Case Results Motor Vehicle Offenses

CRIMINAL CHARGE AGAINST TAUNTON MAN FOR RECKLESSLY CAUSING A CAR ACCIDENT IS DISMISSED AT CLERK’S HEARING

Raynham Police were dispatched to the scene of a two-vehicle car accident. On the scene, police spoke to the Defendant who stated that the vehicle traveling in front of him gave him a “brake job,” e.g., applying the brakes as the Defendant was traveling behind him. Defendant admitted that he accelerated and passed the other vehicle and, while the Defendant was traveling in front of the other vehicle, the Defendant reciprocated by giving that vehicle a “brake job.” However, the other vehicle crashed into the rear of the Defendant’s vehicle as a result of the Defendant’s “brake job,” causing significant front end damage to the other vehicle. The other driver told the police that the Defendant recklessly passed him and “locked up his brakes” causing the crash. Based on the Defendant’s incriminating statements and the significant vehicle damage, the police filed an application for criminal complaint against the Defendant for Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle (G.L. c. 90, §24(2)(a)).

Result: Attorney Gerald J. Noonan secured a Clerk-Magistrate Hearing on the criminal complaint giving his client an opportunity to save himself from having a criminal record before a decision was made to issue formal criminal charges. In preparation for the hearing, Attorney Noonan had his client complete a safe driving course. Attorney Noonan presented evidence showing that the victim’s motor vehicle damage had been paid for by insurance. Attorney Noonan presented evidence showing his client’s good character, including a character letter from the Defendant’s employer where the Defendant had worked for six-years. Attorney Noonan argued that his client made a foolish mistake but took responsibility for his actions. At the conclusion of the Clerk-Magistrate Hearing, no criminal complaint issued against the client and the client has no criminal record as a result of this incident.

CRIMINAL COMPLAINT AGAINST CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT AND IMMIGRANT FROM HAITI FOR OPERATING A MOTOR VEHICLE WITHOUT A LICENSE IS DISMISSED AT CLERK’S HEARING

Client is a 23 year-old woman who emigrated from Haiti. She attended Massasoit Community College and later became a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and she is currently employed as a CNA for a nursing home. She obtained a Learner’s Permit to operate a motor vehicle, but she had failed her driving test. She did not have a valid driver’s license when she was pulled over by police for a motor vehicle infraction and she was charged with Operating a Motor Vehicle without a License (G.L. c. 90, §10). She did not have any criminal record.

Result: At the Clerk-Magistrate Hearing, Attorney Gerald J. Noonan was able to get the criminal complaint dismissed. Usually, the client would have her aunt drive her to and from work. On this occasion, the client made a poor mistake in judgment and drove without a license.

ATTORNEY GERALD J. NOONAN GETS CRIMINAL COMPLAINT FOR NEGLIGENT OPERATION AGAINST HVAC WORKER DISMISSED AT CLERK’S HEARING IN A CASE INVOLVING A HIGH-SPEED CRASH INTO A TREE.

Police were dispatched to the scene of a motor vehicle accident in which the Defendant’s vehicle was operating at a high rate of speed, lost control on the bend of the road, and crashed into a tree causing the vehicle to flip and spin out of control. Police observed serious damage to the Defendant’s vehicle with enough force to completely tear off the right wheel and axel. The Defendant was bleeding from his arm. The officer conducted a crash investigation and determined that the Defendant was negligent and caused the crash due to his excessive speed on a dangerous roadway. The police filed an Application for Criminal Complaint on a charge of Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle pursuant to G.L. c. 90, §24(2)(a), speeding, and marked lanes violation.

Result: Attorney Gerald J. Noonan was able to get the criminal complaint dismissed at the Clerk’s Hearing. Attorney Noonan presented evidence that the Defendant was unfamiliar with the roadway and the roadway lacked warnings, signage, and appropriate lighting alerting motorists as to the dangerousness of the curve in the road. Attorney Noonan presented photographs of the roadway showing no lighting, no marked lanes, no speed limit signs, or any warnings signs about the dangerous curve up ahead. These were mitigating circumstances. Defendant admitted that he was operating negligently, but asked the Court to exercise its discretion based on the Defendant’s lack of criminal record, character evidence, history of gainful employment, supporting his family, and the fact that the Defendant was genuinely remorseful for the accident. Attorney Noonan presented evidence from the Defendant’s employer showing his excellent driving record. The Defendant took and completed a safe driving course and a Brains at Risk program. After the Clerk’s Hearing, the complaint was dismissed.

CHARGE OF NEGLIGENT OPERATION AGAINST MECHANICAL ENGINEER DISMISSED AT CLERK’S HEARING UPON ATTORNEY GERALD J. NOONAN’S EFFECTIVE REPRESENTATION.

Police were dispatched to the scene of an accident in which the client’s vehicle struck a telephone pole. The officer observed that the client’s pupils were constricted, his speech was thick and slow, and his responses were delayed. Defendant admitted to taking Lorazepam and other medications for his anxiety. The client was unsteady on his feet. Two witnesses told police that the Defendant’s vehicle was swerving over the double yellow line several times before swerving into the telephone pole without ever coming to a stop. Police noted that the client has a history of incidents involving prescription medications and alcohol abuse. Client’s wife told the police that he was recently discharged from the hospital and he had recently made suicidal statements. Defendant was charged with Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle pursuant to G.L. c. 90, §24(2)(a).

Result: Attorney Gerald J. Noonan presented evidence that his client took a safe driving course and another course known as Brains at Risk. Attorney referenced the client’s impressive resume as a mechanical engineer and his clean driving record. Attorney Noonan presented evidence showing that the client was legally prescribed anxiety medication and he had taken the medication in the proper dosage.

CHARGE OF NEGLIENT OPERATION AND UNLICENSED OPERATION STEMMING FROM ROLL-OVER CRASH ON ROUTE 495 DISMISSED PRIOR TO ARRAIGNMENT UPON ATTORNEY GERALD J. NOONAN’S EFFECTIVE REPRESENTATION.

Police were dispatched to the scene of a roll-over crash on Route 495. Witnesses called 911 to report that the client’s vehicle was driving erratically, the vehicle lost control, rolling three times, and striking the guardrail. The client told the police that he had a mechanical issue with his vehicle. The client had an expired driver’s license and his vehicle was not inspected. The client was charged with Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle (G.L. c. 90, §24(2)(a)), Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle (G.L. c. 90, §10), No Inspection Sticker (G.L. c. 90, §20B), and Marked Lanes Violation (G.L. c. 89, §4A). The Defendant was scheduled to be arraigned on the criminal charges in the District Court:

Result: Attorney Gerald J. Noonan was able to dismiss the criminal complaints prior to the Defendant’s arraignment saving his client from having a criminal record. Attorney Gerald J. Noonan presented evidence showing that his client was entitled to a Clerk-Magistrate Hearing prior to an arraignment on the charges. When a criminal complaint is dismissed prior to arraignment, and where a criminal complaint is dismissed prior to arraignment at a Clerk-Magistrate Hearing, the client is not formally charged with a crime and the client will not have a criminal record.

ATTORNEY GERALD J. NOONAN GETS CRIMINAL COMPLAINT FOR LEAVING THE SCENE OF AN ACCIDENT AGAINST FED-EX DRIVER DISMISSED AT CLERK MAGISTRATE HEARING.

Police were dispatched in response to a call that a Fed-Ex truck had struck a fire hydrant and left the area. A witness told the police that she took a photo of the Fed-Ex truck, as he left the scene of the accident. The officer observed that the fire hydrant was cracked and a valve had broken off. Police queried the license plate and spoke with the business owning the truck. Police spoke with the Defendant who admitted to striking the fire hydrant. As a result of the incident, police filed an Application for Criminal Complaint against the Defendant for Leaving the Scene of an Accident Causing Property Damage pursuant to G.L. c. 90, §24(2)(a).

Result: Attorney Gerald J. Noonan was able to get the criminal complaint dismissed at the Clerk-Magistrate Hearing. Attorney Noonan presented evidence showing that the client immediately reported the accident to his manager who instructed him to continue making his deliveries. His manager informed him that the business would report the accident to the police. The client relied on the representations of his employer and did not report the accident to police because he had been told that the business would report the accident. His manager told the police that he advised the Defendant to continue with his deliveries. The manager told the Defendant that the company would pay for the damage to the fire hydrant. Attorney Noonan presented evidence of his client’s stellar driving record, as well as character letters from his employer describing him as a hard-working and trustworthy employee. As the client was a professional delivery driver, a criminal complaint for Leaving the Scene of an Accident would potentially ruin his career. However, Attorney Noonan was able to ensure that no criminal charges issued and his driving record remained intact and he was able to continue his employment as a professional delivery driver.

New Bedford District Court

CRIMINAL COMPLAINT AGAINST ELECTRICIAN FOR NEGLIGENT OPERATION OF A MOTOR VEHICLE DISMISSED PRIOR TO ARRAIGNMENT.

Defendant, an electrician, was operating his vehicle when he was involved in a single-car accident in which his vehicle struck a curb and striking a street light, knocking over the street light. The officer believed that the client was operating at a high rate of speed and lost control over his vehicle. The officer found that the road conditions did not contribute to the accident. At the scene, the client could not recall how the accident happened. The client was charged with Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle (G.L. c. 90, §24(2)(a)). The client’s case was scheduled for an arraignment. With an arraignment, the criminal charge would be entered onto the client’s criminal record. Attorney Patrick J. Noonan was able to dismiss the case prior to arraignment, saving him from having a criminal record.

Brockton District Court

CRIMINAL CHARGES OF FAILURE TO STOP FOR POLICE AND NEGLIGENT OPERATION TO BE DISMISSED OUTRIGHT UPON THE CLIENT’S COMPLETION OF PRETRIAL PROBATION AND SAFE-DRIVING COURSE. 

Client is a 20 year-old college student with no criminal record. He works in the manufacturing department, cutting leather, for a local leather production company, while attending college. He is in the process of obtaining his helicopter’s license. On this occasion, Defendant passed by a police cruiser, while operating his motorcycle, at a high rate of speed, estimated to be 100 M.P.H. When the officer attempted to pull him over, the Defendant fled, continued to travel at a high-rate of speed, and never pulled over. The officer was able to obtain the client’s license plate. The officer went to the client’s home where he admitted to seeing the officer and admitted to not pulling over and fleeing from the officer. Client was charged with Failure to Stop for Police (G.L. c. 90, §25), Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle (G.L. c. 90, §24(2)(a)), and civil infractions for speeding, passing violation, and marked lanes violation. Concerned that a conviction, or an admission to sufficient facts, would affect his ability to become a helicopter pilot, the client hired the Law Offices of Gerald J. Noonan, who ensured that all charges would be dismissed outright, so long as the client completes a safe-driving course.

Quincy District Court

CRIMINAL COMPLAINT FOR LEAVING THE SCENE OF AN ACCIDENT AGAINST 62 YEAR-OLD BANKER WITH NO CRIMINAL RECORD DISMISSED PRIOR TO ARRAIGNMENT.

Client is a 62-year old woman with no criminal record. She has been working for the same bank for 42 years. On the incident in question, client was driving to her friend’s house in Weymouth. It was dark out. When she attempted to negotiate a sharp turn in the road, she struck another vehicle, causing minor damage to the vehicle. Shaken up over the minor collision, she did not stop on the dark road, but proceeded to her friend’s house who lived a short distance away. She immediately reported the incident to her insurance company. She received a phone call from a Massachusetts State Trooper where she admitted to hitting the other car and not pulling over to exchange any information with the other driver. She was charged with Leaving the Scene of an Accident causing Property Damage (G.L. c. 90, §24(2)(a)). Attorney Patrick J. Noonan provided the prosecutor with information from the client’s car insurance company, showing that the damage to the other vehicle was very minor, and confirmation that the other driver was compensated through insurance. Attorney Noonan was able to convince the Commonwealth to dismiss the case prior to arraignment, meaning that the client will not have any criminal record resulting from this incident.

Wareham District Court

CHARGE OF OPERATING WITHOUT A LICENSE AGAINST NON-U.S. CITIZEN DISMISSED PRIOR TO ARRAIGNMENT.

Client is a 34 year-old immigrant from Honduras where he lived in poverty and worked on a farm. He came to the U.S. and cannot speak any English. He is not a U.S. citizen. He was hired by a company as a physical laborer. The majority of the money he earns, he sends back to his family in Honduras. He has been living in a hotel with many other immigrants. On this occasion, as an isolated incident, the client drove his employer’s vehicle, because another employee was a no-show for work. He was pulled over. He did not have a driver’s license. He was charged with Operating without a License (G.L. c. 90, §10). Client was scheduled to be arraigned on this criminal offense. If arraigned, the criminal offense would be entered on his criminal record. Attorney Patrick J. Noonan was able to dismiss this case prior to arraignment, saving the client from having any criminal record.

Wareham District Court

ATTORNEY GERALD J. NOONAN GETS CHARGES OF LEAVING THE SCENE OF AN ACCIDENT, UNREGISTERED VEHICLE, AND UNINSURED VEHICLE DISMISSED PRIOR TO ARRAIGNMENT AGAINST MEMBER OF THE AIR FORCE. 

Defendant was charged with Leaving the Scene of an Accident (G.L. c. 90, §24(2)(a)), Unregistered Motor Vehicle (G.L. c. 90, §9), and Uninsured Motor Vehicle (G.L. c. 90, §34J). Police alleged that the Defendant struck a telephone and did not report the accident. Attorney Gerald J. Noonan presented evidence that the Defendant was traveling on an unfamiliar dangerous road when he struck a telephone. Attorney Noonan provided photographs showing that the Defendant merely grazed the pole, with extremely minor damage. Defendant immediately called his insurance company and reported the accident. Defendant even remained on scene until the tow truck arrived. Defendant told the police that he did not think that he had to report the accident because another vehicle was not involved in the accident and he immediately reported it to his insurance company. Attorney Noonan provided information from witnesses to corroborate the Defendant’s version.

Taunton District Court

ATTORNEY PATRICK J. NOONAN’S MOTION TO DISMISS CHARGES OF LEAVING THE SCENE OF AN ACCIDENT AND OPERATING WITH A SUSPENDED LICENSE SUBSEQUENT OFFENSE IS ALLOWED.

Defendant was charged with Leaving the Scene of an Accident (G.L. c. 90, §24(2)(a)) and Operating with a Suspended License Subsequent Offense (G.L. c. 90, §23), stemming from a hit-and-run car accident, which resulted in injuries to the operator and occupants of another vehicle. A witness reported to the police that he had witnessed the accident and was actively following the vehicle, which fled the scene. The witness later sent photographs to police of the fleeing vehicle. Police circulated pictures of the vehicle amongst various police departments. One police department reported being familiar with the suspect vehicle as belonging to the Defendant based on prior interactions. Police went to the Defendant’s home and observed damage to a vehicle in his driveway. Defendant denied operating the vehicle. The police noted that the Defendant had multiple prior convictions for operating with a suspended driver’s license. Attorney Patrick J. Noonan filed a Motion to Dismiss the charges for lack of probable cause, arguing that the police report did not contain sufficient evidence to prove that the Defendant was the operator of the vehicle. After considering the arguments, the court allowed Attorney Patrick J. Noonan’s Motion to Dismiss.

NO CRIMINAL COMPLAINT ISSUED AGAINST FORMER MARINE AND RETIRED BUSINESS OWNER FOR OPERATING WITH A SUSPENDED LICENSE

Client is a 77 year-old retired business owner who owned commercial real estate in a shopping center he operated for decades. He was a former special police officer in Natick and Framingham. He was very active in the community. Unfortunately, he amassed a series of motor vehicle offenses, and received three prior tickets for speeding, improper passing, and marked lanes violations. Due to the multitude of driving violations, the client’s license was suspended and he was required to driving classes in order to get his license reinstated. While his license was suspended, client drove his vehicle to do some errands and was pulled over for speeding and was charged with Operating after Suspended License.

Result: At the Clerk Magistrate Hearing, Attorney Gerald J. Noonan persuaded the Clerk Magistrate to dismiss the criminal complaint so long as the client completes a driving course.

CLIENT WHO CRASHED HIS CAR INTO A DITCH AND FLED THE SCENE BECAUSE HE HAD A REVOKED DRIVER’S LICENSE WILL HAVE ALL CHARGES DISMISSED AFTER 4 MONTHS SO LONG AS HE STAYS OUT OF TROUBLE AND PROVIDES PROOF THAT HIS DRIVER’S LICENSE IS REINSTATED.

Holbrook Police responded to a call for a motor vehicle in a ditch. When the police arrived, they could not locate the operator or any other occupants who may have been in the vehicle. Police located the vehicle’s registration showing that it was registered to the Defendant’s wife. Police located the wife and had her come to the police station for questioning. The wife told police that her husband, Defendant, had crashed the vehicle and fled the scene because he did not have a driver’s license. Defendant was charged with Operating with a Revoke Driver’s License, and Leaving the Scene of Property Damage.

Result: At the Clerk Magistrate Hearing, Attorney Gerald J. Noonan presented evidence that his client has taken the steps to clear up his suspended driver’s license. The client owed money to the DMV in North Carolina and Attorney Noonan presented proof that his client paid his fees in full. Client owed money to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in Child Support and Attorney Noonan presented proof that the client paid his child support debts. Lastly, Attorney Noonan presented some evidence to show that his client completed classes that were ordered by the court in North Carolina for a previous driving related offense. The Clerk Magistrate agreed to dismiss the complaints after four months so long as the client stays out of trouble and provides the clerk with proof that his driver’s license is reinstated.

CLIENT’S DRIVER’S LICENSE WAS SUSPENDED FOR 3 YEARS DUE TO A SUBSEQUENT OFFENSE OUI BUT ATTORNEY GERALD J. NOONAN GETS A COURT ORDER TO REINSTATE THE CLIENT’S DRIVER’S LICENSE.

Client, a 33-year-old resident of Easton, had a conviction for OUI-Liquor where he was sentenced to one year of probation with the condition to complete the 24D program. Client was arrested for an OUI second offense where he refused the breath test resulting in a license suspension for 3 years because this was a subsequent offense. Client hired Attorney Patrick J. Noonan for his second-offense OUI and Attorney Noonan won a Not Guilty verdict. Even though the client was found Not Guilty of the second offense OUI, the Registry of Motor Vehicles nevertheless suspended his driver’s license because he refused the breath test and he was charged with a subsequent offense.

Result: Attorney Gerald J. Noonan appeared before the trial judge and obtained a court order to reinstate the client’s driver’s license. The client can now use this court order when he requests that the RMV reinstate his driver’s license.

CRIMINAL CHARGES AGAINST PARALEGAL ARE DISMISSED AS ATTORNEY GERALD J. NOONAN PRESENTS ALIBI EVIDENCE SHOWING THAT THE DEFENDANT WAS SOMEWHERE ELSE AT THE TIME OF THE CRIME.

State Police were dispatched to the scene of a motor vehicle crash on Route 24. Upon arrival, the officer spoke to a woman who was the victim of a hit and run accident. Upon arrival, the officer observed that the victim was in distress.

The victim stated that she was rear-ended by a black SUV. The female operator of the black SUV approached the victim to inquire if she was injured to which the victim stated that she was injured. The female operator then fled the scene. The victim described the female operator as having black curly hair and light skin.

The officer observed significant rear-end damage to the victim’s vehicle especially damage to the vehicle’s rear hatchback. The victim told the officer that she suffered injuries to her head, neck, and back. The victim was taken by ambulance to the emergency room. A couple days later, the victim contacted the officer and told him that she found the other vehicle’s license plate inside the rear of her hatch-back. The officer ran the vehicle’s license plate, which came back to the Defendant. The officer printed out the Defendant’s driver’s license photo and presented a photo array to the victim. Without hesitation, the victim identified the Defendant’s picture as the woman who hit her vehicle and fled the scene. The State Police filed applications for criminal complaints against the Defendant for: Leaving the Scene of an Accident causing Personal Injury. The Defendant was a paralegal at a reputable law firm.

Result: At the Clerk Magistrate’s Hearing, Attorney Gerald J. Noonan presented certified hospital records showing that the Defendant was a patient in the hospital at the time of the hit and run accident so the Defendant could not have the perpetrator. After presenting this alibi evidence, the Clerk-Magistrate dismissed the criminal complaint.

DANGEROUSNESS HEARING: RELEASED FROM CUSTODY

Fall River Police were dispatched to the scene of a motor vehicle crash involving two vehicles. Officers observed front-end damage to the Defendant’s vehicle. Officers observed rear-end damage to the second vehicle. The operator of the second vehicle told police that he pulled over to the right-hand side of the road to take a phone call when he was rear-ended by the Defendant’s vehicle. The other operator had to assist the Defendant from his vehicle. The other operator told police that he believed the Defendant to be intoxicated. Upon speaking with the Defendant, police immediately observed a strong odor of alcohol, glazed eyes, and slurred speech. Defendant agreed to participate in field sobriety tests. Defendant failed all the field sobriety tests. Defendant was placed under arrest for OUI-Liquor, Negligent Operation, and Marked Lanes Violation. During booking, police discovered that the Defendant had three prior convictions for OUI-Liquor with the most recent conviction being in 2015. Defendant was arraigned on the charge of OUI-Liquor Subsequent Offense. Because this was the Defendant’s fourth offense for OUI-Liquor, the Commonwealth moved to have the Defendant held in custody during the pendency of his case under the Dangerousness Statute. The Commonwealth argued that: based upon the nature of the offense and the Defendant’s criminal history, no conditions of release would reasonably assure the safety of the community. If successful, the Defendant could be held in custody for up to 180 days.

Result: At the conclusion of the dangerousness hearing, Attorney Gerald J. Noonan was successful in persuading the court to release the Defendant from custody. Attorney Gerald J. Noonan argued that there were conditions that the court could impose that would reasonably assure the safety of the community. Attorney Gerald J. Noonan advocated that the court impose certain strict conditions that would reasonably assure the safety of the community. The Judge adopted Attorney Noonan’s recommendation and released the Defendant upon certain strict conditions. As a result, Attorney Gerald J. Noonan saved his client from serving considerable jail time (up to 180 days), as his case was pending.

LEAVING THE SCENE: DISMISSED
UNLICENSED OPERATION: DISMISSED
FAILURE TO USE CARE: NOT RESPONSIBLE

Defendant was involved in a motor vehicle accident in which he rear-ended a vehicle pushing that vehicle into the vehicle in front of it. The driver of the front vehicle was injured and taken to the hospital by ambulance. Defendant approached the injured driver but the driver refused to speak to him. Defendant gave his name and information to the driver of the other vehicle involved in the chain collision. Defendant properly reported the accident to his insurance company. Defendant was charged by criminal complaint with Leaving the Scene of an Accident causing Personal Injury, Failure to Use Care in Stopping, and Operating a Vehicle without a License.

Result: Attorney Gerald J. Noonan requested a Clerk-Magistrate’s Hearing on the criminal complaints. Attorney Gerald J. Noonan argued that the Defendant took appropriate steps in making himself known and providing his information to the injured motorist. Attorney Gerald J. Noonan persuaded the clerk-magistrate not to issue the criminal complaints.

LEAVING THE SCENE: NO COMPLAINT ISSUED

Defendant was traveling on Route 495 South returning from dinner with friends. Defendant was cut off by another vehicle. Defendant swerved to avoid a collision, lost control of his vehicle, and ended up in the woods off the highway in an embankment. Upon arrival, the police found the Defendant sitting on the guardrail in the breakdown lane near his vehicle. Police administered field sobriety tests and the Defendant passed them all. Officers informed him that he may receive a summons in the mail for Leaving the Scene of an Accident. Defendant did receive a summons for Leaving the Scene of an Accident and immediately contacted Attorney Patrick J. Noonan. Attorney Noonan immediately requested a Clerk Magistrate’s Hearing and sought a copy of the Police Report.

Result: On the day before the Clerk’s Hearing, Attorney Patrick J. Noonan was informed that the police department was withdrawing the criminal complaint. Defendant had no criminal record and was nearing graduation from the police academy.

LEAVING SCENE OF ACCIDENT: DISMISSED

A victim went into the police station to report that her vehicle was damaged in the parking lot of a supermarket. An identified witness left a note of the victim’s windshield stating that the Defendant’s vehicle struck the victim’s vehicle and left the scene without leaving a note. The witness provided the make, model, and license plate of the Defendant’s vehicle. The witness stated that the Defendant’s vehicle struck the victim’s vehicle, as the Defendant was attempting to park. After striking the victim’s vehicle, Defendant backed out and parked in a different parking spot. Defendant did not exit her vehicle to assess the damage she caused to the victim’s vehicle. Defendant did not leave a note on the victim’s vehicle reporting what happened and providing the victim with her information. Defendant admitted to police that she hit the vehicle and left the scene. Defendant appeared at a Show Cause Hearing without representation. The clerk magistrate found probable cause to issue the criminal complaint. After her arraignment, client contacted Attorney Patrick J. Noonan.

Result: At his first court appearance, Attorney Patrick J. Noonan persuaded the District Attorney to dismiss the criminal charge and provided documentation showing that the Defendant’s car insurance paid for all the damage to the victim’s vehicle.

NEGLIGENT OPERATION: DISMISSED at CLERK’S HEARING

Randolph Police were dispatched to a motor vehicle accident involving a vehicle striking a utility pole. Upon arrival, Defendant stated that something ran into the roadway and he swerved to avoid hitting the object and he could not recall what happened after that. Police observed that there was extensive damage to the utility police – specifically, the utility pole had been completely snapped in half, electrical wires were down, and traffic had to be shut down. Police also observed that there was heavy front-end damage to the Defendant’s vehicle. Based on the extent of the damage to the utility pole and the Defendant’s vehicle, police charged him with Negligent Operation. Defendant is 21 years-old. He has no criminal record. He is currently in college studying criminal justice with aspirations of becoming a police officer. For over three years, Defendant has worked security at the Harvard Vanguard Hospital.

Result: At the clerk magistrate’s hearing, Attorney Gerald J. Noonan convinces the clerk-magistrate to dismiss the criminal complaint due to insufficient probable cause.

Docket No.: 1515 CR 4306

OPERATING w/ SUSPENDED REGISTRATION: DISMISSED at CLERK’S HEARING
UNINSURED MOTOR VEHICLE: DISMISSED at CLERK’S HEARING
UNREGISTERED MOTOR VEHICLE: DISMISSED at CLERK’S HEARING

While monitoring traffic, Police ran the registration on the Defendant’s vehicle and found that the Defendant’s insurance was revoked. Police pulled the Defendant over and he admitted that his vehicle was not registered and not insured. Defendant had a bad driving record. In 2004, his driver’s license was revoked for one-year for operating to endanger. In 2005, his license was suspended. In 2006, his license was revoked for 60 days due to surchargable events. In 2007, his license was revoked for 60 days.

Result: On the first court appearance, Attorney Gerald J. Noonan convinced the prosecutor to dismiss all charges against his client.

UNLAWFUL POSS. OF AMMUNITION: DISMISSED
NEGLIGENT OPERATION: DISMISSED

At 12:30 a.m., police responded to the scene of a motor vehicle accident. Defendant was driving his pick-up truck and struck a utility pole. Upon arrival, police called the ambulance and the Defendant was transported to the emergency room. Upon investigation, it was determined that the Defendant operated his vehicle negligently so as to endanger the safety of others. Police observed heavy front-end damage to the pick-up indicating that the Defendant was operating at a high rate of speed. Contents in the bed of the pick-up had been scattered all over the road. Police observed extensive damage to the utility, which had been broken in half also indicating that the Defendant struck the pole at a high rate of speed. Police observed very little skid marks prior to the crash. Police searched the Defendant’s pick-up truck and found a box containing 50 cartridges of .357 caliber ammunition. Police also found 13 cartridges of .38 caliber ammunition. Defendant did not have a Firearms Identification Card (FID) or any license to possess the ammunition. Defendant was a 21 year-old male with no criminal record. He had an Associate’s Degree and planned on enrolling as a student at Bridgewater State University. He was employed as full-time construction worker. He was also employed by the city as a snow-plower. The issuance of the criminal complaint would have jeopardized Defendant’s employment for the city as a snow-plower and would have affected his ability to enroll in college.

Result: At a clerk’s hearing, Attorney Patrick J. Noonan persuaded the police department and the clerk-magistrate to dismiss the criminal complaint. As a result, no criminal charges will appear on the Defendant’s record.

NEGLIGENT OPERATION: DISMISSED

Police were dispatched to a motor vehicle crash on Route 24 south in which the Defendant rear-ended a vehicle on Route 24 south. The defendant admitted that he was distracted by his cell phone. Three witnesses told police that the Defendant had been traveling over 100 mpg when he struck the other vehicle. The alleged victim sustained neck and back injuries and went to the emergency room via ambulance. After extensive negotiations with the insurance company, the District Attorney’s Office, and the alleged victim, Attorney Patrick J. Noonan was able to dismiss the criminal charge against his client.

Result: Negligent Operation charge dismissed outright after extensive negotiations.

OPERATING w/ SUSPENDED LICENSE: DISMISS PRIOR TO ARRAIGNMENT
FAILURE TO STOP / YIELD: NOT RESPONSIBLE

Client’s license was suspended for failure to pay speeding tickets. He was then pulled over by Police for a motor vehicle infraction and was arrested for Operating with a Suspended License and cited for Failure to Stop / Yield.

Result: Attorney Patrick J. Noonan dismissed the charge prior to arraignment and no entry was made on the client’s clean criminal record.

RECKLESS OPERATION: DISMISSED
FAILURE TO STOP: NOT RESPONSIBLE
FAILURE TO STOP: NOT RESPONSIBLE
UNREGISTERED VEHICLE: NOT RESPONSIBLE

Brockton Police received reports of gun shots. Police observed a gray SUV traveling at a high rate of speed in the area where the gun shots were reported. The operator, already traveling at a high rate of speed, increased his speed and police attempted to initiate a stop of the vehicle. The operator continued traveling at a high rate of speed and blew through a stop sign at an intersection. The operator refused to stop for police and took a series of turns on several side streets while still traveling at a high rate of speed. The operator finally pulled into a driveway and rushed out of the vehicle. Officers ordered the operator to the ground at gunpoint and arrested him.

Result: After extensive negotiations with the Commonwealth, Attorney Patrick J. Noonan obtained an outright dismissal of the criminal charge and Not Responsible findings on the three civil infractions. “Brockton man arrested after car chase.”

NEGLIGENT OPERATION: DISMISSED upon MOTION

Client was charged with Negligent Operation stemming from an incident on August 14, 2014 in which a State Trooper observed his Mustang and another vehicle (Toyota) traveling northbound on Route 495. While the two vehicles were traveling on this major highway, the passenger in the Mustang and the operator of the Toyota were attempting to pass an object (business card) between the two vehicles by traveling side-by-side and having the parties reach their hands out the window. Attorney Gerald J. Noonan argued a Motion to Dismiss arguing that his client was entitled to dismissal of the criminal complaint because he was denied the opportunity of having a hearing before the clerk-magistrate.

Result: Attorney Gerald J. Noonan’s Motion to Dismiss was allowed and the criminal complaint was dismissed upon court costs.

LEAVING THE SCENE PROPERTY DAMAGE: DISMISSED

Client, 33 year-old machine operator, was charged with Leaving the Scene of an Accident Causing Property Damage stemming from a hit and run incident. An off-duty detective observed the Defendant’s vehicle rear-end another vehicle at an intersection and then flee the scene. The off-duty detective pursued and apprehended the Defendant. Defendant admitted to fleeing the scene. The damage to the other vehicle amounted to $4,000.

Result: Attorney Patrick J. Noonan obtains an outright dismissal of the criminal charge at the first court date.

NEGLIGENT OPERATION: DISMISSED

Client, 23 year old Mechanical Engineer, was charged with Negligent Operation. An identified witness contacted Police to report that a specific vehicle would drive through his neighborhood each day at a high rate of speed and fishtail off the roadway at a sharp turn in the road. Police conducted surveillance on the street and observed the Defendant accelerating at a high rate of speed and completely fishtail off the roadway when making the sharp turn. The Police Officer observed that the Defendant’s tires were completely bald.

Result: Attorney Patrick J. Noonan was able to dismiss the case upon the payment of $300 in court costs at the first court date.

DRAG RACING: DISMISSED

A patrol officer observed two vehicles traveling south on Somerset Ave. in the town of Dighton and were speeding up, as they approached his police cruiser. Dighton Police stopped both vehicles and charged the parties with Drag Racing. Attorney Gerald J. Noonan filed a Motion to Dismiss arguing that there was insufficient probable cause to charge his client with Drag Racing under the statute. Specifically, he argued that there was no evidence that the Defendant “accelerated at a high rate of speed” or that the Defendant was “in competition with another operator.”

Result: Attorney Gerald J. Noonan gets criminal charge dismissed outright against college student.

LEAVING SCENE OF PROPERTY DAMAGE: DISMISSED

Client, a professional truck driver of 40 years, was charged with Leaving the Scene of Property Damage. Defendant worked for a tractor-trailer company. He was dispatched to deliver a 60-foot trailer to a residence in Canton. On the way to the residence, Defendant struck a large overhanging tree limb, which remained on the top of the trailer. The tree limb then pulled down cable wires from two residences. At the Clerk’s Hearing, Attorney Patrick J. Noonan introduced evidence that the Defendant was unaware that he struck the tree limb and cable wires. Photographs showed the large size of the trailer. Photos of the side mirrors show that it would have been impossible for the Defendant to see the tree limb.

Result: Attorney Patrick J. Noonan persuades Clerk-Magistrate not to issue the criminal complaint against professional truck driver of 40 years.

LEAVING SCENE OF PROPERTY DAMAGE: DISMISSED at TRIAL

Client, 29-year-old truck driver with no criminal record, was charged with Leaving the Scene of an Accident causing Property Damage stemming from a two-car crash in North Easton. The victim identified the suspect vehicle by its registration before it fled the scene. The Defendant was the registered owner of the suspect vehicle that fled the scene after the crash. At trial, the Commonwealth sought to introduce the Defendant’s motor vehicle registration in order to identify him as the driver of the fleeing vehicle. At trial, Attorney Patrick J. Noonan excluded the vehicle registration from evidence on the grounds that it was not provided timely. Attorney Patrick J. Noonan then moved to dismiss the case because, without the vehicle’s registration, the Commonwealth had insufficient evidence to identify the Defendant as the operator of the fleeing vehicle.

Result: Attorney Patrick J. Noonan gets criminal complaint dismissed outright at trial.

LEAVING SCENE OF ACCIDENT: DISMISSED PRIOR TO ARRAIGNMENT

Client, 40-year-old physician’s assistant with no prior criminal record, was charged with Leaving the Scene of an Accident stemming from an alleged hit and run accident. A docketed arraignment on this charge would result in the client’s termination from employment, as he is subject to mandatory background checks from his employer. A docketed arraignment on the charge constitutes a crime of moral turpitude and is grounds for termination.

Result: Attorney Patrick J. Noonan dismisses criminal complaint prior to arraignment saving client’s job as Physician’s Assistant.

OAS FOR OUI: DISMISSED

Client, 25-year-old executive chef, was charged with operating under the influence of alcohol and placed on probation in Quincy District Court. While on probation, client was arrested in West Bridgewater for operating his vehicle while his license was suspended for OUI; an offense punishable up to 60 days in the House of Correction. By virtue of the new criminal offense in West Bridgewater, client was charged with violating the terms of his probation in the Quincy District Court. Client hired Attorney Patrick J. Noonan to handle the Operating after Suspended License (OAS) case in the Brockton District Court. Attorney Noonan moved for an evidentiary hearing challenging the lawfulness of the motor vehicle stop where he intended to introduce evidence that the officer’s observations did not rise to the level of reasonable suspicion necessary to effectuate a motor vehicle stop of the Defendant’s vehicle. The officer failed to appear for the evidentiary hearing.

Result: Attorney Noonan convinces the Commonwealth to dismiss the case upon the payment of court costs, which helped client’s probation violation matter in the Quincy District Court.

OPERATING TO ENDANGER: DISMISSED at CLERK’S HEARING

Client, 19 year-old youth aspiring to enlist in the military, was charged with Operating to Endanger and Failure to Stop for Police stemming from a high-speed motorcycle chase where speeds reached in excess of 100 mph. At a Magistrate’s Hearing, Attorney Patrick J. Noonan successfully dismissed the case arguing that the issuance of the criminal complaint would ruin his client’s future.

Result: Attorney Patrick J. Noonan persuades Clerk-Magistrate not to issue criminal complaint allowing his client to enlist in the military.

LEAVING THE SCENE PROPERTY DAMAGE: DISMISSED
OPERATING RECKLESSLY: DISMISSED

Police received two calls reporting that they heard loud skidding followed by a loud crash. Upon arrival, police observed fresh skid marks and damage to a stone wall in front of someone’s property. The vehicle drove off striking a second stone wall. Boulders from the stone wall were scattered all over the homeowner’s front lawn. Police found a license plate at the scene, which was registered to the Defendant. Police went to the Defendant’s residence and observed fresh heavy damage to his vehicle with the license plate missing. Defendant admitted to police that he had been driving in the area and he must have lost control of his vehicle but he denied hitting any stone wall.

Result: Attorney Gerald J. Noonan persuades clerk-magistrate not to issue criminal complaints against recent college graduate.