VGA Secures Dismissal of all Claims Against Fall River Public School Security Supervisor

In a Superior Court action, a security officer for the Fall River Public Schools brought a charge of discrimination to the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination and, prior to any substantive developments before that agency, removed the matter to the Bristol County Superior Court.  Named as defendants in the action were the City of Fall River […]

VGA Secures Dismissal of all Claims Against Fall River Public School Security Supervisor Read More »

VGA Prevails in Consequential Federal Civil Rights Action Alleging Constitutional Violations Following an Emergency Removal of Children From a Family Home

In July, 2022, an infant was seen at a hospital for respiratory issues.  In the course of evaluating the infant, it was discovered that the child suffered from rib fractures that could have occurred some days or weeks earlier.  Hospital staff alerted the Department of Children and Families (“DCF”), which began an investigation into potential

VGA Prevails in Consequential Federal Civil Rights Action Alleging Constitutional Violations Following an Emergency Removal of Children From a Family Home Read More »

Success in an Important Case of First Impression Dealing with a Law Enforcement Officer’s Ability to Use Force to Prevent the Destruction of Evidence

In a case of first impression in Massachusetts, Andy Gambaccini was successful in establishing important precedent concerning the ability of a law enforcement officer to use force in order to prevent the destruction of evidence. Deptula v. City of Worcester is a federal civil rights case in which narcotics officers with the Worcester Police Department

Success in an Important Case of First Impression Dealing with a Law Enforcement Officer’s Ability to Use Force to Prevent the Destruction of Evidence Read More »

The Civil Service Commission Issues a Precedent-Setting Decision Regarding Reinstatement to a Promotional List

Andy Gambaccini successfully represented a New Bedford police officer in a case of first impression that now has set the legal standard regarding the effect of an employee’s reinstatement as concerning an existing civil service promotional list. After a civil service promotional examination process in 2021, this New Bedford police officer was placed on an eligible

The Civil Service Commission Issues a Precedent-Setting Decision Regarding Reinstatement to a Promotional List Read More »

Victory at Summary Judgment for Chicopee Police Officers in Federal Civil Rights Action

In October, 2018, a motorcyclist was involved in a traffic accident and ended up injured in the median of a roadway.  A Chicopee police officer came upon the scene and began to check on the well-being of the motorcyclist while calling for medical aid.  The motorcyclist wanted no part of any interaction with the officer

Victory at Summary Judgment for Chicopee Police Officers in Federal Civil Rights Action Read More »

Breach of Contract Claim Against Dracut Police Supervisors Dismissed

In this Superior Court action, a retired Dracut police officer sued the Dracut Chief of Police and Deputy Chief of Police.  The retired officer, who was the subject of an internal affairs investigation and negotiated disciplinary settlement while he was an active officer, claimed that the Chief and the Deputy breached the officer’s settlement agreement

Breach of Contract Claim Against Dracut Police Supervisors Dismissed Read More »