Sturbridge Massachusetts Failure to Stop for Police (misdemeanor)
Charges
- Failure to Stop for Police (misdemeanor), in violation of M.G.L. c. 90, § 25;
- Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle (misdemeanor), in violation of M.G.L. c. 90, § 24 (a)(a);
- Marked Lanes Violation (civil infraction), in violation of M.G.L. c. 89, § 4A; and
- Motor Vehicle Lights Violation (civil infraction), in violation of M.G.L. c. 90, § 7.
Court Information
Sturbridge, Massachusetts
Worcester County
Dudley District Court
Case Overview
State Police received a call regarding a motor vehicle operating erratically without its headlights activated. A trooper caught up to the vehicle, activated his emergency lights, and unsuccessfully attempted to conduct a traffic stop. After several more failed attempts and multiple observed traffic violations, the trooper deployed a tire deflation device to stop the vehicle. Once the vehicle came to a stop, the driver was ordered to shut off the vehicle and display her hands, which took her over a minute to comply. She eventually opened the door and stepped out of the vehicle lazily. She was ordered to turn around and face away with her hands up, but instead lowered her hands, began to walk towards police, and seemed confused and unreactive to the entire situation and stimulus surrounding her, appearing almost zombified. Police asked her if she knew why she was being arrested and if she saw the cruiser behind her with the lights on, and she indicated she did not. The driver also admitted she was drinking rum on and off throughout the day and was smoking marijuana earlier in the day. She also could not explain to police where she was headed. Police could not smell any alcohol on her breath and had her submit to series of field sobriety tests, which she passed, so they did not charge her with Operating Under the Influence of Liquor. Alternatively, they placed her under arrest and charged her with Failure to Stop for Police, Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Marked Lanes Violation, and Motor Vehicle Lights Violation. The driver retained Massachusetts Criminal Defense Lawyer, John L. Calcagni III, to represent her in this case. Following ongoing negotiations with the Commonwealth, Attorney Calcagni successfully secured a pretrial agreement that called for the dismissal of all criminal charges, and the driver’s admission solely to traffic infractions in exchange for the payment of a fine.
Case Result
Criminal charges dismissed; civil infractions resolved with payment of a fine.