Date & Time: Monday, October 23, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. ET
Webinar Fee: $79 (Program and Book)

This Program is Online Only

CPCS has approved this program for 2.0 credit hours for the Adult Criminal Trial, YAD Trial, Adult Criminal Appeals and YAD panels.

*SPECIAL BOOK OFFER: The Supreme Judicial Court has designated the Flaschner Judicial Institute as the exclusive publisher of the “OFFICIAL PRINT EDITION” of the MASSACHUSETTS MOTOR VEHICLE STOPS (by James F. Comerford, Esq.) distributed to every judge in Massachusetts. The goal is to have both the trial bar and the bench “on the same page” with this important topic. Since this program will reference the Guide’s new and revised sections, the Flaschner Institute will offer registrants the new 2023 edition, which sells for $59.95, at a steeply discounted price when bundled with a program.

Hon. Sookyoung Shin, Appeals Court

Hon. Cathleen E. Campbell, Superior Court

Hon. Michael P. Doolin, Superior Court

Hon. Catherine H. Ham, Superior Court

Hon. William F. Sullivan, Superior Court

Hon. Shelby M. Smith, District Court

Motor Vehicle Stops are often the beginning of a chain of events that lead to persons being arrested and charged with crimes ranging from impaired driving to unlawful possession of guns, drugs, and other contraband. In such cases, the driver or passengers may face severe, mandatory sentences. These cases also frequently involve legal issues regarding the admissibility of statements made by the driver or a passenger, and, of course, searches of their persons and/or the vehicle. In addition, the vehicle stopped may be impounded.

Judicial rulings made on pretrial motions to suppress evidence derived from motor vehicle stops are often outcome determinative in cases involving both adults and juveniles. This afternoon program will address appellate court guidance on factual findings by trial judges (e.g., “I find” versus “There was evidence that”). It will also cover legal issues that commonly arise in these cases including the justification for stops, selective enforcement based on race and ethnicity, and issues that arise after the stop, such as exit orders, pat frisks, and searches of the vehicle.

Topics to be covered include:

• Issues and motions relating to Commonwealth v. Long, 485 Mass. 711 (2020).
• Recent developments in caselaw relating to justifications for traffic stops.
• Recent developments in caselaw relating to issues arising post-stop.
• Questions from audience.

This event is being offered in conjunction with the release of FJI’s newest publication, Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Stops: Judicial Reference Guide, 2023 Edition. The program will serve as an indispensable primer and is a “nuts and bolts” review for attorneys. 

Online registration is encouraged. For assistance, questions on group discounts, accommodations requests, special billing, program content, out-of-state CLE credits, and general contact CLE Coordinator, Michael Saporito by email at msaporito@socialaw.com. Registrations accepted in order of receipt. Registration fees are non-refundable. Most Social Law Library CLE events are recorded and recordings are sent to all who are registered. The recording is available by digital download, generally within a week after the program date. CLE credit, when applicable, is only granted when the live webinar is attended.