When there is an altercation between two or more people, it may have catastrophic consequences that can lead to injury or loss of life. Criminal charges of assault and battery may be brought against whoever allegedly inflicted the violence, and these can be serious.
In a recent event that shocked Patriot fans and Boston residents, a lifelong Patriots fan and 30 year season ticket holder lost his life after a brawl at Gillette Stadium. Foxborough Police are now seeking charges of assault and battery against three Rhode Island men. The District Attorney’s office found that the victim did not suffer “traumatic injury” in the stands but he did have a medical issue.
Assault and Battery: Explaining the Charges
Assault and battery charges are brought after someone has not only been threatened but physically attacked. While assault charges can be brought even if physical contact hasn’t been made with someone, assault and battery requires that the individual charged with assault made contact with someone physically, whether with a weapon or object or by using bodily force.
Assault and Battery In Massachusetts
Assault and battery can be charged in a wide range of situations. Serious physical force or physical injury does not need to take place for the charges to be brought. Assault and battery can be charged even if it isn’t intentional. Reckless assault and battery is charged when someone’s reckless actions cause injury.
Assault and battery in Massachusetts is often charged as a serious crime. There is a complex range of circumstances that can lead to very different outcomes. As a misdemeanor, assault and battery can result in a sentence of up to 2 ½ years in the house of corrections and a fine of $1000. Assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, on a pregnant person, elderly person or child under 14, and assault and battery that causes serious bodily injury may all be charged as felonies. The range of sentencing for the various types of assault is extremely broad. Assault and battery involving a more vulnerable victim which causes substantial bodily harm could result in 3-5 years in state prison. More serious assault and battery can increase to 10 or 15 years.
Defenses to assault and battery include that it was an accident and that the assault was in self defense. The circumstances can be extremely complex and the charges and punishments are varied, so it’s imperative to contact an experienced Boston assault and battery defense attorney as soon as possible to be assured of the best possible defense. At Dhar Law, LLP, we have decades of experience defending serious charges in state and federal courts. We leverage our thorough knowledge of the intricacies of Massachusetts law to ensure that your rights are protected. Please contact us to learn more about your best options for an assault and battery defense.
