Emotions run high when family members have an argument and sometimes that argument escalates to a point where one or more members winds up facing charges of Domestic Battery or a Violation of a Protective Order. Sometimes cases like theses are simple mistakes—an out-of-control situation or an argument that’s gone badly. Often times when emotions run high there is a false accusation made which could have severe and dire consequences for the accused.
It takes a competent, effective and proven Massachusetts Criminal Defense Lawyer to work with you to make sure that you are properly represented and end up in the best position that you possibly can be. Keegan Law, PC has a proven record of success in the the Massachusetts Courts. Often times domestic battery charges against our clients are dismissed and when they aren’t dismissed we are ready to go to trial and will do everything that we can to ensure that the jury will come back with a not guilty.
It’s fair to say that Massachusetts Domestic Violence Laws (Chapter 209A) favor the prosecution. The State’s District Attorney’s Offices will often follows up on domestic cases even though it’s not uncommon for individuals to allege domestic violence as a manipulative tactic. Since proof of injury is not a required element in the charge of domestic battery—even though bodily harm is often alleged even without proof—many cases are simply “he said, she said” situations. Choosing the right Massachusetts domestic battery attorney to represent you can be the difference between a favorable outcome and a negative one or a guilty versus a not guilty.
Every year more and more domestic battery laws are created through new legislation and case law rulings. Enhancements to felonies, jail sentences, length of probation, mandatory overnight jail stays upon arrest—all of these have come into existence only in the last ten or so years. And with almost every legislative cycle, new mandates are imposed upon the police and courts by the legislature.
Merely being charged with domestic battery can complicate your work and personal life, now and in the future. A conviction for domestic battery can hinder your ability to get professional licenses and prove detrimental to promotions that you may be in line for. Don’t lose your legal rights because of a domestic battery or violation of a restraining order case.
If convicted of domestic violence, whether it is a felony or misdemeanor charge, people stand to face possible jail time, imprisonment, fines, probation, community service, and even restraining orders. Additionally, if someone is convicted of a domestic violence offense that person may be ordered to attend and complete either an anger management program or a certified batter's program. A batter's program is an intense 40 session program that is monitored by a state agency. More about the certified batter's programs.
People who have been convicted of domestic violence will have the conviction on their criminal records, which can make it impossible for them to obtain employment, housing, or even education opportunities in the future.This is why it is always in a person's best interest to retain the services of a reputable criminal defense attorney when they have been charged with or even accused of domestic violence in Boston and throughout Massachusetts. By retaining an experienced domestic violence lawyer, people can be assured that they will be provided with professional advice and advocacy throughout the various phases of their criminal case. When people allow an experienced attorney to get involved from the very beginning of their domestic violence cases, they stand a much greater chance of obtaining a positive outcome.
Boston Domestic Violence Attorney
Massachusetts Domestic Violence Attorney
Keegan Law Offices, P.C. has represented people who have been accused of and charged with domestic violence throughout the state of Massachusetts. At Keegan Law Offices, we are committed to aggressively pursuing the best possible outcome for each and every one of our clients.
POTENTIAL PENALTIES FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CONVICTIONS
Typically, a domestic assault charge carries a potential 2 ½ year prison sentence and fines reaching $1,000. However, if the assault is committed while a protection order is in place, that potential sentence is elevated to up to 5 years and $5,000 in fines.
Other things like the severity of the assault or if a weapon was used can further increase your potential penalty when charged with domestic violence.
Ref: MGL §265.13A
When it comes to domestic violence charges, the prosecution doesn’t want to dismiss the charge even when the alleged victim doesn't show up to testify or asks that the charges be dropped. I have actually gone to trial when the alleged victim left the court before testifying and didn't return to tesitfy. The District Attorney's Office went forward with other evidence and sought a conviction. After hearing all of the evidence including testimony from the Defendant they came back with a unanimous decision of not guilty and my client walked out of the court room a free man without any sactions placed upon him.
Often times when people are arrested they view their case as somewaht hopeless. The best thing to do is to call an experienced litigator because we can challenge the evidence against you or capitalize on your lack of criminal record, for example. We will do everything possible to come up with a strategy to defend you and to make sure that you receive the best outcome possible and many times that will be when the jury finds you not guilty.Exactly how we handle you case depends on the specific circumstances of your situation. Contact Keegan Law to discuss the details. The consultation is free.
As a former Police Officer, Attorney Joseph Keegan is well aware of the many legal strategies both law enforcement and district attorneys will use when trying to obtain a domestic violence conviction. Mr. Keegan uses his prior knowledge as a police officer to his clients' advantage by challenging evidence submitted by state attorneys, investigating faulty law enforcement procedures, and ultimately providing the best criminal defense for every single one of his clients.
Call Keegan Law Offices, P.C. today for your free initial consultation at 617-479-2933.
