Briones Law Group Blog

Sealing a juvenile criminal record in Massachusetts

People make mistakes—particularly young people. While a certain amount of risk-taking and boundary-testing is normal, even beneficial, teenage behavior, juveniles can be held responsible for their actions in a court of law if teenage hijinks turn criminal. However, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts recognizes both that young people make mistakes and that young people can reform themselves. When certain conditions are met, it is possible to seal a juvenile criminal record. By sealing a juvenile criminal

Underinsured Coverage and Why You Need it

Typically, when you are involved in an accident caused by another driver, their auto insurance is responsible for covering your personal damages, such as: out of pocket medical expenses, lost wages, lost earning capacity, pain and suffering, etc. However, many people carry only the minimum bodily injury coverage. In Massachusetts it’s $25,000 per person, and $50,000 per accident. If you are involved in an accident where you are seriously injured and your medical expenses and

What to do if you are injured in a car accident while using a rideshare app as a passenger

The sharing economy and start-ups have brought many new and wonderful services to consumers, but sometimes the law struggles to catch up to the innovations of technology. In the case of ridesharing platforms like Uber and Lyft, some cities and municipalities have struggled to impose regulations and taxes on individual drivers or the companies as a whole. Ensuring passenger safety through thorough background checks on potential drivers and swift penalties for those who take advantage

A Word of Caution When Signing Legal Documents in 2020

Since the New Year is all about starting new habits, this year we advise you to get into the practice of writing out the full date when signing or drafting any checks or legal documents. Law officials have advised the public to avoid abbreviating the year 2020 as 20, as this date can easily be modified. For example, a document that reads 1/1/20 can be doctored to read as 1/1/2019. This small change could allow

My Kids Hate the Custody Arrangement – What Can I Do to Make Their Voices Heard?

Even in the best of circumstances, divorce can be difficult for children. Children are often resistant to change: adapting to new schedules and surroundings, learning to live with one parent at a time, and getting along with possible new stepsiblings or half-siblings are all big changes, ones which can challenge a child’s developing social skills and coping mechanisms. However, many, if not most, children with divorced parents eventually adapt and thrive, growing into healthy and

Don’t Fall Victim to Hidden Assets During Divorce

When it comes to divorce in Massachusetts, everything related to finances must be fully disclosed. This includes every single asset, purchased together or otherwise, as well as all accumulated debts. Each spouse is instructed to report known findings through a financial affidavit. It is against the law to purposely hide, understate, or overstate assets, as well as any marital property, debt, income, or expense. In extreme cases, this can potentially lead to the withholding party

Common Myths in Massachusetts Family Law Every Parent Should Know

When it comes to divorcing and family law, things get complicated quickly. It’s essential to know your rights regarding your children. Presented here are some common myths every parent should be made aware of during divorce or custody proceedings. Myth: A parent’s failure to pay child support can result in the parent being kept from seeing the children Only a judge can determine visitation rights. If a parent fails to pay child support, the other

To CWOF, or not to CWOF?

A continuance without a finding, or CWOF is a form of plea allowed in criminal court. It is an admission that the prosecution has enough evidence (sufficient facts) against you to find you guilty of criminal charges, but is an alternative option to a formal guilty plea. Rather than risk a trial and fight a case that likely will not play out in your favor, a defendant may take a CWOF. They will be placed

Snow Removal and Indemnification of Business Owners

Last week’s snowstorm made it clear that winter has officially arrived, bringing along with it, some treacherous conditions. When navigating through icy sidewalks and piles of snow, it is important to be knowledgeable about the laws surrounding a slip and fall incidents. Say, for example, you slip on a patch of ice in the parking lot outside of a store and injure yourself. You definitely have a personal injury claim, but against whom? While

The Dangers of Falling Snow and Ice

As the weather gets colder in New England, many people are already carrying out winterization measures to protect their homes and businesses. Road salt has been purchased, shovels dug out of garages, and tires swapped out. With all this attention paid—and rightfully paid—to the hazards of traveling on foot or by car through a winter wonderland. However, paying attention to snow on the ground should not come at the expense of preparing for snow on

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