Lawrence Massachusetts Man Charged With Multiple Break Car Break Ins
The Lawrence Eagle Tribune reports that an unusually cooperative suspect closed an investigation into multiple car break ins. According to the police, Shane Mercier, 21, of Lawrence Massachusetts produced a GPS from his pocket that was stolen from an unlocked car in the area. Apparently, the remorseful defendant admitted to breaking into a number of unlocked vehicles in the area. A cell phone, cash and gift cards to Walmart, Dunkin Donuts and K Mart were among some of the other items recovered from Mercier. Police approached the cooperative defendant when they were investigating reports of a number of cars that had been broken into. Based on the facts in this case the defendant can be charged with a multiple counts of breaking and entering into a motor vehicle in the nighttime with intent to commit a felony.
In this case it appears that the suspect spoke with the police officers and provided information that amounts to a confession. In Massachusetts, police officers must inform a suspect that he or she has a right to remain silent, that what he or she says can be used against him or her and that he or she has a right to a lawyer before speaking to the police. These rights are traditionally referred to as "Miranda Rights." The police must inform a citizen of these rights prior to speaking with him or her if the individual is in custody and is subjected to police interrogation or questioning. In the event that it appears that a person's Fifth Amendment rights against self incrimination have been violated by the failure of the police to provide these rights, then an experienced lawyer will file a motion to suppress statements. If successful, the government cannot use the defendant's statement during the trial.
Attorney Kathleen M. McCarthy has been litigating criminal cases for over twenty years. The litigation of motions to suppress statements and evidence are routine in the appropriate circumstances. If you have been charged with a crime contact Attorney McCarthy on-line or at 978-975-8060. She will fight to protect your rights from the pre-trial stages through disposition.
