Criminal Law

• Criminal Defense
  As a leading practitioner in the areas of criminal law, appeals, and sex offender registration matters, Attorney Crouch has spoken to groups of attorneys around the Commonwealth and frequently consults with and advises other attorneys representing individuals in these areas. Attorney Crouch is available to work with other attorneys in the development and preparation of complex motions in criminal and civil matters and to assist in or direct the preparation of appellate briefs on behalf of other clients. He can also assist in devising litigation strategies and in preparing other motions and pleadings in civil and criminal matters.
• Sex Crimes
  One of the first things that individuals facing sex offender registration need to know is for how long they will be required to register. The length of registration required for sex offenders varies depending upon the type of sex offense conviction that triggers the registration requirement. It is important to note that a person’s classification level does not affect the length of registration.
• Misdemeanors
  Attorney Crouch handles a range of civil and criminal appeals in both state and federal courts. He both writes briefs and appears at oral argument on behalf of his clients. His background as a former clerk for the Massachusetts Appeals Court provides him with unique insight into the appellate process and assists in the crafting of persuasive arguments. Attorney Crouch has handled appellate matters ranging from misdemeanor state offenses to federal carjacking and murder convictions, as well as civil and administrative appellate matters. He has appeared in dozens of cases before the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, the Appeals Court, and the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit.
• Drug Crimes
  In Knowles, a police officer on patrol received a dispatch about a man swinging a baseball bat. The officer observed defendant at the specified location, he fit the description, and he was leaning into a car trunk. The officer observed defendant throw something into the trunk. Defendant complied with the officer’s command to approach, and an inspection of the trunk revealed various drugs. The defendant was arrested and charged with multiple drug offenses, and he sought suppression of the drugs. After the trial court denied suppression, he was convicted of multiple drug charges at trial and on review, the Appeals Court affirmed the convictions and the denial of suppression. The Supreme Judicial Court allowed the defendant’s application for appellate review. After initially upholding the defendant’s convictions after a 3-3 split of the justices, Attorney Crouch petitioned for a rehearing, which was allowed. After the rehearing, a unanimous Supreme Judicial Court held that there was an insufficient basis to support the seizure as an investigative stop, under the community caretaking function, for emergencies, out of concern for the officer’s safety, or under the plain view doctrine. The Court held that the defendant’s rights under the Fourth Amendment and article Fourteen were violated suppression should have been granted. Judgment reversed and the convictions set aside.
• Assault
  Commonwealth v. Williams, 65 Mass.App.Ct. 9 (2006) (reversing the defendant’s convictions for assault and battery after determining that the trial court violated his rights under the Confrontation Clause of the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution).
• Murder
  In Massachusetts, there are two state appellate courts: the Appeals Court and the Supreme Judicial Court (SJC). All cases are sent first to the Appeals Court, except specific cases such as first-degree murder conviction, which proceed directly to the Supreme Judicial Court for review. Cases raising new or unusual legal issues may also be transferred for an initial hearing in the Supreme Judicial Court at the request of the parties or by the Supreme Judicial Court’s own order. Once the Appeals Court issues a decision, a party that disagrees with the result can petition the SJC to review the decision. While the Supreme Judicial Court ordinarily denies such requests, Attorney Crouch has successfully petitioner for further appellate review or rehearing in several cases.
• Homicide
  Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly have selected Attorney Crouch as a rising star and up and coming lawyer. He is a member of the criminal appellate, civil commitment, homicide, and Sex Offender Registry panels of the Committee of Public Counsel Services. He was also appointed by the First Circuit Court of Appeals to be a member of the Criminal Justice Act panel, where he receives appointments in federal appellate criminal matters. Attorney Crouch regularly speaks to groups of attorneys around the Commonwealth on issues related to criminal law and sex offender classification and frequently consults with and advises other attorneys representing individuals in these areas.
• Kidnapping
• Prostitution