Commonwealth v. Bowen

The Commonwealth appeals the allowance of the defendant’s motion for a new trial (withdrawal of guilty plea), and urges that the judge abused his discretion by failing to apply the standards set forth in Mass.R.Crim.P. 30(b), as appearing in 435 Mass. 1501 (2001).1

*5801. Background. On the eve of the defendant’s scheduled trial on multiple indictments, including six counts of rape and six counts of aggravated rape, the prosecutor, defense attorney, and judge met in the judge’s lobby to discuss outstanding motions and trial logistics. The possibility of a change of plea was also discussed, and the…