New Bedford Domestic Assault Lawyer – Defending Your Freedom & Reputation
I. Introduction: The System Moves Fast—You Must Move Faster
If you have been arrested for Domestic Assault and Battery in New Bedford, you are likely feeling isolated and overwhelmed. Once the police are called to a home in Bristol County, the situation is no longer a private family matter; it is a criminal case owned by the Commonwealth. Even if the other person tells the prosecutor they made a mistake or were "just emotional," the New Bedford District Attorney's office will often continue the prosecution.
At the Law Offices of Kensley Barrett, I recognize that domestic disputes are rarely as one-sided as the police report suggests. I provide the strategic, first-person defense needed to challenge the accuser's credibility and expose false allegations. My goal is to keep a domestic violence conviction off your record and keep you in your home.
II. What Constitutes Domestic Assault & Battery?
Under M.G.L. c. 265, § 13M, the law targets physical contact or threats of harm against "family or household members." Unlike a standard assault charge, a domestic conviction carries unique, life-altering penalties.
Common Scenarios I Defend in New Bedford:
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The "He-Said/She-Said" Conflict: Where an arrest is made solely on the statement of one person with no physical evidence.
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Self-Defense Claims: Where my client was the one being attacked but happened to be the one the police decided to handcuff.
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Restraining Order Traps: Where a 209A order is used as a tactical move to gain leverage in a divorce or custody battle.
The Stakes Are Absolute: A conviction results in a permanent criminal record for a violent offense. Furthermore, federal law (the Lautenberg Amendment) will permanently strip you of your right to own or possess a firearm. If you are a student or a professional, this charge can end your career before it truly begins.
III. Your Case in the New Bedford District Court
All domestic violence arrests made in New Bedford, Fairhaven, Westport, and Freetown are prosecuted at the New Bedford District Court. I am in this court regularly, fighting 209A restraining orders and criminal complaints.
New Bedford District Court 📍 75 North Sixth Street, New Bedford, MA 02740 📞 Phone: (508) 999-9700 Visit the New Bedford District Court Website
IV. How the Law Offices of Kensley Barrett Can Help
Domestic violence cases are often won through the careful application of legal privileges and the exposure of inconsistent testimony.
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Winning the 209A Hearing: Usually, a criminal charge is accompanied by a civil restraining order hearing. I use this hearing to cross-examine the accuser under oath. Their testimony here can be used to impeach them if the criminal case goes to trial.
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The "Fifth Amendment" Strategy: If the alleged victim does not wish to testify and has a valid legal privilege, I work to ensure the court respects that privilege, which often leads to a full dismissal.
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Pre-Trial Diversion: For first-time offenders, I pursue programs that result in a dismissal without an admission of guilt, preserving your CORI.
Contact Me Today for a Confidential Consultation
Wellesley, MA Office 📍 572 Washington Street, Suite 21, Wellesley, MA 02482 📞 Phone: (857) 229-2442
🌐 Website: www.krbarrettlaw.com
Accused of domestic violence in New Bedford? Don't let a single argument ruin your life. Call the Law Offices of Kensley Barrett now for a strategic and relentless defense.
