10/14/2022
Commonwealth v. Yerlin Pena
Dorchester Division of Boston Municipal Court
Docket: 1807CR328
Verdict after jury trial:
1. Carrying loaded firearm: directed verdict NG
2. Unlawful possession of ammunition: NG
3. Unlawful possession of firearm: NG
Courtroom 5
October 13, 2022
Judge Kaplanes
Today was a great day. I grew to know Mr. Pena very well representing him in this case over the last 3 years. He was often frustrated and discouraged by delay and the slow pace of an overloaded criminal justice system. Despite the challenges in the system, he never gave up and never lost faith in his attorney. The trust between client and counsel is special, and this result would not have been possible without his trust in me. Defendants often place their lives in the hands of their attorney, and I strive to never forget or lose sight of that.
Mr. Pena carried the stress of mandatory jail time (minimum 18 months in house of corrections) hanging over his head for 4 years. His patience was finally rewarded today with an acquittal after this two day trial. The jury deliberated for 10 minutes before returning to the Fifth Session Courtroom of Dorchester Court with 5 questions seeking more evidence and answers: what is the timeline? are there cell phone records? what was the route he took? Can we see the police reports? - the jurors wanted more evidence. The Court brought the jurors back in, and politely notified the jurors: I will provide you the same answer for all of your questions: The evidence has been presented at the trial. You have everything you need to deliberate. They returned to the jury room, and 3 minutes later the jury had reached their unanimous verdict: Not guilty on both counts.
Congrats my friend. Thankfully, today ends that chapter, put this behind you, and continue to pursue your career in real estate.
