Domestic Assault & Battery Defense in Taunton, MA | Law Offices of Kensley Barrett
I. Facing Domestic Assault & Battery Charges in Taunton? We Can Help.
Being arrested for a domestic offense in Taunton is a life-altering event. In Massachusetts, the police are generally required to make an arrest if they have probable cause to believe a domestic assault occurred. This means you can be taken into custody even if the other party does not want to "press charges." A conviction for domestic assault & battery carries a permanent stigma, potential jail time, and a lifetime ban on your right to possess firearms.
At the Law Offices of Kensley Barrett, I recognize that domestic disputes are often complex, emotionally charged, and prone to exaggeration or false accusations. I provide the strategic, first-person defense needed to navigate the Taunton District Court and fight for your reputation.
II. Understanding Domestic Assault & Battery (M.G.L. c. 265 §13M)
While simple assault and battery falls under Section 13A, Massachusetts has specific laws for domestic cases under M.G.L. c. 265 §13M. This applies when the alleged victim is a "family or household member."
Key legal definitions:
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Family or Household Member: Includes current or former spouses, persons in a substantive dating relationship, persons who share a child, or persons living in the same household.
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Assault: An attempt to use physical force against another, or a demonstration of intention to use immediate force.
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Assault & Battery (A&B): Any intentional, unconsented-to touching that is either physically harmful or "offensively" provocative.
III. Potential Penalties for Domestic A&B
The Commonwealth treats domestic offenses with extreme severity. Unlike many other misdemeanors, a conviction for domestic assault & battery can trigger mandatory requirements that impact your life for years.
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Penalty Type |
Potential Consequence |
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Incarceration |
Up to 2.5 years in a House of Correction |
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Fines |
Up to $5,000 |
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Mandatory Program |
Completion of a 40-week Certified Batterer's Intervention Program |
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Firearm Rights |
Lifetime Ban on firearm possession under federal and state law |
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Restraining Orders |
Issuance of a 209A Protective Order (Stay-away/No-contact) |
Immigration Status: For non-citizens, a domestic violence conviction is often considered a "deportable offense." It is essential to have an attorney who understands the intersection of criminal and immigration law.
IV. The Court Process at Taunton District Court
Cases arising in Taunton, Raynham, Berkley, and Dighton are handled at the Taunton District Court.
📍 Taunton District Court 200 Cohannet Street, Taunton, MA 02780
📞 Phone: (508) 977-6000
What to Expect:
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Arraignment: The first appearance where the charges are read and bail is set. The DA may also request a "Dangerousness Hearing" to hold you without bail.
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Pre-Trial Conference: This is where we review the police report, body-cam footage, and 911 recordings to find inconsistencies.
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Trial/Disposition: If the case is not dismissed or resolved through a plea, it will proceed to a bench or jury trial.
V. Defending Against Domestic Charges
A domestic allegation is not a conviction. I utilize several specialized strategies to protect my clients:
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Self-Defense: Proving that you used reasonable force to protect yourself from an aggressor.
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The 5th Amendment/Marital Privilege: In some cases, a witness may have a legal right to decline to testify.
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False Accusations: Investigating whether the accuser has an ulterior motive, such as gaining leverage in a divorce or custody battle.
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Lack of Evidence: Challenging the state's case when there are no visible injuries and no independent witnesses.
VI. Why Choose the Law Offices of Kensley Barrett?
When your freedom and family are at stake, you need a lawyer who handles your case personally and knows the local Taunton court system.
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Aggressive Advocacy: I don't just "manage" your case; I fight to get it dismissed or reduced.
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Local Knowledge: I am in the Taunton District Court regularly and understand how the Bristol County DA's office handles domestic cases.
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Compassionate Counsel: I understand the stress these charges cause. I am here to guide you through the process with respect and dignity.
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Direct Access: You work with me—Kensley Barrett—directly. You will never be passed off to a junior associate.
VII. Contact Us Today
The sooner you involve an attorney, the better we can preserve evidence and protect your rights.
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📞 Call Now: (857) 229-2442
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🏢 Office: 572 Washington Street, Suite 21, Wellesley, MA 02482
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🌐 Website: www.krbarrettlaw.com
Accused of domestic assault & battery in Taunton? Don't wait. Call the Law Offices of Kensley Barrett today.
