Criminal defense law

Hedges & Tumposky, LLP is pleased to announce that Forest O’Neill Greenberg has joined on as an associate.

Forest O’Neill Greenberg represents clients in criminal litigation in state and federal trial and appellate courts. Prior to joining Hedges & Tumposky, Forest worked as trial attorney for the Public Defender of Massachusetts (CPCS) and for the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia (PDS), where she represented hundreds of clients charged with crimes in District and Superior Court in Massachusetts and Washington D.C. She has defended clients against a variety of criminal cases, from simple misdemeanors like drug possession, assault and battery, and driving offenses to complex felonies like drug trafficking, sexual offenses and assaults, armed robbery, and rape. As an appellate advocate, Forest has worked on appeals of serious felonies ranging from murder, rape, and sexual assault to drug trafficking.

Forest also specializes in issues related to sex offenses and collateral consequences, such as involuntary civil commitment. She has won the release of individuals facing civil commitment as a sexually dangerous person and has successfully petitioned for the release of individuals who were already involuntarily committed.

Additionally, Forest has extensive experience working in the field of human rights and international Criminal defense law. She was a member of the defense team of former Khmer Rouge leader Nuon Chea, representing him at trial at the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia, a United Nations Atrocity Crimes Tribunal in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. She has also worked on a legal team representing Cambodian victims in their allegations of Crimes against Humanity before the International Criminal Court in The Hague.

Forest is a graduate of Brandeis University and received her Juris Doctor from Northeastern University School of Law. She is a member of the Massachusetts and New York State bar and the Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (MACDL).

Boston criminal defense lawyer

James Haynes has worked for the firm since 2009 and became an associate in 2012. He focuses his practice on criminal defense and small-business transactional work. James has experience in both state and federal court and has helped represent clients at every stage of the criminal process, from arraignment to appeals. He is admitted to the bar in Massachusetts and in the Federal District Court for the District of Massachusetts.

James’ criminal defense experience includes work on white-collar cases, both at federal and state level, involving tax evasion, wire fraud, mortgage fraud, environmental fraud, and insurance fraud. He has also helped prepare, for trial and for sentencing, cases involving serious gun offenses, complex drug conspiracies, 1st degree murder, child pornography, drunk driving and sex offenses. He has prepared numerous appeals, motions for new trials, and motions to revise and revoke. He is admitted to the CPCS Post-Conviction panel and is a bar advocate in South Boston District Court.

He has also helped prepare numerous civil lawsuits, in both state and federal courts, seeking compensation for individuals whose constitutional rights have been violated by police and other government agents. James has also advised small businesses on topics including entity formation, contractual matters, secured transactions, and complying with state information privacy regulations.

A former newspaper reporter, James is an avid researcher and interviewer. He is a diligent and skilled investigator, experienced with both in-person and computer-aided techniques, and has, on numerous occasions, followed a seemingly minor lead to important evidence.

James graduated from Wabash College in 1998, where he was an Eli Lilly Fellow and received Distinction, the highest grade awarded, on the comprehensive examinations in both his majors, Political Science and English. He received his Juris Doctor from Northeastern University School of Law in 2009. During law school, James was a member of the school’s law journal, was a research assistant for Professor Wendy Parmet, was a judicial intern for the Hon. Raymond Brassard of the Superior Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and was a law clerk for the National Security Archive, Hrones, Garrity & Hedges, LLP, and Krokidas & Bluestein, LLP. He is a member of the Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Suffolk Lawyers for Justice, and the New England Marathon Swimming Association.

best criminal defense attorneys

Hedges & Tumposky, LLP is pleased to announce that the Honorable Charles T. Spurlock (Ret.) has joined the firm, Of Counsel. After 18 years on the Superior Court, Judge Spurlock retired in 2010. Before being appointed to the Superior Court, he served as a Justice of the Roxbury District Court (1986 – 1992). He has also worked serving the public in a variety of state and federal positions, including: Staff Counsel at the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (1976 – 1977); Assistant District Attorney, Middlesex County (1977 – 1980); Assistant United States Attorney, District of Massachusetts (1980 – 1985); and, Director of the Roxbury Defenders, for the Committee of Public Counsel Services (1985 – 1986). He recently completed intensive training in Negotiation through the Harvard University Program on Negotiation. He will be focusing his practice on Mediation, Criminal Law, Education Law, Employment Law, Contract Negotiation, and Civil Rights.

criminal defense lawyers

Jessica Hedges is widely respected for her courtroom presence, creative legal arguments, and tireless commitment to clients. Working for more than a decade in both federal and state courts, Jessica has successfully represented clients in numerous criminal and civil rights cases.

Jessica has a thriving federal criminal practice and has achieved excellent results in a variety of serious cases.  She has, for example, represented clients in wire-fraud, child pornography possession and distribution, mail-fraud, international money laundering, drug distribution, and gun cases. As a member of the Criminal Justice Act panel, she is one of a very limited number of attorneys in the Boston area certified to accept appointed federal criminal cases in the United States District Court in Boston.

Jessica also has a great deal of experience in the state courts throughout Massachusetts. She has worked on first and second-degree murder cases from the moment of charging up until trial. In these cases, she believes that early and thorough investigation, accompanied by a great deal of client input at all phases is key to success. She is known for her deep involvement in the investigation of such cases, and has developed systems for analyzing and comparing large volumes of discovery in cases with many witnesses and a great deal of evidence. She prides herself on her careful analysis of even the most complicated of cases, and for her willingness to take whatever time necessary to secure the best result for her clients.

Jessica also has brought numerous civil lawsuits in state and federal courts seeking compensation for individuals whose constitutional rights have been violated by police and other government agents. She has handled cases involving excessive force and police brutality, illegal arrest, prisoner abuse, illegal strip searches, illegal searches of homes, high speed chases by officers, and First Amendment violations. She has also represented police officers who break the “code of silence” and speak out against constitutional violations by other police officers. She has successfully settled numerous civil rights cases, securing significant monetary compensation for her clients. Jessica has tried many of these cases successfully to verdict. She is an active member of the National Lawyers Guild, “Police Accountability Project,” the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Jessica graduated Summa Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa in 1994 from Boston College and received her Juris Doctor from Northeastern University School of Law in 1999, and was a law clerk for the Massachusetts Superior Court after law school. Jessica has been asked to speak at a variety of trainings and panels throughout Boston, including Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Northeastern University Law School, and Harvard Law School.   She has been selected as a Super Lawyers Rising Star, in polls published in the Boston Magazine for five consecutive years. She is a lecturer at Boston College where she has been invited to teach a course called “Crime and Social Justice” since 2005. She also teaches the Criminal Advocacy Clinic at the Northeastern University School of Law, where she teaches criminal trial skills to law students.   Jessica has also taught trial advocacy skills at Harvard University Law School’s Trial Advocacy Workshop. She is also a member of the West Virginia Bar.

criminal defense attorney

Michael Tumposky is a talented litigator who has tried numerous cases to verdict in both state and federal courts. He has also represented clients before the Massachusetts Appeals Court, the Supreme Judicial Court, the First Circuit Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court of the United States. In 2014, he was appointed to the Criminal Justice Act (CJA) Panel. As a member of the Panel, Michael is one of a very limited number of attorneys in the Boston area certified to accept appointed federal criminal cases in the United States District Court in Boston.

Over the course of his many years in practice, he has defended a wide variety of criminal cases, ranging from simple misdemeanors such as drug possession, drunk driving, and assault and battery, to more complex felonies such as murder, armed robbery, kidnapping, identity theft, money laundering, drug trafficking, child pornography distribution, child enticement, sexual assault, welfare fraud, and tax fraud. He also maintains an active appellate practice, handling appeals in cases ranging from rape, arson, sexual assault and murder in state court, to firearms and drug trafficking in federal court.

Michael’s strengths in both courtroom advocacy and legal research and writing, as well as his in-depth knowledge of the rules of evidence and procedure, allow him to offer a full array of services to his clients. Typically, he will first challenge a case on legal grounds, by moving to dismiss or to suppress physical evidence and any statements made to the police. He will then offer a vigorous defense at trial or reach a favorable outcome which, where possible, preserves a client’s record and avoids jail time altogether. Finally, in the event that the trial outcome is unfavorable, he will fight to obtain a reversal of the conviction, either through a motion for new trial or through a direct appeal. In fact, he recently overturned a sexual assault conviction in a case before the Supreme Judicial Court and was previously successful in overturning a first-degree murder conviction. He has also obtained new trials for clients convicted of arson, assault, drug dealing, and gun possession.

He also represents clients in civil cases in both state and federal courts, at the trial and appellate level. He has tried cases to verdict in areas ranging from police misconduct and First Amendment violations, to employment discrimination and common law torts. He has also extracted favorable monetary settlements from municipal and state agencies, as well as private corporations and insurance companies.

Michael is a graduate of Northeastern University School of Law and got his B.A from Rutgers College. Prior to co-founding Hedges & Tumposky, he worked as an associate for the law firm of Hrones, Garrity & Hedges for five years. In law school, he interned for Judge Stahl of the First Circuit Court of Appeals and defended tenants from eviction while working for the WilmerHale Legal Services Center.

He is also conversant in Spanish. In fact, he has successfully represented clients who do not speak English as a first language, as well as those who speak no English at all.

Michael has lectured extensively in topics ranging from evidence to trial practice and theory. He is currently on the adjunct faculty at Northeastern University School of Law, where he teaches Evidence and Criminal Trial Practice. He is also a graduate of the National Criminal Defense College, located in Macon, Georgia, which is a two-week, intensive training program focused on advanced trial practice theories and techniques. He has been interviewed on issues in criminal law and criminal justice by the Boston Globe and the Boston Herald, and has appeared on both ABC and Fox as a commentator.

In his spare time, Michael is the attorney-coach for the Northeastern University School of Law Mock Trial Team, which was a TYLA Regional Finalist in 2014, as well as the Boston Latin School Mock Trial Team, which won the Massachusetts Bar Association’s state championship in 2006 and was the runner-up in 2011. He formerly served on the board of VenturingOut, a non-profit organization that trained soon-to-be-released prisoners in entrepreneurship so they can successfully and productively re-enter society. He currently sits on the board of the Orchard School, which provides alternative early education. A graduate of Latin School, Michael was born and raised in Boston.

6 REASONS WHY FLOSSING IS IMPORTANT

Flossing can seem like a tedious task, but it is an important step if you want to maintain good dental health. Next time you feel like skipping a day of flossing, think about these reasons why you need to floss every day:

1. Flossing Prevents Tooth Decay

If dental plaque develops between the teeth, it can begin the process of tooth decay. The bacteria sits on the surface of the tooth, which can cause the tooth to become weakened. Flossing is the only way to get into the cracks and crevices between the teeth in order to remove dental plaque.

2. Prevents Bad Breath

Are you always self-conscious about having bad breath? Regular flossing can help to reduce the chance of bad breath, because flossing removes the bacteria that causes the bad smell in your mouth. When bacteria is present, the metabolism of the bacteria can cause a foul odor which makes your breath smell terrible. By removing the source of odor, your breath will improve.

3. Decreases the Build-up of Tartar

If dental plaque is present, it might possibly turn to tartar because it hardens from the calcifying action of the saliva. Brushing and flossing your teeth on a regular basis and slow down the process of tartar accumulation. Regular dental cleanings are also beneficial, since the cleanings help to remove tartar that has built up.

4. Prevent Gum Disease

When plaque builds up between your teeth, it can cause gum disease. Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums, and it is the first sign of serious gum disease. Flossing on a regular basis helps to remove the bacteria that causes gum disease, helping you to have healthier gums.

5. Reduce the Risk of Serious Health Problems

Did you know that gum disease has a direct connection with an increase in heart disease? If you want to protect your heart and avoid serious heart problems such as heart attack and stroke, then you need to be flossing on a regular basis. It has also been found that flossing helps to decrease the potential complications of diabetes. If you have diabetes, then it is likely that you have a weakened immune system, which means that you have a higher risk of developing serious infections.

6. Brushing and Flossing are More Effective Than Only Brushing

Many people are consistent with brushing their teeth, and they know that it is important to pick up the toothbrush every morning and night. But, brushing your teeth is just the first step, because you aren’t getting an optimal tooth cleaning if you are skipping the floss. A toothbrush physically removes the plaque that has built up on the surface of your teeth, but it is unable to reach the areas between the teeth. The combination of brushing and flossing is more effective than just brushing. It is a good idea to floss before brushing your teeth, because the floss will remove the plaque to allow more fluoride from the toothpaste to get between your teeth.

If you would like more information about maintaining good dental health, then we invite you to contact us today! Scheduling an appointment with a dentist in Waltham, MA is an effective way to protect your dental health.

HOW DO DENTAL IMPLANTS WORK?

If you are considering dental implants, then it can be beneficial to learn how they work in order to be more comfortable with this dental procedure. It is a big decision to choose dental implants, but you will find that there are many benefits to enjoy once the procedure is done.

Step 1: Post Placement

During your first appointment, the dentist will place a titanium post by using a drilling technique that makes it possible to insert the post surgically into the jawbone. By putting the post into the jaw bone, it mimics a real tooth as much as possible. It is important that the post is made of titanium, because it is one of the best materials to use in order to encourage a proper bonding within the jaw bone.

Step 2: Wait for the Fusion

Once the post is in place, you will need to wait for awhile for the post to fuse to the bone. The post together with the bone creates a strong foundation for the tooth, making it a long-term solution. Bone cells will actually grow around the post and attach it into the jaw bone, making it just as strong as a natural tooth. This waiting period usually takes several months, and it is important to give it enough time in order to make sure the fusion is strong.

During the healing time, the incision site is closed up with small sutures, and it is important to leave the area undisturbed to promote optimal healing. Your dentist will give you specific instructions about dietary requirements as well as the proper way to care for the surgical area. Following these instructions will speed up the healing time.

Step 3: Attaching the Replacement Tooth

After the post has integrated into the jaw bone, then a connector is added to the top of the post to allow the replacement tooth to be added. The tooth is added in a way to make it very sturdy, and after it has healed you will feel as though you have a natural tooth in your mouth.

There are several types of implants that can be used, in order to meet your individual needs. For example, in some cases the implant replaces a single tooth. But, there are other times where the implants can be used to replace several teeth at a time.

Benefits of Dental Implants

When you talk with a dentist, you will see that there are many benefits to dental implants. Even though the process takes a few months, it is worth the wait because you will have a replacement tooth that functions much like a natural tooth. You will be happy with your decision, because your mouth will feel great and you can avoid future dental problems.

Are you looking for a dentist who offers dental implants in Waltham, MA? Contact us today to schedule a consultation, and we will help you achieve a beautiful, natural smile!

TEACHING YOUR CHILDREN ABOUT HEALTHY DENTAL HABITS

As a parent, one of your most important responsibilities is to teach your children good health habits. It can be difficult to encourage your kids to make healthy choices each day, so here are a few things that you can do to make it easier to teach your kids about dental health:

Be a Good Example

It goes without saying that young children mimic their parents throughout the day. If the child sees you brushing and flossing your teeth, then they will be more interested in doing it as well. Make sure to brush your teeth frequently and let your child join in at the same time. If your children are young, they will have fun brushing their teeth together.

Talk With the Child

As the child grows older, you can have conversations with them about the reasons why they need to brush and floss on a regular basis. Simply telling them to brush their teeth without explaining “why” will make it harder for the child to obey. Once children understand that brushing their teeth helps to avoid tooth decay, then they are more likely to be consistent with the habit in order to avoid cavities. Have a discussion with your child when the topic comes up, and talk with them on a level that they can understand.

Show the Child the Right Methods

The only way for your child to learn the best brushing and flossing methods is if you show them what to do. If needed, provide them with easy tools to use, such as flossing sticks to make it easy to reach the teeth in the back of the mouth.

Make it Fun

Instead of making it a daily chore, look for ways that you can make it fun for the child to brush their teeth. For example, take them to the store and let them pick out a fun toothbrush. Also, consider putting a sticker chart on the bathroom mirror, and let them put on a sticker every time they brush their teeth. You can offer the incentive to buy a new toothbrush when the sticker chart is full, because they will need to have their toothbrush replaced at that point anyway.

Visit the Dentist Regularly

Consistent check-ups at the dental office help the child to feel more comfortable talking about their teeth. Also, these checkups are great opportunities for the child to talk with the dentist, helping them to learn more about their dental health. The dental staff can teach your child about brushing and flossing, which is beneficial to backup the information that you have been teaching at home.

It is important that you choose a family dentist in Waltham, MA who will help your child feel comfortable while they are in the dental chair. We offer dental services for the whole family, and we are happy to provide dental services that are catered to your child. Contact us to schedule an appointment, and we will help your child to establish good dental habits!

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL BENEFITS OF DENTAL IMPLANTS

A beautiful smile has a direct impact on your mental and physical health, which is why you should consider dental implants as replacements for missing teeth. Some people mistakenly think that implants are only needed for cosmetic purposes, but the truth is that missing teeth can also cause physical problems as well.

If you are missing a tooth, or multiple teeth, then it is important that you consider dental implants as soon as possible. You will need to talk with a cosmetic dentist about dental implants in Waltham, MA, and it is important that you find a dental professional who has the specific training that is needed to provide you with high quality implants that will last for the rest of your life.

Physical Benefits of Dental Implants

When you are missing teeth, it can cause you to lose the ability to chew effectively, and the open gap can also cause other nearby teeth to become crowded, tipped, or lost. A missing tooth is frequently a trigger for a host of other dental problems, and the only way to avoid these additional problems is by replacing the tooth with an implant in order to simulate the natural tooth.

People with missing teeth often find themselves in a situation where they are unable to eat what they want, when they want it. Since the chewing ability is diminished, they need to be cautious about the types of foods that are being consumed. But, this problem can be quickly overcome with dental implants, because the implants allow you to eat as if you still had your natural teeth.

Your dental health will get worse the longer the tooth is missing, so it is important to have the missing tooth replaced as soon as possible in order to prevent more dental problems.

Mental Benefits of Dental Implants

It can be very embarrassing to have a missing tooth, and many people find that their self-esteem suffers when they have a gap in their smile. Do you smile with your lips closed? Are you uncomfortable about opening your mouth when you talk with other people? A dental implant will allow you to overcome these issues, so that you can feel happier about your smile.

Many people notice that their self-esteem immediately improves when their smile is repaired. So, if you are embarrassed about your smile, then you should talk with a cosmetic dentist as soon as possible so that you can feel more confident about your appearance.

Once the dental implant is in place, you will be able to smile or laugh without shame. The dental implant looks like a real tooth, and it is so natural that other people won’t be able to tell that your original tooth has been replaced. Dental implants are permanent, giving you the comfort of a natural smile.

Are Dental Implants Right for You?

If you have a missing tooth, then you should consider talking with a dentist in Waltham, MA who offers implant services. An initial consultation will give you the ability to learn more about how the dental implant process works, so that you can decide if this procedure is right for you.

We are always available to answer your questions, and we are happy to talk with you about the dental implant options that are available. Contact us to learn more!

THE IMPORTANCE OF YOUR TEETH: THE MOUTH–BODY CONNECTION

When we take care of our body and our selves we never think of the importance of our teeth. Unfortunately it doesn’t help that most insurance companies do not offer Dental coverage included with your health coverage. But your teeth are connecting to your body. They help with chewing and digestion, they are important for speaking, smiling and appearance.

There is a connection between a healthy mouth and a healthy body.

Bleeding gums, visible root surfaces and loose teeth are not normal at any age and they are signs of an infection called periodontal disease.

Recent studies show a link between the infection in your mouth, your heart and your lungs, worsening serious medical problems like heart disease, stroke, diabetes and respiratory diseases.

Several theories link the bacteria in your mouth with bacteria found in the fatty plaques in the heart blood vessels contributing to clot formation.

Another possibility is that the inflammation caused by the periodontal disease increases plaque build up which may contribute to swelling of the arteries.

Researchers found that people with untreated periodontal disease are twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease then those without periodontal disease.

In conclusion your oral health is important for your overall health and vice versa.

Your teeth are never too old to be repaired or replaced. If you don’t maintain your natural teeth or replace the teeth that are lost your overall health can suffer.

Next time we’ll talk about periodontal disease and how to prevent it.

I AM TOO OLD FOR CAVITIES: MYTH OR REALITY – PART 1

As a dentist I hear this very often. I am too old for cavities doc! In reality you are never too old for cavities. So you have to take good care of your teeth no matter how old you are. There are a lot of factors contributing to tooth decay.

Genetics has its roll in the fact that some people have a stronger enamel tooth surface (the outer layer of the tooth) than others. Today, Fluoridated water and Fluoride supplements given to children under 12 help build a stronger enamel structure and consequently less cavities in the new generation. So ingesting Fluoride is helpful if you are a child. Once the tooth structure is formed ingested Fluoride doesn’t help. However any topical application of fluoride can strengthen the enamel of your teeth no matter how old you are. That is why most toothpastes on the market have Fluoride in it. You can also buy fluoride rinses over the counter or you can have your dentist professionally apply a stronger version while you have your teeth cleaned.

Although most of the adult population doesn’t need professional application of Fluoride on their teeth, there are some at higher risk of developing decay. This includes teenagers ( where unhealthy dietary habits like drinking too much soda, or sports drinks can make them more prone to decay ) , persons on a high carbohydrate diet, persons wearing braces or persons wearing removable partial prosthetic appliances ( partial dentures),or persons on medications that cause dry mouth ( will talk about this in a future article) , for this patients we recommend either an in office Fluoride application or a prescription fluoridated toothpaste. Check with your dentist and see what they recommend.

Will talk more about cavities in the next article.

DENTAL HEALTH IS TIED TO MANY OTHER HEALTH ISSUES

Heart Disease

Several theories exist to explain the link between periodontal disease and heart disease. One theory is that oral bacteria can affect the heart when they enter the blood stream, attaching to fatty plaques in the coronary arteries (heart blood vessels) and contributing to clot formation. Coronary artery disease is characterized by a thickening of the walls of the coronary arteries due to the buildup of fatty proteins. Blood clots can obstruct normal blood flow, restricting the amount of nutrients and oxygen required for the heart to function properly. This may lead to heart attacks.

Another possibility is that the inflammation caused by periodontal disease increases plaque build up, which may contribute to swelling of the arteries.

Researchers have found that people with periodontal disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease as those without periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease can also exacerbate existing heart conditions. Patients at risk for infective endocarditis may require antibiotics prior to dental procedures. Your periodontist and cardiologist will be able to determine if your heart condition requires use of antibiotics prior to dental procedures.

  

 Stroke

Additional studies have pointed to a relationship between periodontal disease and stroke. In one study that looked at the causal relationship of oral infection as a risk factor for stroke, people diagnosed with acute cerebrovascular ischemia were found more likely to have an oral infection when compared to those in the control group.

Research studies are available for your review in the office.

 

Charles T. Spurlock

Charles T. Spurlock (Ret.)

Hedges & Tumposky, LLP is pleased to announce that the Honorable Charles T. Spurlock (Ret.) has joined the firm, Of Counsel. After 18 years on the Superior Court, Judge Spurlock retired in 2010. Before being appointed to the Superior Court, he served as a Justice of the Roxbury District Court (1986 – 1992). He has also worked serving the public in a variety of state and federal positions, including: Staff Counsel at the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (1976 – 1977); Assistant District Attorney, Middlesex County (1977 – 1980); Assistant United States Attorney, District of Massachusetts (1980 – 1985); and, Director of the Roxbury Defenders, for the Committee of Public Counsel Services (1985 – 1986). He recently completed intensive training in Negotiation through the Harvard University Program on Negotiation. He will be focusing his practice on Mediation, Criminal Law, Education Law, Employment Law, Contract Negotiation, and Civil Rights.