Boston Domestic Violence Attorneys

Every story has two sides, and we will believe your version of events. We work hard to show that the alleged victim is fabricating or exaggerating the allegations, and we create a reasonable doubt in the minds of the prosecutor, judge and jury. We also work with counseling experts to see if the client can benefit from treatment in order to show that an act of poor judgment was a one-time event that is unlikely to be repeated. We defend clients throughout Massachusetts against domestic violence charges.

What Is Domestic Violence?

In Massachusetts, domestic violence is defined as any act that causes physical harm, attempts to cause physical harm, or induces fear of imminent serious physical harm among family or household members. This can also include forcing someone into an involuntary sexual relationship. A household member doesn’t just mean family; it includes anyone you’re living with, people who are or were married, individuals who have children together, and even roommates. This broad definition is designed to protect a wide range of individuals from physical and psychological harm within their own homes.

Components Necessary to Charge Someone with Domestic Violence

To charge someone with domestic violence in Massachusetts, several key components must be present:

• Relationship: The offender and the victim must have a specific relationship, such as being family members, spouses, former spouses, cohabitants, or individuals who share a child in common.
• Conduct: There must be evidence of abusive behavior, which can include physical assault (like hitting, pushing, or causing injury), attempts to cause fear of imminent harm (such as threats or stalking), or forced sexual contact.
• Evidence: There must be sufficient evidence to prove the occurrence of these behaviors. This could include medical records, witness testimonies, photographs of injuries, or documented communications (like texts or emails) that demonstrate the abusive behavior.

The presence of these components allows law enforcement and the courts to proceed with charging an individual with domestic violence and ensures that the legal process addresses the safety and protection of the victim effectively.

Types Of Domestic Violence Charges In Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, the law takes domestic violence seriously, and there are different charges for various harmful behaviors. Understanding these can help us recognize the seriousness of each situation. Here’s a simple explanation of the main types of domestic violence charges:

• Assault and battery: When someone physically attacks or threatens another person, causing harm or fear. It’s one of the most common charges related to domestic violence.
• Assault and battery on a family or household member: This is similar to assault and battery but is specifically when the attack involves a family member or someone who lives in the same house. The law treats these cases as more severe because they happen within a family.
• Stalking: This charge is for actions that make someone else feel unsafe repeatedly. This could include following someone around, showing up uninvited or constantly contacting them against their wishes.
• Criminal harassment: This involves repeatedly bothering or threatening someone in ways that would make a reasonable person feel very upset or stressed.
• Violation of a restraining order: If a court has issued a restraining order for someone’s protection and the person against whom it is issued breaks the rules of that order, they can be charged with this. It shows the importance of following the court’s instructions to keep people safe.

The consequences for these charges can range from fines and probation to time in jail, depending on what happened, if there were previous offenses and how much the actions affected the victim. Massachusetts aims to punish those who break these laws and to prevent further harm in domestic situations.

What Are The Penalties For Domestic Violence In Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, the law treats domestic violence as a severe crime, and those found guilty face serious penalties. Understanding these penalties is important for anyone involved in such cases, whether they are seeking protection or facing accusations.

Contact Our Firm

The best way to protect yourself – and your future – is to consult with experienced criminal defense lawyers as soon as possible. You will be able to reach one of us when questions arise, and we ensure that you will have the best defense possible. To get started, call our firm at 617-404-9683 or contact us online to schedule your consultation.