Boston Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog
Newton police were called to the Dunkin’ Donuts on Needham Street this week for a reported robbery. Law enforcement believe the latest incident may be the 18th for the same individual.Witnesses say the thief entered the location through the back door and was holding a pistol. He then reportedly told workers to get onto the floor, and that he would shoot them if they tried anything. The man then reportedly took money out of the register and the box near the register where workers store larger bills, and thereafter left store.
Police say the gunman was wearing all black, including his clothing and mask. The same location was purportedly targeted previously in July. Law enforcement believes that the same man has targeted at least 18 Dunkin’ Donuts stores in the last several months in eastern Massachusetts and New Hampshire. An investigation remains ongoing.
Massachusetts law distinguishes between armed and unarmed robbery. In this case, the witnesses, and potentially surveillance footage, indicate that the man was yielding a weapon. Further relevant under Massachusetts law is the fact that he was wearing a mask.
In Massachusetts, armed robbery is defined as the event in which an individual, while armed with a dangerous weapon, assaults another person and either robs, steals or takes money or other property. Armed robbery is considered a serious felony in Massachusetts, and is punishable by a possibility of life in state prison or for any term of years. This means that the judge has a great deal of discretion in sentencing individuals convicted of robbery. One of the most crucial elements to securing a shorter prison sentence is by being represented by an experienced Massachusetts robbery defense attorney.
Additionally, under Massachusetts state law, if the armed robbery was committed while wearing a mask or disguise, the crime becomes punishable by incarceration for at least five years for the first offense, and at least ten years for any subsequent offense.
State law also treats the use of certain weapons more stiffly, such that if a firearm, shotgun, rifle, machine gun or assault weapon was used in the armed robbery, the punishment will include imprisonment in state prison for at least five years for the first offense, and at least fifteen years for any subsequent offense. Therefore, based upon the facts as reported, the accused in this incident will likely face harsher penalties as a result of his weapon and mask/
If you have been detained, questioned, charged with, or may be charged with robbery, or any other crime, contact the Law Office of Patrick J. Murphy. Attorney Murphy has the knowledge and skill to assert all necessary defenses available to a client facing criminal charges, including armed robbery charges. With over 18 years of experience practicing criminal defense law in Massachusetts, he has the tactical skills and courtroom know-how to construct the most aggressive defense for your armed robbery case. Contact us today in order to schedule your free and confidential case consultation. You can reach us by calling 617-367-0450 or through this website.
More Blog Posts:
Second Arrest Made in Vehicular Homicide of Two Massachusetts Women, Boston Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog, published September 26, 2013
Man Released Due to Dookhan Controversy Re-Arrested, Boston Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog, published September 19, 2013