George Zimmerman Verdict Divides Nation

The George Zimmerman verdict has created a divided nation, according to recent polls on the topic.

The Florida trial that acquitted George Zimmerman on charges of murder and manslaughter in the death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin has left Americans with strong opinions about the verdict.

Forty-two percent of Americans say they are either satisfied or pleased by the verdict, but 46% describe themselves as either disappointed or angry.

Not surprisingly, opinions on the Zimmerman verdict are split strongly across racial lines. While 52% of whites are satisfied with the not guilty verdict, 94% of blacks feel differently: 53% of blacks say they are disappointed and 41% describe themselves as angry.

How do you feel about the George Zimmerman verdict? Do you think that Zimmerman would have been acquitted had the trial taken place in New England, or do you believe he would have been found guilty of second degree murder or manslaughter?

To read more about the post-verdict sentiments, click on the following link:

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-250_162-57595171/opinions-of-zimmerman-verdict-break-along-racial-lines/

If you need criminal defense in civilian or military court, call the Law Offices of John L. Calcagni, III, at 401-531-5100 for a free consultation to learn about your options.

A former prosecutor with the U.S. Army JAG Corps and a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, John Calcagni is experienced in the prosecution and defense of all types of criminal cases and provides defense for those accused of federal and or crimes.

As a Military Defense Attorney, John Calcagni, is admitted to practice in the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces and the U.S. Army Court of Criminal Appeals, as well as the state and federal courts in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut and Florida.
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Please call (401) 351-5100 to arrange for a free consultation about your case or visit our website at www,CalcagniLaw.com

If you cannot make it to one of our offices, we will to come to your home or detention center.

Aaron Hernandez Murder Case

In the former New England Patriots’ Aaron Hernandez murder case, Boston criminal defenders agree that a civil suit will likely follow, if Hernandez receives a conviction.

Hernandez, a former NFL tight end, is charged with murder in the fatal shooting last month of an acquaintance, 27-year-old Odin Lloyd, a semiprofessional football player from Boston.

In high-profile criminal cases, it is not unlikely for the families of victims to pursue financial restitution through lawsuits. If civil litigation occurs, Hernandez’s savings, investments and any other assets also would be fair game in a civil lawsuit.

To read more about the Hernandez case, and the possibility of a forthcoming civil suit, click on the following link:

http://bostonherald.com/news_opinion/local_coverage/2013/06/civil_lawsuit_against_aaron_hernandez_a_…

If you need criminal defense in civilian or military court, call the Law Offices of John L. Calcagni, III, at 401-531-5100 for a free consultation to learn about your options.

A former prosecutor with the U.S. Army JAG Corps and a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, John Calcagni is experienced in the prosecution and defense of all types of criminal cases and provides defense for those accused of federal and or crimes.

As a Military Defense Attorney, John Calcagni, is admitted to practice in the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces and the U.S. Army Court of Criminal Appeals, as well as the state and federal courts in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut and Florida.
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Please call (401) 351-5100 to arrange for a free consultation about your case or visit our website at www,CalcagniLaw.com

If you cannot make it to one of our offices, we will to come to your home or detention center.

Fort Hood Shooting Defendant to Represent Himself in Military Court

The Army psychiatrist charged with killing 13 in a shooting rampage in 2009 in Fort Hood, Texas, was approved by a military judge to be mentally capable of representing himself in the upcoming trial. In 2011, Major Nidal Hasan cut ties with his defense attorney, who was a former military judge, and opted to represent himself. Hasan also asked the military judge for a three month delay to prepare his defense.

Major Hasan will be using a “defense of others” strategy as his defense, which will require him to prove that he was protecting others from imminent danger. Hasan will most likely argue that he was protecting fellow Muslims in Afghanistan from the U.S. soldiers at Fort Hood who were preparing for an upcoming deployment at the time of the shooting.

To read more about this case and the upcoming trial of Major Hasan, please click the following Washington Post link:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/army-judge-to-decide-if-fort-hood-shooting-suspect-can-repres…


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The Law Office of John L. Calcagni, III offers clients representation in the areas of Criminal Defense, Military Defense, Federal Criminal Defense, OUI Defense in MA , Assault and Battery and all criminal matters.

As a Criminal and Military Defense Attorney and former prosecutor with the US Army JAG Corps, John Calcagni, is admitted to practice in the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces and the U.S. Army Court of Criminal Appeals, as well as the state and federal courts in Rhode Island, New York, Connecticut, Florida and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Please call (401) 351-5100 to arrange for a free consultation about your case or visit our website at www,CalcagniLaw.com

If you cannot make it to one of our offices, we will to come to your home or detention center.

Military Justice System and Civilian Victims

If you are a United States service-member in need of assistance with a civilian or a military criminal matter, contact Criminal Defense Attorney John L. Calcagni now at (401) 351-5100 for a free consultation or more information. Remember to subscribe to my blog for updates on military and criminal law matters.

Afghan massacre case tests military justice system on troops accused of killing civilians

JOINT BASE LEWIS-McCHORD, Wash. — The U.S. military has been criticized for its spotty record on convicting troops of killing civilians, but a hearing against Army Staff Sgt. Robert Bales involving a massacre in Afghanistan has shown that it isn’t like most cases.

Government prosecutors have built a strong eyewitness case against the veteran soldier, with troops recounting how they saw Bales return to the base covered in blood. And in unusual testimony in a military court, Afghan civilians questioned via a video link described the horror of seeing 16 people killed, mostly children, in their villages.

Law experts say the case could test whether the military, aided by technology, is able to embark on a new era of accountability.

Bales faces 16 counts of premeditated murder and six counts of attempted murder. The preliminary hearing, which began Nov. 5 and is scheduled to end with closing arguments Tuesday, will determine whether he faces a court-martial. He could face the death penalty if convicted.

Read the full article HERE

Eluding Police Case Result

If you have been charged with a crime in RI or MA, contact Criminal Defense Attorney John L. Calcagni now at (401) 351-5100 for a free consultation or more information.

Eluding Police: Filed. Police stopped a motorist on the highway after observing him travel at excessively high speeds weaving in and out of traffic. When officers pulled the motorist over, they noticed his truck was slightly ajar. The motorist claimed to be driving a rental vehicle and had no knowledge of the open trunk. Officers obtained the motorist’s license and rental registration to run a criminal background check. This check revealed to officers that the motorist was released from prison after serving long jail sentence for murder, and had also been recently charged with narcotics trafficking, a charge that was subsequently dismissed. Based on this information, the patrol officer called for back-up assistance of more police officers. When the motorist observed multiple police cars pull in behind his stopped car along the highway, he panicked, started his engine and sped off. The motorist fled police on the highway from Rhode Island and into neighboring Massachusetts. He was ultimately apprehended and charged with Eluding Police. The frightened motorist retained Attorney Calcagni to represent him against this misdemeanor charge. The motorist admitted his responsibility before the Court and pleaded for mercy at the time of sentencing. Because of his criminal history, the prosecution advocated for a sentence of one year in jail, to be suspended for one year, with probation. Attorney Calcagni vehemently opposed this sentencing recommendation and zealously advocated for his client who, though a felon, paid his debt to society and feared law enforcement. Attorney Calcagni successfully convinced the Court to not impose the sentence recommended by prosecutors and instead file this matter for one year. Providing the man is not charged with a new offense in the next year, he will be eligible to have his case sealed and he will not incur a criminal conviction from this incident. Congratulations to this client.