According to an announcement by Police Commissioner Edward F. Davis, there has been a significant drop in crimes in Boston during the first quarter of the year. The Commissioner believes that this is due in large part to dedicated police work and inclement weather, which keeps people inside.
According to police department statistics, crime rates from January 1 through March 18 of this year are as follows:
- 7 homicides (compared with 8 during the same period last year)
- 25% decrease in rape/attempted rape
- 7% decrease in robberies
- 16% decrease in aggravated assaults
- 8% decrease in burglaries
- 17% decrease in larceny
- 14% decrease in vehicle thefts
However, shootings and firearm-related arrests are on the rise. By March 18, there were six shooting deaths in Boston, compared with five in the same period last year; nonfatal shootings are up 20 percent and firearm-related arrests are up 11 percent. Police believe that these sorts of incidents are typically the result of retaliatory action.
Authorities also credit the engagement of police officers within the areas they patrol, and the effectiveness of community watch organizations. But several prominent police authorities caution not to look too much into the declines, and warn that once the harsh winter clears, the lower numbers will likely not continue to trend.
Regardless of the true cause for the decrease, the police and many others within the community are satisfied that less crimes are occurring.
Being accused of a crime can be a scary thing. The criminal justice system can be daunting and confusing. Keep in mind though that a person accused of a crime has constitutionally protected rights to the advice of legal counsel and to refrain from police questioning. If the police have sufficient evidence they can obtain arrest warrants or search warrants. This is why it is critical for an individual suspected or accused of any crime to contact a qualified and experienced Massachusetts criminal defense lawyer as soon as practical, preferably even before police involvement. A criminal defense attorney can advise you what steps to take, whether you want to make a plea bargain or assert your innocence. Remember that our system revolves around the premise that individuals are innocent until proven guilty.
The Law Office of Patrick J. Murphy provides aggressive criminal defense representation throughout Massachusetts to individuals accused of crimes such as armed robbery, a crime that, under certain circumstances, can in many cases be reduced to a lesser crime, with corresponding lesser consequences. Attorney Patrick J. Murphy has nearly 20 years of experience in the criminal courts assertively defending individuals for a wide variety of crimes. If you are being investigated or charged with a crime in Massachusetts, contact a lawyer you can trust to zealously represent you in every aspect of your case. We will work to clear your name and secure your freedom by challenging and suppressing evidence. Contact Attorney Patrick J. Murphy today at 617-367-0450 or by visiting our website, in order to schedule a free and confidential consultation.
More Blog Posts:
Authorities Uncover Extensive Identity Theft Operation, Boston Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog, published March 19, 2013
Massachusetts Organized Crime Boss Sentenced to Prison, Boston Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog, published March 14, 2013