Charges of Witness Intimidation and Vehicle Damage in Taunton MA
Criminal Charges:
Man charged in the Taunton District Court for:
- Intimidation of a Witness, in violation of M.G.L. c. 268, § 13B
- Malicious Damage to a Motor Vehicle, in violation of M.G.L. c. 266, § 28(a)
City, State, County and Court:
Taunton, Massachusetts, Bristol County
Taunton District Court
Case Overview:
Police were dispatched to a parking garage located outside of the Taunton District Court for a report of slashed tires on a parked vehicle. Upon arrival, police spoke to the owner who informed them that the damage was inflicted while he was inside the Taunton District Court attending a sentencing hearing for a criminal case involving physical abuse of his daughter by her stepfather. Upon reviewing video surveillance from inside the garage, police observed a vehicle travel from one side of the garage to the other and park next to the truck. The male operator exited the vehicle, crouched down next to the tire that was slashed, re-entered the vehicle, and drove away. The video captured the license plate, enabling police to identify the male operator. The man received a summons by mail to appear in Taunton District Court for Intimidation of a Witness and Malicious Destruction of a Motor Vehicle. He retained Massachusetts Criminal Defense Lawyer, John L. Calcagni III, to represent him in this case.
Case Result: Continuation Without a Finding for Six Months.
After reviewing all the evidence, and engaging the Commonwealth in ongoing negotiations, Attorney Calcagni successfully persuaded the prosecution to amend or reduce the Malicious Destruction of a Motor Vehicle charge (which does not allow for a continuation without a finding), to Vandalizing Property, and continue the remaining charges without a finding for six months with the condition of restitution for the damaged tires. The Court adopted the parties’ joint recommendation and sentenced the man accordingly. Providing the man remains out of trouble for six months, both charges will be dismissed and immediately eligible to be sealed from public record at the end of the established period.