Stonehill College Criminal Defense Lawyer

Often, yes. A case that ended in dismissal, a not guilty finding, or a completed continuance without a finding can be sealed by a judge without any waiting period on a showing of good cause. A misdemeanor conviction can be sealed through the Probation Service after three years and a felony after seven, as long as there are no new convictions. A sealed record does not appear on most background checks, which matters for internships, graduate school, and jobs. Some older offenses can also be expunged. Planning for sealing from the start of the case helps students choose outcomes that leave the cleanest possible record.

Can a student's criminal record be sealed in Massachusetts?Criminal Defense Attorney Rory Munns2026-09-30T18:09:40-04:00

Yes. Under M.G.L. c. 269, section 17, hazing is any conduct or method of initiation into a student organization that willfully or recklessly endangers the physical or mental health of a student or other person. Examples include forced drinking, forced physical activity, exposure to the weather, and extended sleep deprivation. A principal organizer or participant can be fined up to $3,000, jailed for up to one year in the house of correction, or both. Consent of the person being hazed is not a defense. Separate laws also require people at the scene to report hazing. Hazing charges usually bring serious college discipline alongside the court case.

Is hazing a crime in Massachusetts?Criminal Defense Attorney Rory Munns2026-09-30T18:09:38-04:00

An OUI starts two cases: a criminal case at Taunton District Court and a license case at the RMV. Drivers under 21 face a youth suspension if their breath result is 0.02 or higher: 180 days for drivers 18 to 20 and one year for drivers under 18. A breath test refusal by a driver under 21 brings a three-year suspension. In court, a first offense carries a $500 to $5,000 fine, up to 2.5 years in jail, and up to a year of license loss, although many first offenders qualify for a 24D disposition instead. The stop, the tests, and the breath result can all be challenged.

What happens if a Stonehill student is charged with OUI?Criminal Defense Attorney Rory Munns2026-09-30T18:09:35-04:00

For many misdemeanors, when a person was not arrested, Massachusetts gives the accused a chance to be heard before a criminal complaint issues. At a clerk magistrate's hearing, the clerk decides whether there is probable cause to issue a complaint. If no complaint issues, there is no arraignment and no entry on the person's court activity record in the usual way. The clerk may also hold the matter for a period and then dismiss it if the person stays out of trouble. For college students facing minor alcohol, property, or disorderly charges, a well-prepared clerk's hearing can be the best chance to end the case early.

What is a clerk magistrate's hearing?Criminal Defense Attorney Rory Munns2026-09-30T18:09:32-04:00

Under M.G.L. c. 138, section 34C, a person under 21 who knowingly possesses, transports, or carries alcohol can be fined up to $50 for a first offense and up to $150 for a later offense. A conviction is reported to the Registry of Motor Vehicles, which suspends the driver's license for 90 days. Using a false or borrowed ID to buy alcohol is a separate offense that can bring its own license suspension. For students, the bigger concern is often the record and the college's response. Many first offenses can be resolved without a conviction, especially when handled early, sometimes even at a clerk magistrate's hearing.

What is the penalty for underage drinking in Massachusetts?Criminal Defense Attorney Rory Munns2026-09-30T18:09:27-04:00

Stonehill College is in Easton, which is covered by Taunton District Court at 40 Broadway in Taunton. The court also serves Taunton, Raynham, Berkley, Dighton, Rehoboth, and Seekonk. Arrests by Easton Police, Stonehill campus police, or the State Police in Easton are normally arraigned there, and the Bristol County District Attorney's Office prosecutes them. Some minor charges begin with a clerk magistrate's hearing instead of an arraignment. Serious felonies can be indicted in Bristol Superior Court. If you received a summons or were arrested, Rory Munns can review your paperwork and explain what to expect. Call 401-573-2265 for a free consultation.

Which court hears criminal cases for Stonehill College students?Criminal Defense Attorney Rory Munns2026-09-30T18:09:24-04:00

Rory Munns focuses his practice on criminal defense and OUI in the Bristol County courts, including Taunton District Court. He understands that for a student, the goal is not just a lighter penalty but a clean record and continued enrollment, and he builds the defense around that. He reviews the evidence for suppression and dismissal grounds, handles clerk's hearings and RMV license issues, and answers the phone day and night. He is licensed in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, and his office is at 161 South Main Street in Fall River. The first consultation is free. Call 401-573-2265 to talk about your case.

Why hire Rory Munns for a Stonehill College case?Criminal Defense Attorney Rory Munns2026-09-30T18:09:43-04:00

It can. Colleges generally apply their student conduct codes to off-campus behavior that affects the school community, and the conduct process runs separately from the court case. The college does not have to wait for the court to decide, and it uses a lower standard of proof. Possible outcomes range from a warning or probation to loss of housing, removal from teams, loss of scholarships, suspension, or expulsion. Statements made in a college hearing can sometimes be used in the criminal case. Talking with a lawyer before meeting with the school helps you protect yourself in both places and coordinate the two processes.

Will Stonehill discipline me for an off-campus arrest?Criminal Defense Attorney Rory Munns2026-09-30T18:09:30-04:00