Don’t Attempt to Resolve Charges Without the Assistance of an Experienced Assault and Battery Attorney.
If you have been charged with assault and battery, you need to hire an assault and battery attorney immediately. In Massachusetts, assault and battery charges can be filed as misdemeanor or felony offenses with punishments of up to ten years in jail. Assault and battery is a common criminal charge in Massachusetts, but it should not be taken lightly.
If you or a loved one is facing charges, contact an assault and battery attorney at Murphy & Rudolf, LLP today to discuss the details of your situation: (508) 570-3037 or fill out a contact form online.
Understanding Assault and Battery Charges
Massachusetts recognizes two types of assault and battery (often shortened to “A&B”), intentional and reckless. Intentional assault and battery occurs when one person intentionally touches another person in a way that is either likely to cause bodily harm, or is offensive. Reckless assault and battery occurs does not require that the defendant intended the physical contact, but instead requires that the person engaged in actions that amounted to reckless conduct. Reckless conduct means that the person knew, or should have known, that their actions were likely to cause substantial harm to another person, but they
continued with those actions regardless.
Penalties for an Assault and Battery Conviction
Assault and battery charges generally carry severe punishment because assault and battery is a crime of violence. Assault and battery charges can range from misdemeanor to felony offenses with penalties that can include fines, jail time, community service, or probation. Penalties increase dramatically for aggravated assault where deadly weapons were used. No matter the circumstances, you need to secure counsel from an assault and battery attorney who knows how to defend these cases.
Assault and Battery Attorney Best Defenses
In order for someone to be convicted of assault, a criminal act must have taken place. Where criminal acts did take place, there are several strategies an experienced assault and battery attorney can employ to defend you.
- Self-defense. Did you feel threatened or have reason to feel threatened? Were there no reasonable means of escape? Were you threatened with unlawful force used against you?
- Defense of others. Did you feel an honest or real perceived threat of harm to another person?
- Defense of property. Did you act in defense of your property being illegally invaded or withheld? Did you use reasonable force to recover personal property?
- Consent. Did you engage in violent or risky behavior towards another individual with that person’s consent?
When to Hire an Assault and Battery Attorney
Our experienced assault and battery attorneys know how to aggressively defend these cases and negotiate your charges down. If you are facing assault and battery charges, our Worcester attorneys can help defend you and protect your future. To request a free consultation or to simply get in touch, call (508) 570-3037 or fill out a contact form on the website.
Sources: