Case Results Pretrial Probation

ASSAULT & BATTERY: PRETRIAL PROBATION
DISORDERLY CONDUCT: PRETRIAL PROBATION

Police at UMASS-Dartmouth were on patrol when they heard yelling and observed a fight in progress outside a college apartment. The fight involved a large number of people. Immediately, an officer attempted to stop the fight by identifying himself as a police officer and ordering the parties to stop. Upon his command, the majority of the crowd dispersed and ran away. Despite his commands, the officer observed two males on top of a male victim and they were punching and kicking the victim. The two male aggressors and the male victim all ran away, as the officer approached them. Officers pursued the males in a foot chase. Officers eventually apprehended the Defendant but were unable to catch the other parties. At the station, Defendant admitted to consuming 6-8 beers. Officers observed blood and markings on the Defendant’s knuckles. Defendant told police that he observed a fight break out involving his friend. Defendant stated that he intervened to break up the fight and assist his friend. Defendant admitted to throwing punches and hitting the male victim. Defendant was immediately suspended from UMASS-Dartmouth.

Result: After his arraignment, Defendant’s parents contacted Attorney Gerald J. Noonan. Attorney Gerald J. Noonan amassed a wealth of evidence attesting to his client’s outstanding character and submitted it to the District Attorney’s Office requesting that the DA’s Office place his client on Pretrial Probation. Attorney Gerald J. Noonan submitted the Defendant’s college transcripts showing that he was an Honor Student. Attorney Noonan submitted a glowing letter of recommendation from the Defendant’s College Football Coach. In addition, Attorney Gerald J. Noonan discovered evidence showing that his client never kicked the male victim during the fight. Attorney Gerald J. Noonan worked with the Campus Police and other school officials and they supported Attorney Noonan’s request for Pretrial Probation. At his first court appearance, Attorney Gerald J. Noonan reached an agreement with the Commonwealth that the criminal charges would be dismissed upon the Defendant’s completion of community service. This was a significant victory, which allowed the Defendant to return to school the following semester and complete his college education. With this disposition, the Defendant did not have to admit guilt and the charges will be dismissed outright so long as he completes his community service.

ASSAULT & BATTERY: PRETRIAL PROBATION

Defendant’s father called 911 to report a fight between the Defendant and his 16-year-old younger brother. The father reported that the Defendant charged at his younger brother and they began fighting on the floor. The father pointed out that the Defendant outweighs his younger brother by 100 lbs. The father intervened to protect his younger son from the Defendant and the father had to punch the Defendant in the face to break up the fight. The younger brother told police that the Defendant pushed his finger into his eye socket multiple times. Police observed that the younger brother had redness to his left eye and redness around his mouth. The parents made written statements to police. All parties (father, mother, brother) stated that the Defendant has an anger problem and needs help for his anger issues.

Result: Attorney Gerald J. Noonan persuaded the Commonwealth to place his client on pretrial probation for one-year with the condition that he undergoes counseling to address the concerns of his family members. If the Defendant abides by the conditions, the criminal charge will be dismissed after one-year and the Defendant will not have to admit guilt.

DISORDERLY CONDUCT: PRETRIAL DIVERSION
DISTURBING THE PEACE: PRETRIAL DIVERSION
MINOR IN POSS. OF ALCOHOL: PRETRIAL DIVERSION

At 1:00 a.m., Bridgewater Police received a complaint reporting a loud house party. This house had issues with prior disturbances over the past several months. Upon arrival, police heard loud music playing, people yelling inside, and glass shattering. The people inside refused to open to the door for police. Upon entering the house, police observed numerous alcoholic containers, marijuana residue, and the people inside appeared to be under 21. Several youths fled from the house. Subsequently, the fire department and building inspector condemned the house as unsafe. The renter of the home was uncooperative. It was alleged that the party had been going on for 3 days before police broke it up. Neighbors reported seeing teenagers urinating in the yard. Police arrested everyone present in the home. In total, police arrested 41 people, including the Defendant. Prior to the arraignment, Attorney Patrick J. Noonan met with the District Attorney’s Office. Attorney Noonan explained that his client was a sophomore at Bridgewater State University. Attorney Noonan explained that his client worked in Wellesley from 4:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. Attorney Noonan explained that his client went to the house party after work for the purpose of driving her three friends home who had been drinking. Defendant was acting as the designated driver. Shortly after the Defendant arrived to the house to pick up her three friends, the police arrived and arrested everybody. Attorney Noonan’s client was 19 years-old, she had no criminal record, and she was a Dean’s List student. The case received national media attention.

Result: Attorney Patrick J. Noonan persuades the Commonwealth to enter his client into the Pretrial Diversion Program. Upon the client’s successful completion of community service and having not committed any new offenses, the Commonwealth will dismiss all criminal charges against the Defendant prior to arraignment on 05/23/16. Therefore, Attorney Patrick J. Noonan’s client will have no criminal charges on her record.

This case in the news:

• 41 arrested at Massachusetts House Party. NBC News, February 22, 2016
• 41 arrested at “out of control” Bridgewater house party. Boston Globe, February 21, 2016
• More than 40 partygoers arrested at “loud out of control house party” near Bridgewater State University, police say. New York Daily News, February 22, 2016
• Bridgewater police arrest 41 after house party. Washington Times, February 22, 2016.
• 41 arrested at house party in Bridgewater, Mass. Providence Journal, February 21, 2016
• Bridgewater police arrest 41 after house party. New Jersey Herald, February 21, 2016
• House condemned after 41 arrested at Bridgewater party. Enterprise News, February 22, 2016
• Bridgewater Police bust party, arrest 41. Fox25, February 22, 2016
• Police arrest 41 people at Bridgewater party. WCVB, February 22, 2016

LARCENY BY SINGLE SCHEME: PRETRIAL PROBATION

The co-defendant obtained checks from a closed checking account of a victim. The co-defendant had the checks from the closed account deposited into the defendant’s checking account. One check that was deposited into the defendant’s checking account was in the amount of $3,800. The defendant admitted to the fraud investigator to being involved in the scheme. The bank submitted surveillance footage of the transactions to the police. The co-defendant was sentenced to jail time. The defendant is 21 years-old and has no prior criminal record. He works full-time delivering pizzas and attends the culinary arts program at Massasoit. Through extensive negotiations, Attorney Gerald J. Noonan obtained a very favorable disposition for his client known as pretrial probation. On April 23, 2015, the Commonwealth placed the defendant on pretrial probation for one-year. As long as the defendant stays out of trouble, the criminal charge will be dismissed.

Result: Attorney Gerald J. Noonan persuades Commonwealth to place his client on pretrial probation for one-year at the conclusion of which the criminal charge will be dismissed if so issues arise, and Attorney Noonan saves his client from having to pay $3,800 in restitution.

ATTEMPT TO COMMIT CRIME: DISMISSED

Police arrested three known drug dealers and obtained a search warrant to search the residence of the main drug dealer. Police discovered three cell phones in the residence, which were ringing non-stop and receiving text messages from potential drug buyers. Police answered the suspects’ phone and received requests to purchase drugs. Police arrested three individuals, including the Defendant, who made orders to purchase drugs on the telephone and arrived to the residence with money for the purchase. After Defendant’s arraignment, he retained Attorney Patrick J. Noonan.

Result: At his first court appearance, Attorney Patrick J. Noonan persuaded the Commonwealth to place his client on pretrial probation at the conclusion of which the criminal charge will be dismissed, and client avoids having to admit guilt.

LARCENY OVER $250: PRETRIAL PROBATION
TRESPASSING: NOT RESPONSIBLE

Client, 33 year-old warehouseman with no criminal record, was arrested and charged with Larceny over $250 (felony) and Trespassing stemming from an incident in which an identified caller reported that a person had stolen property from a National Grid. Police were dispatched to the scene and observed the Defendant tying the stolen materials to his roof-rack.

Result: On his first court appearance, Attorney Patrick J. Noonan persuades the Commonwealth to place his client on pretrial probation for six-months at the conclusion of which the charge will be dismissed and client avoids having to admit guilt. Client is found not responsible on the civil infraction of Trespassing.

DISORDERLY CONDUCT: PRETRIAL PROBATION
INTERFERENCE WITH POLICE OFFICER: PRETRIAL PROBATION
RECKLESS ENDANGERMENT OF CHILD: PRETRIAL PROBATION

Stoughton Police were executing an arrest warrant for Mr. V for violent felony charges. Mr. V. also had open firearm charges and was a person of interest in a shooting. Mr. V. was known to be armed and dangerous. Police sought to execute the arrest warrant at a residence in Stoughton where Mr. V. had been known to be staying with the Defendant. Defendant refused to allow police entry into her home by shutting and locking her apartment door. Defendant held her baby in front of the door to prevent police from forcibly entering the home. Eventually, police forcibly entered the home and arrested Mr. V. who had been hiding in a closet. The Department of Children and Families took custody of the children from the Defendant.

Result: Attorney Patrick J. Noonan persuades the Commonwealth to place his client on pretrial probation for six-month at the conclusion of which all criminal charges will be dismissed outright, and the client does not have to admit guilt.

ASSAULT & BATTERY ON PUBLIC OFFICIAL: PRETRIAL PROBATION
RESISTING ARREST: PRETRIAL PROBATION
DISORDERLY CONDUCT: PRETRIAL PROBATION
VANDALISM: PRETRIAL PROBATION

Client, sophomore at Wheaton College, was arrested by campus police stemming from an incident in which Defendant smashed a bathroom mirror in a dormitory during an argument with his girlfriend. Upon arrival, Defendant yelled profanities at the campus police. Defendant kicked one campus police officer three times. Defendant was placed under arrest at which point Defendant pushed a campus police officer and continually resisted arrest. After his arraignment, Defendant retained Attorney Patrick J. Noonan. The campus police and department of public safety refused to a proposal to place Defendant on pretrial probation. Wheaton College also revoked Defendant’s scholarship and permanently suspended him from the school. As a result, the Commonwealth only offered Defendant a continuance without a finding on the charges. Attorney Patrick met with school officials and the dean of students at Wheaton College in an effort to persuade them to place Defendant on pretrial probation. Attorney Noonan eventually persuaded Wheaton College, Campus Police, and the District Attorney’s Office to place Defendant on pretrial probation.

Result: Attorney Patrick J. Noonan persuades the government to place his client on pretrial probation for two-years at the conclusion of which all criminal charges will be dismissed outright, and client does not have to admit guilt. Client may report on job applications that he does not have any convictions.

SEX FOR A FEE: DISMISSED

Client, 43-year-old computer engineer with no criminal record, was arrested and charged with Sexual Conduct for Fee stemming from an undercover vice operation in which the Defendant agreed to solicit sexual services from an undercover police officer. After six months of negotiation with the District Attorney’s Office, Attorney Patrick J. Noonan solidified an agreement with the Commonwealth to place the Defendant on pretrial probation for one-year, a considerable win because a conviction would have resulted in automatic termination from employment. Defendant is married with three children. He works as a top-ranked system’s specialist for the Department of Interior, a federal agency. The job requires certain government clearances.

Result: Attorney Patrick J. Noonan persuades the Commonwealth to place his client on pretrial probation for one-year at the conclusion of which the criminal charge will be dismissed, saving his client’s job because a continuance without a finding (CWOF) would have resulted in client’s termination from employment.

LARCENY (two counts) DISMISSED

Client, 19-year-old high school student, was charged with two counts of Larceny over $250 (felonies) stemming from incidents where he stole packages from the doorsteps of two residences in Brighton. After the arraignment, client hired Attorney Patrick J. Noonan, who persuaded the Commonwealth to place the Defendant on pretrial probation for six months because of his documented mental health disorders. At the conclusion of the six-month period, the charges will be dismissed.

Result: Attorney Patrick J. Noonan dismisses two felony charges outright.

ASSAULT: PRETRIAL PROBATION

Attleboro Police were dispatched to a domestic violence incident in progress. Defendant’s wife reported that the Defendant had placed his nine-year-old son in a headlock and squeezed his nose in an attempt to stop him from breathing. The Defendant continued to threaten the child by ripping the blankets off his bed, clenching his fist, and yelling, “You want to see what killing is?” The mother of the child called police because she was afraid for the safety of her nine-year-old son. Attorney Gerald J. Noonan successfully obtained a great disposition for his client known as pretrial probation. Specifically, if the Defendant completes a batterer’s program and does not get arrested for any new crimes, the case will be dismissed in one year.

Result: Attorney Gerald J. Noonan persuades the government to place his client on pretrial probation for one-year at the conclusion of which the criminal charge will be dismissed outright.

LARCENY: DISMISSED

Client, 22-year-old college student with no prior criminal record, was charged with Larceny over $250 (felony) stemming from a string of thefts at various Costco Stores where the Defendant would present falsified receipts to Costco and obtain expensive merchandise that he never purchased. The chain of thefts went unsolved and the suspect was placed on Massachusetts Most Wanted. Later, Defendant was identified by three independent witnesses and caught on surveillance videos presenting the fake receipts. Attorney Patrick J. Noonan was able to obtain an agreement with the Commonwealth where the Defendant would be placed on Pretrial Probation for one-year. With this disposition, Defendant was not required to admit guilt. At the conclusion of the one-year period, the charge will be dismissed. On May 9, 2014, the criminal charge was dismissed.

Result: Attorney Patrick J. Noonan gets larceny charge dismissed allowing client to enroll in the Engineering Program at UCLA.

THREATS TO COMMIT MURDER: DISMISSED

Client, 25 year-old hospital worker, charged with Threats to Commit a Crime to wit: murder stemming from an incident in which he threatened to kill his cousin with a kitchen knife. When police arrived on the scene, they recovered a kitchen knife. Attorney Patrick J. Noonan successfully obtained an agreement with the prosecution and procured a disposition for his client called pretrial probation. Pretrial probation is a very difficult disposition to attain because it is available only in limited circumstances and must be agreed to by the prosecution. At the conclusion of a non-supervisory probationary period, the criminal charge will be dismissed. Pretrial probation is much better than a continuance without a finding (CWOF) because the Defendant does have to admit to sufficient evidence for a finding of guilty. Therefore, it cannot be held against the Defendant as a prior offense if he is ever charged with a crime in the future. Defendant was placed on pretrial probation for one-year. On November 16, 2013, the criminal charge was dismissed.

Result: Attorney Patrick J. Noonan gets Threats to Commit Murder charge dismissed outright.

ASSAULT and BATTERY: PRETRIAL PROBATION

An identified caller contacted police and reported that she observed the Defendant and a woman inside a car in a parking lot. The civilian witness reported that she observed the Defendant pull the alleged victim’s hair and grab her arm in an attempt to prevent her from leaving the vehicle. The Defendant admitted to grabbing the alleged victim’s arm. The alleged victim reported that the Defendant did grab her arm as she was attempting to exit the vehicle. Attorney Gerald J. Noonan successfully obtained an excellent disposition for his client known as pretrial probation. Specifically, the case would be dismissed in six-month provided that the Defendant not commit any new crime.

Result: Attorney Gerald J. Noonan gets domestic violence charge dismissed against college student and saves his client from possible deportation from the U.S.

MALICIOUS BURNING OF PROPERTY: DISMISSED

Client, a juvenile, was charged with Malicious Burning of Personal Property (felony) stemming from a fire that was set to a tree house with accelerant propane tanks. Attorney Patrick J. Noonan successfully obtained an agreement with the prosecution for a disposition called pretrial probation. Pretrial probation is a very difficult disposition to attain because it is available only in limited circumstances and must be agreed to by the prosecution. At the conclusion of a non-supervisory probationary period, the criminal charge will be dismissed. Pretrial probation is much better than a continuance without a finding (CWOF) because the Defendant (or in this case, the juvenile) does have to admit to sufficient evidence for a finding of guilty. Therefore, it cannot be held against the Defendant as a prior offense if he is ever charged with a crime in the future. Here, the juvenile was placed on a probationary sentence during which time he attended a fire intervention course and performed community service. The criminal charge was then dismissed after the juvenile performed his community service and when the probationary period ended.

Result: Attorney Patrick J. Noonan gets Malicious Burning of Property charge dismissed outright against juvenile client.