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3 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for Massachusetts on
Q: If I've decided to represent myself in a criminal matter, does that mean I can't later appeal if I misunderstood the law

during my first trial? I'm not a lawyer.

Dakota Martin
Dakota Martin
answered on Apr 23, 2018

No

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for Massachusetts on
Q: Hi i have cwaf for shoplifting and was arrested for larceny over and receiving stolen goods, whats likely to happen

My open case was for two shoplifting, one was dismissed one was cwaf until august.

Dakota Martin
Dakota Martin
answered on Mar 31, 2018

CWOF

You should get a lawyer right away.

Be proactive. On the old case and the new one. You don’t want to lose that CWOF and don’t have to, though you may have to fight a lot harder on the second case to make it go away because of your history (prior similar case)

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Massachusetts on
Q: If you pay bail for someone do you get your money back?
Dakota Martin
Dakota Martin
answered on Mar 30, 2018

Yes, win or lose you get bail back. . . . unless,

They skip out and don't come to court again.

They pick up a new case and the court moves to revoke and forfeit the bail.

Keep your bail slip and your fingers crossed. It makes our job easier, defending the case that is,...
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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for Massachusetts on
Q: Police legal protocol at overdose

when you call 911 because your friend overdoses, and police and paramedic's arrive. After victim is conscious and in route to hospital do the police have the right to search your room and seize items that are not drug related and that where not visible? (Hamper,under mattress, in drawers, in a... View More

Dakota Martin
Dakota Martin
answered on Mar 19, 2018

I’m assuming they found something and charged you or your friend, with a crime. If so, as the other lawyer said, they may not have had any business in your business. If not, as annoying as it is, I’d drop it.

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for Massachusetts on
Q: What happens if one accused perpetrator must answer complaints in two District Courts for the same string of crimes?

I am a victim, not a defendant.

Dakota Martin
Dakota Martin
answered on Mar 14, 2018

Just show up to all court hearings. Come early. That’s the best way to keep bail down.

They can’t prosecute you for the same incident in two different courts, so eventually they will pick one, the one where the state’s case is strongest.

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for Massachusetts on
Q: On the search warrant it says the cops are not allowed to enter the premises at night time and they still enter the home

Cops gave my girlfriend a search warrant the box is checked off that they could not enter the premises at night time the cop still entered at 9 p.m. is that a mistake can I get the case thrown out

Dakota Martin
Dakota Martin
answered on Mar 7, 2018

Doubtful but I, or another attorney would have to see the warrant. Usually a warrant is a warrant and they simply need to enter the target area within a certain amount of time.

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Massachusetts on
Q: Can I smoke marijuana if on probation,it's legal in my state

I'm on probation

Dakota Martin
Dakota Martin
answered on Feb 19, 2018

It really depends on your probation officer and more importantly, the terms of your probation. If it is a condition of your probation that you remain drug and alcohol free, you better stay clean. They can order that you don't drink, even though drinking is legal. They can do the same with... View More

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