Boston Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog

According to The Lowell Sun, 28 year old Michael Harmon from Framingham has been charged with a number of offenses stemming from a dispute in front of Charlie's Bar in Lowell. The paper reports that Harmon has previously been convicted as an accessory in a 2001 murder

In Lowell Superior Court earlier in the week Michael Harmon pleaded not guilty to charges of armed assault to murder, assault and battery causing serious bodily injury, carrying a firearm without a license, possession of a firearm without a firearms-identification card and illegally possession of ammunition. He has been held without bail since his arrest in March after a judge sitting in an Essex County District Court held that he was a "danger to society."

The Sun also reported that the police claimed that they were called to an area outside of the bar in the early morning hours for a "fight and possible shooting." Upon responding the police found Michael Nickerson, 30, of 53 James Ave., Tewksbury, on the ground and bleeding from an apparent gunshot wound. It is reported that Nickerson survived and he and a witness identified Harmon as the shooter. It is also alleged that Harmon admitted being in a fight but denied involvement in the shooting.

If you have been accused of committing any crime of violence, it is critical that you have an experienced Massachusetts trial attorney on your side from the beginning of the case. Your liberty is at stake from the bail hearing through disposition of the charges. For example, District Attorney's Offices have been moving to have defendants held pursuant to M.G.L.A. 276 § 58A. This statute provides that a defendant can be detained prior to trial for certain felonies or offenses that involves a substantial risk that physical force against another may result. Generally, the Commonwealth must have the hearing within three days from the time that they request such a hearing. Therefore, you must have a knowledgeable defense attorney on your side from the beginning.

Additionally, penalties that can be imposed following conviction for most felonies are substantial. For example, a conviction for armed assault with intent to murder can carry up to twenty years in state prison. Convictions for assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon and unarmed assault with intent to murder have a potential penalty of up to ten years in state prison.