If the statute is silent in Massachusetts, a police officer may make a warrantless arrest for a misdemeanor only if certain criteria are met. For instance, the misdemeanor must:
- Involve a breach of the peace;
- Be committed in the presence or view of the police officer; &
- Still be continuing at the time of the arrest or only interrupted, so that the offense and the arrest form parts of one transaction.
If you are facing a warrantless arrest for a misdemeanor, it is important to contact a criminal law attorney who will help you determine if the arrest is valid. Contact Attorney Shane W. Surrette at (774) 364-4605 or at [email protected] today.