Strong Legal and Academic Defense from Marin, Barrett, and Murphy Law Firm
Facing a Domestic Violence charge as a student at Boston College is a life-altering moment. Whether the incident involved a dating partner, roommate, or former partner, the legal and academic consequences can be swift and severe. Domestic violence charges in Massachusetts are aggressively prosecuted — and schools like Boston College respond just as seriously under their own disciplinary rules.
At Marin, Barrett, and Murphy Law Firm, we offer comprehensive representation for Boston College students charged with domestic violence offenses in Newton District Court. We know the stakes involve more than jail or probation — they involve your future, your education, and your reputation.
What Is Domestic Violence Under Massachusetts Law?
Massachusetts law defines domestic violence broadly. It typically involves:
🔹 Assault or Assault & Battery
🔹 Involving someone you are or were romantically involved with, lived with, or are related to
Per M.G.L. c. 209A and c. 265 §13M, a domestic violence charge may result in:
🚨 Mandatory arrest by police
📜 Immediate restraining or protective orders
⛓️ Conditions of release: no contact with alleged victim, GPS monitoring, etc.
⚖️ Potential penalties: up to 2.5 years in jail, probation, anger management, fines
🗃️ Permanent criminal record if convicted
For Boston College students, this could mean removal from housing, separation from student groups, and the start of a disciplinary process even before court concludes.
Newton District Court – Legal Process for Student Domestic Violence Charges
📍 Newton District Court
1309 Washington Street, West Newton, MA 02465
📞 (617) 244-3600
Domestic violence cases involving students typically proceed through:
⚖️ Arraignment: Where charges are read, and bail or conditions (e.g., no contact) are set
📅 Pretrial hearings: Where discovery, motions, and negotiations occur
📜 Protective order hearings: May require immediate response
🏛️ Trial or resolution: May be resolved with dismissal, CWOF, or trial defense
Our attorneys represent students at every step, ensuring violations are avoided and aiming to keep the charges off your child's permanent record.
Boston College Disciplinary Response to Domestic Violence
Boston College takes allegations of domestic violence seriously—regardless of where the incident occurred.
Key aspects of BC's response include:
📚 Student Code of Conduct applies to off-campus behavior
🔍 Administrative review of police reports, court outcomes, and no-contact orders
⚖️ Disciplinary hearings may run concurrently with the criminal case
Potential penalties:
📋 Disciplinary probation
🏠 Removal from campus housing
📤 Suspension
🚫 Permanent expulsion
These proceedings are handled separately from court, meaning a student could face academic discipline even if the criminal case is dropped.
Common Questions from Parents
Will this affect my child's future?
Yes. A domestic violence conviction can restrict professional licenses (education, medicine, law), bar entry to some grad schools, and damage job opportunities. It can also affect eligibility for housing and internships.
Can Boston College discipline a student for something that happened off campus?
Yes. Boston College maintains broad authority over student conduct, regardless of where the arrest occurred. The school may act before the court case concludes.
Can we keep this off their record?
If handled properly, yes. With a skilled defense, your child may be eligible for dismissal or a continuance without a finding (CWOF). This prevents a conviction and may allow future sealing.
Does my child need a lawyer?
Absolutely. Campus legal offices do not defend criminal charges. Your child needs a private criminal defense attorney with experience in both Newton District Court and student misconduct cases.
Protective Orders and On-Campus Impacts
If a 209A restraining order or harassment protection order is issued, it could impact your child's ability to:
🎓 Attend in-person classes with the alleged victim
🏠 Remain in shared housing
🏅 Participate in group activities or student leadership
Boston College may also impose additional restrictions to comply with Title IX and student safety standards.
Why Choose Marin, Barrett, and Murphy Law Firm?
🎯 We are one of Massachusetts' most trusted criminal defense teams, and we are deeply familiar with the intersection of college discipline and criminal law.
📍 Located minutes from Newton District Court
⏳ Decades of experience defending students and young adults
🤝 We coordinate with college counsel and handle academic + legal consequences
Our goal is to preserve your child's education, record, and reputation.
Contact Our Team Today for Urgent Support
Marin, Barrett, and Murphy Law Firm
📍 572 Washington Street, Suite 21, Wellesley, MA 02482
📞 (857) 229-2442
If your child or loved one is a Boston College student facing a Domestic Violence charge, take immediate action. The sooner we intervene, the better we can protect their academic path and legal record.
