SJC Rules a juvenile may receive a CWOF for a firearm offense

In what is a significant development for juveniles offenders accused of unlawful possession of a firearm (not at home or work), the Supreme Judicial Court entered a decision today affirming the Boston Juvenile Court's decision to grant a continuance without a finding to my client last year. Issuing its decision under a pseudonym, Commonwealth v. Quahir Q., the Court's decision tracks the reasons I provided to the Juvenile Court and the SJC throughout this case.

I also want to note my appreciation to the Committee for Public Counsel Services who filed an amicus brief in support of my position.

Post script.

Upon reflection I see an important consideration in the aftermath of this case. The decision opens the door to possibly vacate delinquency findings where attorneys failed to seek a continuance without a finding in these matters previously on behalf of their clients when it was arguably appropriate.

www.mass.gov/doc/commonwealth-v-quahir-q-sjc-e13739/download