Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court

Roberto Cruz v. Commonwealth

October 16, 2024

Summary

The court held that the eligibility definition of innocence under G. L. c. 258D does not encompass misdemeanor offenses. Because Cruz's assault and battery charge was a misdemeanor and the reversal of his felony convictions tended to establish his innocence of those felonies, he satisfied the relevant eligibility requirement. The court affirmed denial of summary judgment and remanded for trial.