Woburn Assault and Battery Attorneys

Woburn Assault and Battery Attorneys Fighting In Your Corner Every Step of the Way

At Contant Law, P.C., we understand that being charged with assault and battery does not make someone a “bad person.” Sometimes, it is a matter of being in the wrong place at the wrong time, an argument that became highly emotional, or self-defense, defense of another person, or defense of one’s property.

Unfortunately, an assault charge or conviction can result in being sentenced to probation, jail or state prison, and steep fines. Even a misdemeanor assault conviction can prevent you from obtaining a Massachusetts professional license. If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges, it is in your best interest to contact a defense attorney immediately.

Whatever your situation, we are criminal defense attorneys who have successfully defended many clients facing assault and battery charges. Contact our Woburn, MA, law office today to schedule a free case evaluation so we may determine what legal strategies meet your needs.

What is Considered Assault in Massachusetts?

Under Massachusetts law, an individual may be charged with assault if they try to use physical force or act in a way that makes the other person believe they are in imminent danger. An individual may be charged with assault without any physical contact being made against the other person.

Assault may be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the circumstances involved. There are several different types of assault offenses that individuals may be charged with, including:

Assault and battery: A criminal offense that occurs when an individual threatens another, and then physical contact is made. Assault and battery may be charged as a felony if the alleged victim suffers serious bodily injury
Aggravated assault: Aggravated assault is a felony that may be charged if a weapon is involved in the crime or the alleged victim suffers serious bodily injury
Domestic assault: This charge often results from domestic violence cases and involves assault and battery between family or household members and, depending on the circumstances, may be charged as a misdemeanor or felony
Armed assault: Using a dangerous weapon to attempt to assault another, which can result in felony charges
Assault on a police officer: Assault or battery committed against a law enforcement officer

What Should I Do Immediately Following My Arrest for Assault?

Like any criminal defense case, the critical first step is to speak to an attorney as soon as possible. Remember, you must exercise your right to remain silent if the police try to question you without an attorney being present. A criminal defense attorney can advise you of your rights and prevent you from making incriminating statements.

When you hire a criminal defense attorney, they will professionally evaluate the evidence the state has against you. In some instances, police or prosecutors are overzealous in their desire to protect the community and make arrests that are not supported by evidence.

Contant Law, P.C. is a law firm dedicated to helping clients navigate the criminal justice system. If we agree to take your case, we can represent you in court, hear your perspective, and review the circumstances to begin a solid defense. Depending on your particular case, we can dismiss your charges by exploiting a weakness in the prosecutor’s case or suppressing incriminating evidence.

As experienced criminal defense attorneys in Woburn, Massachusetts, we will work to build a vigorous assault and battery defense that protects your rights and freedom.

What are the Criminal Penalties for Assault in Massachusetts?

The penalties for assault in Massachusetts vary based on the facts involved in the case. If the case has been charged as a misdemeanor, a defendant may be sentenced to up to two and a half years in jail and a $1,000 fine. If charged with a felony, the court can sentence the defendant to three or more years in state prison with a $5,000 fine.

Some of the factors that would cause an assaultive offense to be a felony would include if a dangerous weapon was used, if the victim suffered serious bodily injury, was pregnant, was age 60 or over, or was a child under age 14. Other considerations include whether the defendant violated a non-contact or permanent restraining order or if it will result in a second conviction for assault on a household or family member.

The criminal penalties can be increased to up to 10 or 15 years in state prison if the victim suffered serious injuries and was a child younger than 14, was elderly or disabled, or a law enforcement officer.

Defendants charged with assault with a deadly weapon face a possible 10-year prison sentence and up to 20 years if a firearm is discharged.

If you have questions about the penalties for assault, contact our law offices to schedule a meeting with a Woburn criminal defense lawyer who will gladly answer your questions.

What are the Legal Implications of Assault Convictions?

Other than being sentenced to jail or prison, several legal and social implications accompany assault convictions. One of the most significant areas impacted by any assault conviction pertains to child custody issues. Parents convicted of assault could lose child custody or be ordered to have supervised visitation. Massachusetts courts will always make decisions based on what they feel is in the child’s best interest.

Individuals convicted of assault who are not U.S. citizens may face deportation proceedings or may encounter issues obtaining a green card.

Felony assault convictions can have negative life-changing consequences and may result in loss of the ability to own or possess firearms legally. Other legal implications include gaining employment, adequate housing, or a professional license.

The best way to avoid the legal implications of an assault conviction is to hire a skilled criminal defense lawyer who will fight to have your charges dismissed or reduced. Our attorneys have a proven record of winning criminal defense cases for clients. We have extensive knowledge of the Massachusetts legal system and know what it takes to get results.

Are There Any Legal Defenses That Can Be Used to Fight Assault Charges?

If you have been charged with assault, there are several legal defenses a criminal defense lawyer can use to help you fight the charges. Per Massachusetts criminal law, some of the legal defenses that attorneys can argue for their clients include:

Self-Defense: Self-defense is the standard legal strategy that defense attorneys use when fighting assault charges. Under state law, a defendant may be cleared of the charges if it can be demonstrated they had reason to believe they were in imminent danger
Defense of Others: Defense of others is similar to self-defense and may be used if a defendant acted with reasonable force to prevent others from being harmed
Mistaken Identity: In some instances, an alleged victim may misidentify an individual as being the individual who committed the assault. A criminal defense attorney can present evidence that proves the defendant has an alibi and could not have committed the offense
Lack of Evidence: If prosecutors lack the evidence to prove every legal element of a crime, the case may be dismissed

Because not all cases are the same, discussing your case with a qualified criminal defense lawyer who can determine what legal strategies will best suit your needs is essential. Contant Law, P.C. can provide the aggressive representation you need to obtain a favorable outcome for your criminal case.

Why Should I Trust Your Law Firm to Defend Me Against Assault Charges?

Contant Law, P.C. is passionately committed to providing clients with the best possible defense for their criminal cases. Our attorneys recognize that it can be overwhelming to think about the possibility and aftermath of being convicted of assault charges.

When you come to us for help, you will meet with a highly trained Woburn criminal defense lawyer who will listen to your side of the story. Our legal team has comprehensive experience crafting innovative defense strategies, enabling us to have many of our client’s charges dismissed or reduced.

If you are facing criminal charges for an assault-related offense, contact our Woburn, MA, law office at (617) 221-8221 today to schedule a free, no-obligation case evaluation and discuss our legal services and how we can help.