Massachusetts Criminal Defense Results: Dismissals, No Complaints, and Case Victories

The following results represent a portion of Serpa Law Office’s criminal defense work across Massachusetts District Courts and the Boston Municipal Court. The entries include recent results from March through September 2026 and selected earlier results that remain relevant to former clients. Results include clerk-magistrate hearing denials in which no complaint issued and no CORI entry was created, dismissals prior to arraignment in which the CORI entry was prevented, post-arraignment dismissals, and victories at restraining order hearings. Every matter is different. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Contact Serpa Law Office at 617.936.0201 for a confidential consultation.

The firm’s page on dismissals, not guilty verdicts, and the alternatives to a guilty plea explains how outcomes like these are reached, from pretrial motions to trial verdicts.

The procedures behind those endings are set out on the page explaining how Massachusetts criminal cases get dismissed, including the judicial grounds for dismissal, the effect of a successful motion to suppress, and how a case can end before arraignment.

The most consequential stage in most Massachusetts criminal cases is the clerk-magistrate hearing, a private, pre-arraignment proceeding at which a complaint can be denied before any public record is created. A result of “No Complaint” means the clerk-magistrate denied the application. No arraignment occurred. No CORI entry was created. The matter is permanently and privately closed. An application held in abeyance is different: no complaint has issued, but the private application remains pending for the stated period. If that period passes without a new incident, the application is destroyed. A result of “Dismissed Prior to Arraignment” means the charge was resolved before the arraignment date, preventing the CORI entry from being created. See: Massachusetts Clerk-Magistrate Hearing FAQs and I Received a Show Cause Notice in Massachusetts. What Do I Do?.

September 2026

Failure to Stop for a Police Officer, G.L. c. 90, § 25, and Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle, G.L. c. 90, § 24(2)(a), Malden District Court: Nolle Prosequi

A working professional was charged in Malden District Court with failing to stop for a state trooper and with negligent operation of a motor vehicle. To convict the client, the Commonwealth had to prove that the client was the person driving. The trooper claimed to have identified the client. Nothing in the discovery showed that the trooper saw the driver’s face or ever identified the client. Attorney Serpa challenged any in-court identification of the client under Commonwealth v. Crayton, 470 Mass. 228 (2014). Under Crayton, a witness who did not identify the defendant before trial may identify the defendant for the first time in the courtroom only if there is good reason for the identification. On September 25, 2026, the Commonwealth filed a nolle prosequi on both criminal charges. A nolle prosequi is the Commonwealth’s formal notice that it will not prosecute the charges. The court found the client not responsible on the two civil motor vehicle infractions.

Reckless Endangerment of a Child, G.L. c. 265, § 13L, Wrentham District Court: No Complaints Issued

Two technology professionals and parents faced companion applications for criminal complaints alleging reckless endangerment of a child. Attorney Serpa filed a joint memorandum and exhibit appendix addressing the police account, the statutory elements, and the documented reasons formal prosecution was unnecessary. After a clerk-magistrate hearing in Wrentham District Court, no criminal complaint issued on either application. No arraignment occurred, and no CORI entry resulted from either application.

Assault and Battery, G.L. c. 265, § 13A, Concord District Court: No Complaint

A licensed professional and small-business owner with no criminal record faced an application for a criminal complaint alleging assault and battery after a brief encounter with a stranger. Attorney Serpa filed a memorandum and represented the client at a clerk-magistrate hearing in Concord District Court. The clerk-magistrate declined to issue the complaint. No arraignment occurred, and no CORI entry was created from the application.

Shoplifting by Recording a False Value, G.L. c. 266, § 30A, Cambridge District Court: Continued Generally Before Arraignment; Dismissal Deferred

A master’s-level psychotherapist with a distinguished academic record faced a proposed shoplifting complaint while applying for Massachusetts mental-health-counselor licensure. She graduated with highest honors from a selective university, earned a graduate degree in mental health counseling, was providing trauma-informed psychotherapy to a substantial weekly caseload, and had a documented history of crisis-line service. A pending criminal prosecution could have imperiled her clinical career and professional licensing.

Attorney Serpa filed a pre-arraignment packet documenting her education, clinical work, public service, health and treatment record, and pending licensure, and requested dismissal or a brief pre-arraignment resolution. Cambridge District Court continued the matter generally before arraignment under a deferred-dismissal arrangement. No arraignment occurred. The case remains pre-arraignment while dismissal is deferred.

Forged License Document (G.L. c. 90, § 24B), Boston Municipal Court, Central Division: No Complaint

A high-achieving college applicant with sustained academic, athletic, and musical accomplishments faced an application for a criminal complaint alleging misuse or forgery of a Registry of Motor Vehicles document. Attorney Serpa prepared a focused presentation addressing the applicant’s record, extracurricular commitments, and plans to attend a selective university. After a clerk-magistrate hearing in the Central Division of the Boston Municipal Court, no criminal complaint issued. No arraignment occurred, and no CORI entry resulted from the application.

Operating a Motor Vehicle After Suspension of Registration (G.L. c. 90, § 23), Cambridge District Court: Application Dismissed Before Arraignment; No Complaint Issued

An MIT graduate student and foreign national faced an application for a criminal complaint alleging operation of a motor vehicle after suspension of its registration. Attorney Serpa filed a memorandum addressing the absence of evidence that the student operated the legally parked, unoccupied vehicle or caused or permitted anyone else to operate it. The memorandum also addressed the foreign-driver laws for international students and visitors and the related licensing and vehicle requirements. It presented the vehicle’s prompt Massachusetts insurance and registration and the student’s academic achievement, professional work, leadership, service, and family ties. After a clerk-magistrate hearing in Cambridge District Court, the clerk-magistrate dismissed the application without issuing a criminal complaint. No arraignment occurred, and no CORI entry was created from the application, protecting the student’s academic, professional, travel, and immigration path.

Forged License Document (G.L. c. 90, § 24B), Boston Municipal Court, Central Division: No Complaint

A college student in a professional healthcare program faced an application for a criminal complaint alleging misuse or forgery of a Registry of Motor Vehicles document. Attorney Serpa prepared an exhibit presentation documenting the student’s strong academic record, steady employment, community service, and professional path in healthcare. The presentation also addressed the background-screening requirements of the student’s professional program. After a clerk-magistrate hearing in the Central Division of the Boston Municipal Court, the clerk-magistrate declined to issue the complaint. No arraignment occurred, and no CORI entry was created from the application.

Strangulation or Suffocation (G.L. c. 265, § 15D(b)) and Threat to Commit a Crime (G.L. c. 275, § 2), Somerville District Court: Both Charges Dismissed in 2018

A Northeastern University student faced charges of strangulation or suffocation and threat to commit a crime. Attorney Serpa obtained pretrial probation and, after the required program was completed, filed a motion to dismiss. The Somerville District Court allowed the motion and dismissed both charges. The former student is now permitted to return to the United States.

Forged License Document, G.L. c. 90, § 24B, Boston Municipal Court, Central Division: No Complaint Issued; Private Application Held in Abeyance for One Year

A Northeastern University student with an exceptional academic record faced an application for a felony criminal complaint alleging misuse or forgery of a Registry of Motor Vehicles document. Attorney Serpa submitted a memorandum addressing the student’s 3.98 GPA, background, and the reasons formal prosecution was unnecessary, then represented the student at a clerk-magistrate hearing in the Central Division of the Boston Municipal Court. The assistant clerk-magistrate did not issue a criminal complaint and held the private application in abeyance for one year. No arraignment occurred, and no CORI entry was created. The assistant clerk-magistrate stated that, if the year passes without a new incident, the application will be destroyed.

August 2026

209A Abuse Prevention Orders, Boston Municipal Court: Orders Allowed in Clients’ Favor and Denied Against Them

Two professional parents faced competing 209A proceedings arising from a difficult and longstanding family conflict. Attorney Serpa presented the evidence supporting the parents’ need for protection and opposed the requests for orders against them. The court allowed the abuse prevention orders in the clients’ favor and denied the requests for orders against the clients.

Assault and Battery on a Family or Household Member (G.L. c. 265, § 13M), Newton District Court: Case Dismissed and Record Sealed

A technology engineer and mother of two faced a charge of assault and battery on a family or household member. Her technology work requires security vetting and extensive background screening, and the dismissed case continued to affect employment and career advancement. Attorney Serpa obtained a six-month term of pretrial probation. After the client completed the term without incident, the court dismissed the charge. Attorney Serpa then filed a petition to seal supported by a memorandum and exhibits addressing her professional work, career mobility, family responsibilities, and the continuing consequences of an available criminal record. On August 27, 2026, Newton District Court allowed the petition and sealed the case. The dismissed charge no longer appears on the CORI available through ordinary background checks.

Identity Fraud (G.L. c. 266, § 37E), Woburn District Court: No Complaint

A mother, professional, and small-business owner faced an application for a criminal complaint alleging identity fraud. Attorney Serpa submitted a memorandum addressing probable cause and presenting evidence concerning the purpose of the Registry of Motor Vehicles visit, professional background, business ownership, and family responsibilities. After a clerk-magistrate hearing in Woburn District Court, the clerk-magistrate declined to issue the complaint. No arraignment occurred, and no CORI entry was created from the application.

Assault and Battery (G.L. c. 265, § 13A) and Intimidation of a Witness (G.L. c. 268, § 13B), Chelsea District Court: No Probable Cause, No Complaints Issued

A municipal police officer faced applications for criminal complaints alleging assault and battery and intimidation of a witness. The complainant alleged that the officer physically moved her during a family property retrieval and threatened her by invoking her office as a police officer and claiming influence with the police department.

Attorney Serpa presented the conflicting accounts, the omission of the alleged physical contact from the initial report, eyewitness evidence concerning the encounter, and the officer’s professional record and commendations. After a contested clerk-magistrate hearing in Chelsea District Court at which both sides appeared and were heard, the clerk-magistrate did not credit the allegation that the officer used her official position to threaten or intimidate the complainant, even under the probable cause standard. The clerk-magistrate found no probable cause on either proposed charge. No criminal complaint issued, no arraignment occurred, and no CORI entry was created.

Violation of a 209A Abuse Prevention Order (G.L. c. 209A, § 7), Two Counts, Cambridge District Court: No Probable Cause, No Complaints Issued

Police sought two criminal complaints alleging violations of a 209A no-contact order. The client, a professional and parent, faced arraignment and a CORI entry if either application resulted in a complaint and arraignment. One allegation arose from a research query intended for ChatGPT but mistakenly entered into an iMessage window. The client immediately told police that the transmission was accidental, and contemporaneous computer evidence showed the ChatGPT and iMessage windows open together. The second allegation involved a message to a relative who lived outside Massachusetts. That message did not name or refer to the protected person, ask the recipient to relay anything, or otherwise direct a communication to the protected person.

Attorney Serpa filed a memorandum supported by the order, police materials, complete message context, contemporaneous digital evidence, and professional background. At the clerk-magistrate hearing in Cambridge District Court, the defense argued that the first transmission was accidental and that the separate third-party message did not establish indirect contact with the protected person. The clerk-magistrate found no probable cause on either count and denied both complaint applications. No criminal complaint issued, no arraignment occurred, and no CORI entry was created.

Shoplifting (G.L. c. 266, § 30A), Dedham District Court: No Complaint

A high-achieving pre-med student preparing for medical school faced a complaint application alleging two shoplifting incidents. Attorney Serpa prepared an extensive mitigation presentation documenting the student’s Dean’s List academic record, demanding science curriculum, steady employment in two jobs, substantial healthcare volunteering, health-science competition recognition, and sustained community service. After a clerk-magistrate hearing in Dedham District Court, no criminal complaint issued on either allegation. The matter ended without an arraignment or a CORI entry, protecting the student’s path toward medical school.

Unlicensed Operation (G.L. c. 90, section 10): Warrant Recalled and Case Dismissed, Wareham District Court

The client, a foreign national living and working in Israel, faced an unlicensed-operation complaint after presenting an Israeli driver’s license during a Massachusetts traffic stop. He had returned to Israel before notice of the arraignment issued, and the resulting warrant prevented him from safely reentering the United States for a planned three-week visit involving New York, Florida, and a cruise. Attorney Serpa challenged the legal sufficiency of the charge and sought recall of the warrant. The court recalled the warrant and dismissed the case.

July 2026

False Identification (Fake ID), Boston Municipal Court, Central Division: No Complaint

The client, a college student with no prior criminal record, faced an application for a criminal complaint after being found with a false identification. Attorney Serpa appeared at the clerk-magistrate hearing in the Central Division of the Boston Municipal Court and presented the client’s circumstances and the weaknesses in the application. The clerk-magistrate declined to issue the complaint. No arraignment occurred, no CORI entry was created, and the matter is permanently and privately closed.

Felony Assault and Battery, Injury to a Victim Over 60: Continued Without a Finding for One Year, Unsupervised

The client was charged with a serious felony after an altercation that injured a victim over 60. The incident was captured on camera, and the case drew coverage from the Boston Globe, the Boston Herald, and Boston television news. Attorney Serpa’s investigation produced video and witness evidence that placed the incident close to self defense, together with mitigation the Commonwealth could not ignore. The case resolved with a one year continuance without a finding, unsupervised. The client avoided supervised probation and a felony conviction.

Threats to Commit a Crime: Complaint Dismissed on § 35A and Probable Cause Grounds, Lawrence District Court

The client, a biomedical engineer, was charged with threats to commit a crime under G.L. c. 275, § 2. The complaint had issued without the clerk-magistrate hearing G.L. c. 218, § 35A requires. Attorney Serpa moved to dismiss under Commonwealth v. DiBennadetto, and the court dismissed the complaint on both § 35A and probable cause grounds.

209A Abuse Prevention Order: Extension Denied After Cross-Examination, Woburn District Court

The plaintiff asked the court to extend a 209A abuse prevention order, alleging years of repeated domestic violence. At the extension hearing, Attorney Serpa cross-examined the plaintiff and walked the judge through the plaintiff’s own messages and video evidence. After a deep review of that evidence, the court declined to extend the order, and it expired.

Default Warrant: Warrant Recalled and Case Dismissed, Waltham District Court

International student on an F-1 visa. A default warrant had made returning to the United States impossible while the case sat open, and his flight back was imminent. On an emergency request, the court allowed him to appear by Zoom from his home country. The judge recalled the warrant and dismissed the case, clearing the way for him to reenter and finish his degree.

Assault and Battery on a Family or Household Member (M.G.L. c. 265, § 13M): Dismissed, BMC Dorchester

College graduate and Amazon employee. Serious roadside incident in which Massachusetts State Police responded to a report of domestic violence in progress. Charge dismissed.

Leaving the Scene: Cambridge District Court: No Probable Cause, No Complaint Issued

Police applied for a criminal complaint against our client for leaving the scene under M.G.L. c. 90, § 24(2)(a). Our client, a Harvard graduate, military veteran, retired teacher beloved by a generation of students, and classical vocalist who performs throughout his community, had never faced a criminal charge. The application threatened a record at the end of a long career of service. Attorney Serpa represented him at the clerk-magistrate hearing in Cambridge District Court and contested probable cause. The clerk-magistrate found no probable cause and declined to issue the complaint. The case ended there. No arraignment, no CORI entry, and no criminal record. The charge is explained at Leaving the Scene of an Accident in Massachusetts.

Shoplifting: Waltham District Court: No Probable Cause, No Complaint Issued

A retailer sought a criminal complaint against our client for shoplifting. Attorney Serpa prepared a comprehensive exhibit presentation for the clerk-magistrate hearing in Waltham District Court and contested the application. No complaint issued. The matter ended without an arraignment, without a CORI entry, and without a criminal record.

Forged License Document, G.L. c. 90, § 24B: Boston Municipal Court, Central Division: No Complaint Issued

Our client faced a complaint application under G.L. c. 90, § 24B, a felony, at a clerk-magistrate hearing in the Boston Municipal Court, Central Division. A felony complaint would have followed a young client for decades. Attorney Serpa contested the application at the hearing, and no complaint issued. No arraignment, no CORI entry, and no felony record. The charge category is explained at Fake ID and License Charges in Massachusetts.

Identity Fraud, G.L. c. 266, § 37E: Wrentham District Court: No Complaint Issued

Our client faced a complaint application for identity fraud under G.L. c. 266, § 37E at a clerk-magistrate hearing in Wrentham District Court. Attorney Serpa contested the application, and the clerk-magistrate declined to issue the complaint. The case ended before it began. No arraignment, no CORI entry, and no criminal record.

Firearms Offenses Connected to a 209A Order: Lawrence District Court: Continuance Without a Finding

The Commonwealth charged our client with serious firearms offenses connected to a 209A order, on evidence that made the charges readily provable at trial. Attorney Serpa litigated the case thoroughly, including motion practice challenging the Commonwealth’s evidence, and negotiated a resolution by continuance without a finding. Our client avoided a conviction on every charge. Upon successful completion of the continuance period, the case will be dismissed. On facts the Commonwealth could easily prove, the difference between a conviction record and a dismissal is the defense.

Shoplifting (M.G.L. c. 266, § 30A): No Complaint, Waltham District Court

Well-regarded small business owner, Harvard Business School graduate, with a young family. Multiple alleged incidents. All complaints denied at clerk-magistrate hearing.

June 2026

Fake ID (M.G.L. c. 90, § 24B), No Complaint, BMC Central

Bentley University Economics Honors student. Complaint denied at clerk-magistrate hearing. No arraignment, no CORI entry, no university disclosure triggered. See: Massachusetts fake ID defense.

Assault and Battery, No Complaint, BMC West Roxbury

UMass Boston recent graduate. Complaint denied at clerk-magistrate hearing.

258E Harassment Prevention Order, No Extension, Woburn District Court

Amherst College student. Extension denied at hearing.

ABPO and Domestic Assault and Battery, Dismissed and Sealed, BMC Central

Boston College graduate. Both charges dismissed and sealed.

Fake ID (M.G.L. c. 90, § 24B), No Complaint, BMC Central

Indiana University management major. Complaint denied at clerk-magistrate hearing.

Domestic Assault and Battery and 209A Abuse Prevention Order, All Resolved Simultaneously, BMC West Roxbury

Licensed mental health professional. No complaint issued on the assault charge and no extension of the 209A order, both resolved at the same hearing.

OUI Drugs, Multiple Assault Charges, and Resisting Arrest, All Dismissed, BMC Roxbury

Colorado State University graduate. OUI resolved with 24D first-offender disposition; all assault and resisting arrest charges dismissed.

Assault and Battery with a Protective Order (ABPO), No Complaint, BMC Central

Berklee College of Music student. Complaint denied at clerk-magistrate hearing.

Fake ID (M.G.L. c. 90, § 24B), No Complaint, BMC Central

Berklee College of Music student. Complaint denied at clerk-magistrate hearing.

Resisting Arrest and Disorderly Conduct, No Complaint, BMC Central

Contracting business owner. Both complaints denied at clerk-magistrate hearing.

Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon (ABDW), Dismissed, Attleboro District Court

UMass Dartmouth student. Charge dismissed.

Multiple Firearm and FID Violations, No Complaint, BMC South Boston

Management professional in the insurance industry. All complaints denied at clerk-magistrate hearing.

Fake ID (M.G.L. c. 90, § 24B), No Complaint, BMC Central

Northeastern University finance student. Complaint denied at clerk-magistrate hearing.

Shoplifting (M.G.L. c. 266, § 30A), No Complaint, BMC Central

Small business owner in esthetics. Complaint denied at clerk-magistrate hearing. See: Shoplifting and Larceny Clerk-Magistrate Hearings in Massachusetts.

May 2026

Unlicensed Operation (M.G.L. c. 90, § 10), No Complaint, Concord District Court

Finance professional. Complaint denied at clerk-magistrate hearing. See: Unlicensed Operation Clerk-Magistrate Hearings: Students, New Residents, and Skilled Workers.

Domestic Assault and Battery and Witness Intimidation, Dismissed, Dedham District Court

Software engineer. Both charges dismissed.

Shoplifting (M.G.L. c. 266, § 30A), No Complaint, Brockton District Court

UMass Boston student. Complaint denied at clerk-magistrate hearing.

Breaking and Entering and Malicious Destruction, No Complaint, Somerville District Court

Tufts University finance major. Both complaints denied at clerk-magistrate hearing.

Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon (ABDW), No Complaint, BMC East Boston (Logan Airport)

Dentist. Complaint denied at clerk-magistrate hearing. See: Criminal Defense for Licensed Professionals in Massachusetts.

258E Harassment Prevention Order, No Extension, Taunton District Court

Union elevator manager. Extension denied at hearing.

Fake ID (M.G.L. c. 90, § 24B), No Complaint, BMC Brighton

USC student. Complaint denied at clerk-magistrate hearing.

Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon (ABDW), Dismissed, Salem District Court

Corporate manager. Charge dismissed.

Reckless Operation and Failure to Obey a Police Order, No Complaint, Waltham District Court

Northeastern University business major. Both complaints denied at clerk-magistrate hearing.

Fake ID (M.G.L. c. 90, § 24B), No Complaint, BMC Brighton

Boston College political science major. Complaint denied at clerk-magistrate hearing.

April 2026

Assault and Battery and Threats, Dismissed, Waltham District Court

Union electrician. Both charges dismissed.

209A Abuse Prevention Order, No Extension, Dedham District Court

Extension denied at hearing.

Unlicensed Operation (M.G.L. c. 90, § 10), No Complaint, Westborough District Court

Federal intelligence officer. Complaint denied at clerk-magistrate hearing.

OUI, Dismissed, BMC West Roxbury

Contractor. Charge dismissed.

Assault and Battery on a Family or Household Member (ABFHM), Dismissed and Sealed, Brookline District Court

Investment firm partner. Charge dismissed and sealed. See: Criminal Defense for Licensed Professionals in Massachusetts.

Fake ID (M.G.L. c. 90, § 24B), No Complaint, BMC Brighton

Boston College English major. Complaint denied at clerk-magistrate hearing.

Larceny Over $1,200, Dismissed Prior to Arraignment, BMC South Boston

Northeastern University sports management major. Dismissed before arraignment, no CORI entry created.

OUI, Dismissed, BMC Charlestown

Contractor. Charge dismissed.

March 2026

ABFHM and 209A Violation, Dismissed and Sealed, BMC West Roxbury

Boston University business PhD student. Both charges dismissed and sealed.

ABFHM and Witness Intimidation, Dismissed, Lynn District Court

Rutgers University finance major. Both charges dismissed.

Larceny Over $1,200, Dismissed Prior to Arraignment, Cambridge District Court

Registered nurse. Dismissed before arraignment, no CORI entry created. See: Criminal Defense for Licensed Professionals in Massachusetts.

Fake ID (M.G.L. c. 90, § 24B), No Complaint, BMC Central

Tufts University engineering major. Complaint denied at clerk-magistrate hearing.

Sex for a Fee, Dismissed, BMC Roxbury

Nursing student. Charge dismissed.

Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon (ABDW), No Complaint, BMC South Boston

City of Boston parking official. Complaint denied at clerk-magistrate hearing.

Assault and Battery and Threats, No Complaint, Concord District Court

U.S. Navy contractor engineer. Both complaints denied at clerk-magistrate hearing.

Disorderly Conduct and Noise Violation, Dismissed Prior to Arraignment, BMC Brighton

Boston University finance major. Dismissed before arraignment, no CORI entry created.

OUI, No Complaint, BMC West Roxbury

Retail manager. Complaint denied at clerk-magistrate hearing.

Contact Serpa Law Office at 617.936.0201 for a confidential consultation. Boston office: 20 Park Plaza #400A. Quincy Office: 500 Victory Road, Suite 400A.

Related Pages

• Clerk-Magistrate Hearings in Massachusetts
• Massachusetts Clerk-Magistrate Hearing FAQs
• I Received a Show Cause Notice in Massachusetts. What Do I Do?
• Massachusetts fake ID defense
• Negligent Operation Clerk-Magistrate Hearings in Massachusetts
• Shoplifting and Larceny Clerk-Magistrate Hearings in Massachusetts
• Unlicensed Operation Clerk-Magistrate Hearings: Students, New Residents, and Skilled Workers
• College and University Student Criminal Defense
• Criminal Defense for Licensed Professionals in Massachusetts
• OUI Defense in Massachusetts
• Massachusetts Domestic Violence Defense
• Massachusetts 209A Restraining Orders
• Massachusetts 258E Harassment Prevention Orders
• Massachusetts CORI and Criminal Records
• Sealing and Expunging a Massachusetts Criminal Record