Articles Posted in Assault and Battery

Assault and Battery are common crimes in Massachusetts, whether together or as stand-alone offenses. But most people don’t really understand the conduct behind each of these crimes. It is common for someone to refer to a certain act as an assault, when they really mean battery, and vice versa.

Assault and Battery Distinguished

Assault is an act that creates a fear of imminent, harmful, or offensive conduct. Battery is the crime that occurs when the harmful or offensive conduct is carried out. The key distinction between the two crimes is that for battery, there has to be a touching. If there is no touching, but the victim is in fear of a touching, that crime is an assault. For example, if a person attempts to punch another person, but misses, he/she may be charged with assault. If there is a touching (the punch lands), the charge will likely be battery.

Bill Cosby has been sentenced to three-to-10 years imprisonment for the sexual assault of at least one woman, although dozens more have come forward. This week, he began his time behind bars in a single cell at SCI Phoenix, a newly-opened state prison that can hold nearly 4,000 inmates, but he is expected to join the general population in time.

“We are taking all of the necessary precautions to ensure Mr. Cosby’s safety and general welfare in our institution,” said Corrections Secretary John Wetzel.

Last week, a jury concluded that the 81-year-old comedian drugged and molested a woman in 2004. Cosby’s family has said that his conviction on three counts of sexual assault is unjust, and has called the trial the “most sexist and racist” trial in the history of our nation.

But Montgomery County Judge Steven O’Neill didn’t see it that way.

“No one is above the law. And no one should be treated disproportionately because of who they are, where they live, or even their wealth, celebrity or philanthropy,” said O’Neill, in response to his above-average sentencing. A Boston sexual assault attorney can help you determine how to proceed if you’ve been harmed by another.

More than 60 Women Have Come Forward

In April, Cosby was convicted of drugging and assaulting Andrea Constand, Temple University’s women’s basketball administrator. The conviction came after an onslaught of accusations from other women—more than 60 in total—who claim Cosby assaulted them. The accusations span a period of five decades. So far, Constand’s case is the only one to go to trial.

Advocates for women’s rights see Cosby’s tough prison sentence as a pivotal #MeToo moment.

“Bill Cosby seeing the inside of a prison cell sends a strong message that predators — no matter who they are, from Hollywood to Wall Street to the Supreme Court — can no longer be protected at the expense of victims,” said the National Organization for Women of New York’s president, Sonia Ossorio.

In addition to the potential for up to 10 years behind bars, Cosby must serve a minimum of three years before he is eligible for parole. In addition, Cosby was ordered to pay a $25,000 fine, and his designation as a “sexually violent predator” means he will have to get regular counseling even after his release, and schools and other such institutions will need to be notified of his whereabouts if he moves to the area.

Cosby Drugged His Victims

According to Constand’s testimony, Cosby gave her “herbal” pills to ease stress, but the pills actually contained a strong drug that made her completely unable to move as he began to penetrate her with his fingers. After Constand was awarded a $3.4 million settlement, Cosby’s attorneys accused his victim of being a “con artist” who just wanted a big payday.

Constand reported the assault to police about a year after the alleged incident occurred. But the district attorney refused to take the case. A decade later, another district attorney reopened the file and charged “America’s favorite dad” with sexual assault. A MA sexual assault lawyer can help you recover damages if you’ve been sexually assaulted or abused.

In this most recent trial, five other women came forward as part of the prosecution’s effort to portray the television star as a serial predator. Cosby admitted to giving quaaludes to women he wanted to have sex with. Continue reading

In an effort to protect individuals from abusive situations, MA courts have been given the authority to issue restraining orders when a reasonable likelihood of harm is suspected. In many ways, this is a very good thing. No woman, or man, should be subjected to abuse. However, such broad authority to grant restraining orders also results in excessive issuance; some even use the system as a means of revenge.

A restraining order, or protection order (officially known as a 209A), is issued through civil court, not criminal. As such, a “preponderance of evidence” is all that is needed to meet the burden of proof for obtaining the 209A. In criminal cases, the burden of proof must be “beyond any reasonable doubt,” which is a far higher standard than a preponderance of evidence. If the judge believes that the evidence presented points to a likelihood that the alleged abuser will harm the petitioner, he/she will typically initiate the process.

What is a 10-Day Hearing?

The next step in the process is usually the 10-day hearing, at which point the defendant will have an opportunity to tell his/her side of the story. During the 10-day window between the petition and the hearing, the defendant will receive notice of the upcoming hearing. A Boston criminal defense attorney can help you determine how to proceed if there is a restraining order against you.

Temporary Order of Protection

The accused has a right to defend himself/herself at the 10-day hearing, but in cases involving imminent risk of abuse, the 10-day window could put the alleged victim in danger. A temporary (or emergency) order may be issued if the judge believes the petitioner is at risk of immediate harm. Emergency orders are actually relatively easy to obtain, as long as the alleged victim can prove a relationship with the alleged abuser. A private hearing will be held at which the petitioner states his/her reasons for requesting the temporary order. Because the person accused of abuse is not present at this private hearing, he/she won’t know about the restraining order until it’s served on them.

Do Not Go to the 10-Day Hearing Alone

Whether or not a temporary order was issued against you, it is a mistake to appear in defense of yourself at the 10-day hearing. An experienced MA defense lawyer can present evidence to the judge, perform cross-examinations, and even request that the order be dropped altogether. Not showing up for your 10-day hearing is the worst possible mistake you can make. By doing this, you will forfeit your right to defend your case, and the order will remain in effect for at least one year. If, however, you appear in court with skilled legal counsel and can prove to the judge that you do not present a reasonable threat to the alleged victim, the order will likely be vacated.

What Restrictions Might a 209A Include?

The specific orders of protection within a 209A vary based on the particulars of each case. They may include:

  • an order to leave the residence immediately;
  • an order to stop all forms of abuse;
  • an order to stay a certain distance from the alleged victim at all times;
  • an order to stay away from the children.

In addition to the possible orders of protection above, all 209As carry a mandatory order to surrender firearms. Continue reading

Beginning in 2014, a new crime was created in Massachusetts, separating assault and battery committed against a family member from other types of assault and battery. As a result, the penalties for domestic assault and battery are generally more serious than those for regular assault and battery. This applies to felony and misdemeanor charges, alike.

Unique Consequences of a Domestic Assault and Battery Conviction

Penalties for assault and battery differ based on multiple factors, including whether the alleged victim was a family member. Below are some additional consequences, unique to domestic cases.

  • An individual charged with domestic assault and battery is required to enroll in a batterer’s intervention program.
  • Second and subsequent offenses of domestic assault and battery will be charged as a felony and may carry penalties of up to five years in prison.
  • So-called “dangerousness hearings,” which often lead to the defendant being held without bail, have looser requirements in favor of the alleged victim.

One of the most common questions asked by individuals who are charged with domestic assault and battery is whether the offense is being charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. In MA, as in most other states, the answer to this question is based largely on the severity of the crime and whether or not the defendant has a prior criminal record.

What Constitutes Felony Domestic Assault and Battery?

In addition to second and subsequent charges, any type of assault and battery (domestic or otherwise) that involves the use of a dangerous weapon will be considered a felony offense. But what exactly is a dangerous weapon? Does the defendant have to be in possession of a gun or knife?

Surprisingly, not only is the presence of a gun or knife not a requirement, but a dangerous weapon charge can occur even when no weapon, other than the defendant’s own body, is used. For example, if a husband kicks in the bedroom door before assaulting his wife, his foot could be classified as a dangerous weapon. That being said, an experienced Boston defense attorney can help you get this classic example of an “overcharge” reduced from felony to misdemeanor.

Domestic assault and battery will also likely be charged as a felony if the offense resulted in serious bodily harm, or if it was committed alongside another felony offense, such as rape.

And if a protection order was in place during the commission of domestic assault and battery, you may be charged with a felony.

Even if you are not charged with a felony, misdemeanor domestic assault and battery is a serious offense. Any criminal record can come back to haunt you for decades, but one involving domestic violence carries particularly severe consequences. In addition to difficulty finding housing and employment in the future, you may also be at risk of losing custody of your children. And noncitizen immigrants could face deportation.

Penalties for Misdemeanor and Felony Domestic Assault and Battery

  • Misdemeanor: Up to two-and-a-half years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000.
  • Felony: Up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.

Any type of domestic violence charge carries jail or prison time, fines, and a life-altering stigma. An experienced MA defense lawyer can help you protect your rights and reputation if you are facing charges for domestic assault and battery. Continue reading

You know, words can be funny. In some arenas, they mean one thing, and then in another, they can mean something different.

This happens a lot in the practice of criminal law.

Attorney Sam’s Take On Assault And Battery

Harry Hands sees Sally Shoulder. Harry likes Sally. He calls to her and she does not answer. Perhaps she is ignoring him. Perturbed, he rather forcefully taps her on the shoulder.

Did Harry break the law?

We are talking about the potential crimes of Assault and Battery here. In Massachusetts, an assault is when you place someone in fear that they are about to be struck. The battery is when they are stuck.

Perhaps you are thinking, “Well, of course not. Sally did not incur any damage…unless she has a glass shoulder. And, in that case, still no because he couldn’t have known that.”

Your understanding would be wrong.

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As we continue our voyage through the seasons, at the rate of a season a day, let’s continue with our discussion begun last week.

A recent article in the Boston Herald, , discussed the recent run of videos which reveal the underside of law enforcement officers which most people would rather ignore.  Generally speaking, if anyone else acted in this way, the result would most likely be Assault charges.

We discussed one such case last week.  There are many more. In fact, cellphone videos capturing intense interactions between law enforcement and residents have caused repeated headaches for the Boston Police Department in recent years.

The origin of some of the videos, however, might surprise you.

For example, back in June, A movie trailer-style video described a local cop and a “dog with a limp” as partners “in the fight between good and evil.” The video ends with text that reads: “This summer, black people have met their match.”

Apparently, this particular video was created by Police Officer Joseph DeAngelo, Jr. For his “art”, he was suspended for six months without pay, put on probation for another six months and was ordered to undergo “significant” unconscious bias retraining.

Ya think?

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If you know any judges, politicians or members of law enforcement, I beg you to bring the next few blogs to their attention. Perhaps, to the extent that they do not understand a fatal-yet-ignored issue in the Massachusetts criminal justice system, this will wake them up.

Oh yeah…all the rest of you civilians out there should read them too. After all, you are the truest victims of it.

Looking at the local news this past weekend made me feel like I had fallen into some kind of a time-warp and woke up in Deja-vu Land.

The news of our “leaders” in criminal justice seem to be in the same places and saying the same things as before…only the names and dates seem to have changed. it is perpetual Groundhog Day.  Nevertheless, as criminal defense lawyers like me make the clarion call of corrupted prosecutions, unless we have instant fool-proof and court-admitted evidence…ye ol’ “smoking gun”…we are treated like Chicken Little yelling in vain that the sky is falling.

Well, keep it up, my superiors, and it will.

Let’s look at story one of our little mini-series.

Continue reading

Well, it’s the day after.

This morning, I was curious as to the reaction by my fellow Bostonians (and environs) to the loss of the New England Patriots. I was a bit surprised to hear on Radio 1030 that, while Boston’s Finest were out in droves…ready for trouble…the mood was quiet…if a bit dismal. Not much action.

Not so, apparently, throughout the Commonwealth. For example, the Boston Herald  tells us that six people were arrested and several others injured when mayhem erupted. Fists were flying and folks were falling on the campus of University of Massachusetts Amherst after the New England Patriots lost the Super Bowl to the Philadelphia Eagles, 41-33. The medical calls included head injuries, cuts and drunkenness, according to UMass.

The school announced this morning that approximately 2,000 people gathered on the Southwest residential plaza after the game ended at 10:17 p.m. Fights began breaking out “and the crowd threw objects and set off smoke bombs and firecrackers,” according to the school. By 11:30 p.m., the area was cleared, courtesy of the Amherst and state police. The officers used PepperBall to clear the crowd after issuing multiple dispersal orders.

UMass police are pursuing criminal charges and the school said “the university will also initiate a prompt review of the matter under its student conduct process as appropriate.”

Attorney Sam’s Take On Stupid Behavior And Real Consequences

I would like to make sure that I understand the situation here.

The students involved in the so-called melee were college students. Assuming that they were not enrolled in college simply because they had nothing better to do, they have some amount of interest in their future. You know, education, higher learning degrees…that sort of thing.

Continue reading

Domestic abuse is a serious crime in MA, and nationwide. And for good reason. Nobody should suffer physical or emotional abuse at the hands of a loved one. When men and women are being harmed by a spouse or intimate partner, they should be able to end the abuse and seek justice. All too often, however, allegations of domestic violence are motivated by something other than actual abuse. Jealousy, revenge, and child custody disputes are often at the core of false accusations of domestic abuse. If you have been falsely accused, what do you do?

What to Do if Falsely Accused

Your actions following a false accusation of domestic abuse are of extreme importance. For starters, don’t lash out at your accuser; it’s important to remain calm and level headed. The tips below will help you avoid making a wrong move in these crucial moments:

  • Do not contact your accuser.
  • Consult with a Boston defense attorney experienced in domestic abuse cases.
  • Identify what may have caused the false accusation – jealousy, child custody, other legal proceedings?
  • Secure your valuable possessions. It is common for false accusers to take valuable items, knowing you won’t be able to retrieve them for an extended period of time, if ever.
  • Change passwords, bank accounts, pin numbers, and any login information. If your ex has access to any of the above, it can be stolen and / or used against you.

If your partner or ex is displaying erratic behavior but hasn’t yet accused you of domestic abuse, it may be in your best interest to share your concerns with family members and friends. They are less likely to turn against you if you shared the warning signs before any accusations were made.

False allegations of domestic abuse can ruin a person’s life. In addition to harming personal relationships with friends and family, a domestic abuse charge can have a negative impact on your career, child custody arrangements, adoption proceedings, and countless other aspects of your life. If convicted, you may find yourself behind bars for years. Even those who are eventually proven innocent may have a difficult time recovering from the stigma associated with domestic abuse. This is why it is so important to remain calm, be as prepared as possible, and hire a highly-skilled MA domestic abuse defense attorney to help you navigate this complex and emotional process.

Penalties for a Domestic Abuse Conviction in MA

If you are convicted, the penalties for domestic abuse are severe. As with any crime, the punishment is largely dependent on prior criminal history and the circumstances surrounding your case. Further, there are many types of domestic abuse-related crimes, from assault to stalking. If you have been charged with domestic abuse, you may be facing the following penalties:

  • Violating a protective order: Fine of up to $5,000 and up to two-and-a-half years in jail.
  • Assault and battery: Fine of up to $1,000 and up to two-and-a-half years in jail.
  • Assault and battery, when a protective order exists: Fine of up to $5,000 and up to five years in prison.
  • Stalking: Fine of up to $1,000 and up to two-and-a-half years in jail. Second and subsequent stalking convictions are punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

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Unfortunately, domestic violence is not uncommon in this country. Although the term domestic violence usually brings to mind the image of an abusive husband or boyfriend, this offense actually covers a broad range of criminal behavior. When a person subjects a parent or grandparent, child, cohabitant, or current or ex-partner to unlawful physical or emotional injuries, that person may be charged with domestic violence.

Domestic violence can involve physical abuse, such as when a parent strikes a child, and emotional abuse, such as when a husband forbids his wife to leave the house. Domestic violence – which may also be called domestic abuse, dating violence, and spousal abuse – occurs when one person in one of the aforementioned domestic relationships puts down, attempts to control, or physically harms the other.

Types of Domestic Violence

Domestic violence comes in many forms, and many victims experience multiple forms of abuse. Some of the most common types of domestic violence include:

  • Child endangerment is one lesser-known type of domestic violence. This form of abuse occurs when a caretaker places a child in a high-risk situation.
  • Elder abuse refers to the abuse or neglect of a person age 65 or older. In addition to physical and emotional abuse, this offense encompasses financial exploitation and abandonment.
  • Domestic sexual abuse can take many forms, from forcing a spouse to engage in unsafe sex practices to incest and rape of a child.
  • When an intimate partner, or a child caring for an elderly parent or grandparent controls the victim by withholding or stealing money, this type of financial abuse can be a form of domestic violence.
  • Stalking involves repeatedly harassing and threatening a victim, showing up at his or her home or place of employment, leaving harassing voicemails, and repeatedly sending unwanted emails or texts. A MA stalking defense attorney can help you determine how to proceed if you’ve been charged with stalking or cyber-stalking.
  • Teen intimate partner abuse occurs with shocking frequency; up to 12 percent of all teens in grades 7 through 12 have been victims of physical abuse by their teen partner, and about 20 percent have been victims of psychological abuse. Teen intimate partner abuse dramatically increases the victim’s risk of developing risky behaviors, such as practicing unsafe sex, using drugs, eating disorders, and suicide. Further, teen victims of domestic violence are more likely to become victims again as adults.

Studies show that domestic violence affects up to five percent of adult relationships in this country alone. About two million of those victims are women. In 2003, domestic violence was involved in approximately 1,300 deaths. And about 50 percent of all women who are murdered are domestic violence victims.

Depending on the severity of the charge and whether the defendant has a criminal record, domestic violence can be a misdemeanor or a felony offense. If the victim is a child, a felony charge is more likely. If you are charged with domestic violence you may have to pay hefty fines, perform community service, attend anger management programs, and submit to a restraining order. You may also see time behind bars. A Boston domestic violence defense attorney can help you determine how to protect your rights if you’ve been charged with domestic violence or any other crime. Continue reading

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