Westwood Domestic Assault & Battery Lawyer
Me and my team here at The Law Offices of Kensley Barrett know how devastating a Domestic Assault & Battery charge in Westwood can be. These cases often move fast, and even if the alleged victim doesn't want to press charges, Massachusetts prosecutors canโand usually willโmove forward anyway. A conviction can lead to jail time, probation, restraining orders, and long-term consequences that impact your career, family, and reputation.
My job is to stop that from happening. I build strong, strategic defenses aimed at reducing or dismissing charges and protecting your record.
If you're facing a Domestic Assault & Battery charge in Westwood, call me immediately.
๐ 401.425.4059 (Cranston Office)
๐ 857.229.2442 (Wellesley Office)
What Is Domestic Assault & Battery in Massachusetts?
Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 265, Section 13M, Domestic Assault & Battery occurs when someone intentionally applies forceโor makes unwanted physical contactโagainst a family or household member, including:
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Spouses or former spouses
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Current or former dating partners
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Parents who share a child
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People who currently or previously lived together
Even minor physical contact such as grabbing, pushing, or blocking movement can lead to a mandatory arrest.
Penalties for Domestic Assault & Battery in Westwood
First Offense (Misdemeanor)
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Up to 2.5 years in the House of Correction
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Fines up to $5,000
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Mandatory probation
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Required Certified Batterer's Intervention Program
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Potential 209A restraining order
Second or Subsequent Offense (Felony)
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Up to 5 years in state prison
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Harsher sentencing guidelines for repeat offenders
Aggravating Factors That Increase Penalties
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Use of a weapon
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Serious bodily injury
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Violation of an existing restraining order
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Involving a pregnant victim or a child
A conviction becomes part of your permanent criminal record and can affect employment, housing, and professional licensing.
Restraining Orders in Domestic Assault & Battery Cases
In many cases, the court will issue a 209A Abuse Prevention Order, which may include:
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No-contact orders
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Stay-away orders (home, workplace, school)
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Temporary custody restrictions
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Surrender of firearms
Violating a restraining order is a separate criminal charge carrying additional penalties. Me and my team guide you through these restrictions, fight to limit their scope, and defend against violations.
Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations for Domestic Assault & Battery in Massachusetts is 6 years, but these cases are normally prosecuted immediately. More serious aggravated offenses may have extended filing windows.
Defenses Me and My Team Commonly Use
Domestic Assault & Battery charges in Westwood often involve incomplete stories, inconsistent statements, or emotional conflict. Me and my team investigate every angle, including:
1. False Allegations
Cases driven by jealousy, revenge, custody battles, or emotional disputes.
2. Insufficient Evidence
The prosecution must prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt. Many cases lack physical evidence or reliable testimony.
3. Self-Defense or Defense of Others
If you acted to protect yourself or someone else, we demonstrate why the force used was justified.
4. No Intent to Harm
Accidental contact does not meet the legal threshold for Assault & Battery.
5. Constitutional Violations
If police conducted an unlawful search, interrogation, or arrest, we aggressively move to suppress evidence or seek dismissal.
Where Your Case Will Be Heard
Domestic Assault & Battery charges from Westwood are handled at:
๐ Dedham District Court
631 High St., Dedham, MA 02026
๐ (781) 329-4777
Arrests are typically made by:
๐ Westwood Police Department
588 High St., Westwood, MA 02090
๐ (781) 320-1000
Why Hire Me and My Team Here at The Law Offices of Kensley Barrett
When you're accused of Domestic Assault & Battery, you need a defense team that understands the system, the courts, and the strategies required to protect your future. That's exactly what me and my team deliver:
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Extensive experience defending domestic violence charges
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Aggressive, strategic defense aimed at dismissal or reduction
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Meticulous investigation of evidence and witness credibility
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24/7 availability for urgent legal issues
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Personalized, discreet, and compassionate representation
My goal is to protect your rights, your freedom, and your future.
Contact a Westwood Domestic Assault & Battery Lawyer Today
If you've been charged with Domestic Assault & Battery in Westwood, do not wait. Early defense intervention can significantly improve the outcome of your case.
๐ The Law Offices of Kensley Barrett
Cranston Office
๐ 1000 Chapel View Blvd, Cranston, RI 02920
๐ 401.425.4059
Wellesley Office
๐ 572 Washington Street, Wellesley, MA 02482
๐ 857.229.2442
Me and my team are ready to fight for you. Call now for a free consultation.
