Joy & Hitchman, P.C., lawyers in Lawrence, MA, Massachusetts

Witness Immunity From Prosecution

A witness may be granted immunity from prosecution by way of federal or state law. Immunity is granted in exchange for a witness's testimony about a certain event. There are two types of immunity available, use immunity or transactional immunity. More...

Attacking Eyewitness Identification

A defendant may attack eyewitness testimony during trial. There are numerous issues and problems that arise when dealing with eyewitness identification testimony. One of the largest issues involves the reliability of the eyewitness. The defendant may attack the eyewitness identification testimony by cross-examination, by way of a jury instruction, or by way of closing argument to the jury.More...

The Introduction of Polygraphs or other Lie Detector Tests at Trial and Other Uses of the Polygraph

Generally, courts in most jurisdictions do not admit the results of polygraph or other lie detector examinations. Most courts find such results quite unreliable and untrustworthy. There are a number of states that will admit polygraph or lie detector tests results into evidence if both the prosecution and defendant agree that the test results will be admitted. More...

UNLAWFUL SALE OR TRANSFER OF WEAPONS

In some states, a person commits an offense if he or she sells, rents, leases, or lends a handgun to another person with the knowledge that the person intends to use the handgun unlawfully or intends to use the handgun in the commission of an unlawful act. A "handgun" for purposes of this offense is any firearm that is designed, made, or adapted to be fired with one hand, such as a pistol or a revolver. More...

Best Evidence Rule

The Best Evidence Rule is also commonly referred to as the original document rule. The Best Evidence Rule requires that the proponent seeking the admission of evidence show the documentary evidence is the original version. The Best Evidence Rule applies when the terms of the writing are material and at issue. The Best Evidence Rule also applies when a witness testifies as to a fact resulting from having read it in the document sought to be admitted by the proponent. More...