Criminal Charges:
Warrant for Alleged Heroin Dealer Who Fled from Heroin Distribution Trial Criminal
Case Overview:
An alleged heroin dealer who had been on the run for approximately 10 years retained Massachusetts Criminal Defense Lawyer, John L. Calcagni III, to represent him. The warrant was issued when the man fled the Commonwealth on the morning of his trial before the Lawrence District Court. He sought to have the warrant vacated to be re-released on bail again. This case originally stemmed from a heroin transaction between the man and an undercover police officer in 2011. Following the man’s arrest, he appeared for several pretrial conferences, declined the prosecution’s offer and elected his right to trial. During this time, the man failed to appear twice. The first time he failed to appear for trial, the Court increased his bail. The second time, the man appeared in court when the judge initially called the case, but then fled the courthouse just before the trial began. The Lawrence District Court issued a bench warrant, which remained pending for nearly 10 years. Tired of living both in fear and in hiding, the man contacted Massachusetts Criminal Defense Attorney, John L. Calcagni III, and his legal team to solve his legal troubles. They scheduled the man’s voluntary surrender and showed up on time. Once the warrant was vacated, the next issue remained that of bail. Unable to secure the Commonwealth’s agreement to cash bail, the parties put the issue before the Court. The Commonwealth advocated for $100,000 cash bail, relying mainly on the man’s absence for 10 years and previous flight on two occasion. The Defense countered with $10,000 cash, citing the man’s voluntary surrender, community ties, extensive family, investment in private counsel, and more.
Case Result:
After careful consideration, the Court granted the Defense recommendation and reset bail at $10,000. The man was immediately released and is awaiting trial.
