In Massachusetts, a continuance without a finding, or CWOF, is one manner of resolving a criminal complaint against a Defendant. A CWOF is an agreement between the Prosecutor and Defendant that the Prosecutor can demonstrate sufficient facts to the Court that the Defendant engaged in the alleged criminal activity. In return for this plea, the Court will continue the matter without rendering a verdict and instead impose conditions upon the Defendant to follow for a certain period of time. If the Defendant complies with the terms of the CWOF, the matter against him or her will be dismissed by the Court.

Understanding the implications of the different means of resolving criminal charges is critical to any Defendant. If faced with criminal charges, or an offer from a Massachusetts District Attorney’s Office to resolve a pending case, contact the Massachusetts criminal defense attorneys at Doherty, Ciechanowski, Dugan & Cannon, P. C.

Be polite, but say nothing.  Nothing will more surely result in a criminal charge or conviction than your own words.   Too often people feel the need to explain themselves.  If the police need help in solving the crime, the source should never be the subject of the investigation.  The same can be said for testifying at trial.  A person charged with a crime has a right to testify at trial.  Many people testify themselves into a conviction.  By saying nothing, you do not have to worry about anything being repeated by anyone. You always retain the right to remain silent. Neither the police nor the court can make any inference or assumption from your silence.

If you’ve been charged with a crime in Massachusetts and require the representation from an experienced criminal defense lawyer contact Attorny Peter Paulousky for an initial consultation and to discuss your particular case.