Legal Question in Criminal Law in Massachusetts
QuestIon 10 of MA Application FID card/License to Carry
Massahusetts Application For New/Renewel of a FID card or License to Carry Firearms or License to Possess Firearms Question 10 reads ''HAVE YOU EVER APPEARED IN ANY COURT AS A DEFENDENT FOR ANY CRIMINAL OFFENSE?'' Background: I was arrested in Delaware for disturbing the peace. I was fingerprinted, put in lock up, went before a judge and bail was set at $50 (it was my first business trip right out of college and a long story). On my court date I met my lawyer in the courthouse hallway before I was scheduled to appear. The charges against me were dropped. I never entered the court room. My question is: have I appeared in court as a defendent? Can I legally and truthfully say no to the above question on this LTC-A application? Your kind help is much appreciated.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: QuestIon 10 of MA Application FID card/License to Carry
If you were arraigned before a Judge and bail was set then you did appear as a defendant for a criminal offense. If the case had been dismissed prior to the arraignment then you could say that you had not appeared as a defendant. Hope that this helps-Martha Kovner