Being charged with assault and battery in Wayland, MA is a serious legal matter that can have significant consequences for your future. Whether you're facing charges for a simple altercation or more serious allegations, the Marin, Barrett, and Murphy Law Firm is here to defend your rights. We understand the nuances of Massachusetts assault laws and are committed to providing you with aggressive representation.
π Call (857) 229-2442 now for a free consultation with a Wayland Assault & Battery defense attorney.
Understanding Assault & Battery Charges in Massachusetts
Under Massachusetts law, assault and battery are separate crimes but often occur together. Here's a breakdown of each:
β Assault β The intentional attempt or threat to cause physical harm to someone else. In Massachusetts, this can be a mere threat or an attempt to hit someone that didn't result in actual contact.
β Battery β The unlawful, intentional touching of another person without consent, often resulting in injury. This can range from a simple push or slap to more violent forms of physical contact.
If you are facing charges for assault and battery, the consequences can be severe. It is essential to have an experienced defense attorney who can challenge the prosecution's evidence and advocate on your behalf.
Penalties for Assault & Battery in Massachusetts
The penalties for an assault and battery conviction depend on the severity of the offense and whether there are any aggravating factors:
π΄ Simple Assault & Battery
- Penalties: Up to 2.5 years in jail or probation.
- Fines: Up to $1,000.
π΄ Aggravated Assault & Battery (e.g., if the victim is seriously injured or the assault involved a weapon):
- Penalties: Up to 5 years in prison.
- Fines: Up to $5,000.
π΄ Assault & Battery on a Family or Household Member (Domestic Violence)
- Penalties: Minimum of 6 months in jail, with up to 2.5 years.
- Fines: Up to $5,000.
- Mandatory counseling or domestic violence programs.
An experienced Wayland assault & battery lawyer can help mitigate these penalties, possibly reducing charges or securing alternatives like probation or diversion programs.
Defending Against Assault & Battery Charges
At the Marin, Barrett, and Murphy Law Firm, we build strong legal defenses to challenge the prosecution's case. Common defense strategies include:
β Self-Defense β If you were protecting yourself or another person from immediate harm, you may have been justified in using force.
β False Allegations β Assault and battery charges are sometimes based on misunderstandings or outright false accusations. A skilled defense attorney will investigate the circumstances of the incident to uncover inconsistencies or evidence of fabricated claims.
β Lack of Evidence β In some cases, the prosecution might not have enough evidence to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt. If the evidence is weak or contradictory, your case may be dismissed.
β Consent β In some situations, the alleged victim may have consented to physical contact, such as in certain sports or personal interactions, which can be used as a defense.
π¨ The right legal defense can make the difference between a conviction and a case dismissal. Contact us today to start building your defense.
Where Will Your Assault & Battery Case Be Heard?
If you were arrested for assault and battery in Wayland, your case will be handled at:
Waltham District Court
π 38 Linden Street, Waltham, MA 02452
π (781) 894-4500
Your arrest may have been conducted by:
Wayland Police Department
π 1A Kolburg Road, Wayland, MA 01778
π (508) 358-4721
Statute of Limitations for Assault & Battery in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, the statute of limitations dictates the amount of time the prosecution has to file criminal charges against you. For assault and battery charges:
The statute of limitations is 6 years from the date of the alleged offense. This means that the state must file charges within 6 years of the incident for them to be valid in court.
If charges are filed after the 6-year window, your defense attorney may be able to argue for a dismissal of the case due to the expiration of the statute of limitations. If you're facing an assault and battery charge that is well beyond this time frame, you should consult a qualified Wayland assault & battery lawyer to explore your options.
Why Choose the Marin, Barrett, and Murphy Law Firm?
β Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyers β Our attorneys specialize in criminal defense and have successfully handled numerous assault and battery cases.
β Local Expertise β We are familiar with the legal landscape of Wayland and Waltham District Court, which gives us an edge in defending against charges.
β Personalized Attention β We work closely with you to understand your unique case and provide a customized defense strategy.
β Aggressive Defense β Our firm takes a proactive approach in defending your rights, challenging evidence, and fighting for the best possible outcome.
Contact a Wayland Assault & Battery Lawyer Today
If you've been arrested for assault and battery in Wayland, MA, time is critical. Don't wait to seek legal representation. At the Marin, Barrett, and Murphy Law Firm, we offer free consultations to help you understand your options and get the legal support you need.
Marin, Barrett, and Murphy Law Firm
π 572 Washington Street, Suite 21, Wellesley, MA 02482
π (857) 229-2442
π¨ Charged with Assault & Battery in Wayland? Call now for a free consultation.