Assault Protect Your Future

Westwood Assault Lawyer

Defending Clients Accused of Assault in Norfolk County

An assault has two possible meanings in Massachusetts. It is either (1) an attempted battery or (2) an immediately threatened battery. So, for example, an assault could be throwing a punch at someone (attempted battery) and missing (if you hit the person, it would be assault and battery). Or it could be coming at someone with fists flying or some other demonstration of an apparent intent to use immediate force on another (immediately threatened battery). Even if you never intended to actually hit the person, if that person was reasonably afraid that you were about to hit them, that can be an assault.

Common types of assault charges include:

  • Assault & Battery
  • Assault and Battery Causing Serious Injury
  • Aggravated Assault and Battery
  • Domestic Assault and Battery
  • Assault and Battery on a Police Officer or Public Employee
  • Assault and Battery by Means of a Dangerous Weapon
  • Indecent Assault and Battery
  • Assault on an Elderly Person (over 60)

If you are accused of assault, its important you seek legal counsel ASAP. Schedule your consultation by calling our firm at (617) 523-3500.

What Is Battery?

There is no separate crime of “battery” in Massachusetts. Usually, battery is any intentional unwanted or unpermitted touching of another person. The person does not need to be actually hurt in order for the touching to be a battery. There is no separate crime of “battery.” In Massachusetts, any intentional unwanted touching of another person is considered “Assault and Battery.”

What Is Considered Assault & Battery in Massachusetts?

An assault and battery is the intentional touching of another person without any right or excuse for doing so. Under some circumstances, an assault and battery can be unintentional but still criminal if it was committed by reckless conduct. If you engaged in reckless conduct (more than accidental) which caused bodily injury to another you could be charged with assault and battery.

An act is “reckless” when a reasonable person, under the circumstances as they were known to the defendant, would have recognized that such actions were so dangerous that it was very likely that they would result in substantial injury. In either case, the touching may not be merely accidental or negligent in order for it to rise to the level of criminal conduct.

What Is Assault & Battery with a Dangerous Weapon (Assault and Battery with a Deadly Weapon)?

Assault and battery with a dangerous weapon is comprised of all of the same elements as a simple assault and battery with the added element of a “dangerous weapon” being used to commit the touching. This charge is often challenged on the issue of whether the item was indeed a “dangerous weapon.” The law recognizes both “inherently” (automatic) and “non-inherently” dangerous weapons. Something is automatically considered a dangerous weapon if it is capable of causing serious injury or death (knives, guns, blunt objects etc.). The second category includes items that are normally used for innocent purposes but, as used, reasonably appear capable of causing serious injury or death (e.g. Shoe being used to kick someone. This is considered Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon, th weapin being “shod foot.”).

What if the Person who was Injured Drops the Charges?

Despite what you may see on T.V., the victim cannot “drop the charges.” The prosecutor will inform the alleged victim that they may not “drop” the charges and that the decision to prosecute or not rest solely with the prosecutor. The prosecutor will sometimes consider the alleged victim’s opinion but, ultimately, the alleged victim is powerless to dismiss charges. Many times, in assault cases, the alleged victim has a privilege against self-incrimination (pleading the 5th) because of the facts or nature of the case. If this is the case, then the alleged victim may possibly be excused from testifying against the person charged. Whether or not they have such a right and whether they wish to exercise that right is something that the alleged victim should explore with an attorney in order to weigh all of the options.

What Happens if I am Arrested for an Assault Charge?

If you are arrested, you will be transported to a police station for booking and processing. You should not make any statements even if you think that you are helping yourself or explaining what “really happened.” Anything you say will be used against you. You may be permitted to post a bail and released to report to court on an assigned date. If you are not released on bail, you may be detained at the police station until you are brought to court for an arraignment.

At the arraignment, you will be informed of the specific charges you are facing and will likely get a police report explaining the claims against you. Next, you will be subject to a bail hearing, at which the court will decide whether you must post a bail in order to remain free while the case is open and, if so, how much that bail will be. At the bail hearing, you may also be ordered by the court to abide by certain conditions of release including reporting to probation or wearing a monitoring bracelet. The court will then set a future court date for additional hearings for things like discovery of evidence and filing of motions.

In addition to setting bail, the prosecutor may “move for dangerousness” or “move to revoke bail” is you have another open case. In either situation, the Judge may order that a defendant be held without bail. When facing losses to your freedom such as these, it is essential that you have experienced defense attorneys on your side.

What are the Penalties for Assault in Massachusetts?

The types of penalties for assaultive crimes (assault, assault and battery, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, etc.) are complex and involve many variables including age of victim, mental condition of victim, and relationship to victim.

This list includes a basic outline of potential penalties for these types of crimes:

  • Assault = up to 2.5 years in the house of correction
  • Assault and Battery = up to 2.5 years in the house of correction.
  • Assault and Battery by Means of a Dangerous Weapon = up to 2.5 years in house of correction or up to 10 years in state prison.
  • Indecent Assault and Battery on a person under 14 = up to 2.5 years in the house of correction or up to 10 years in state prison.
  • Indecent Assault and Battery on a person over 14 = up to 2.5 years in the house of correction or up to 5 years in state prison.
  • Assault and Battery on a Police Officer = not less than 90 days and up to 2.5 years in the house of correction.
  • Aggravated Assault and Battery = up to 2.5 years in the house of correction or up to 5 years in state prison.

You may also be subject to many conditions such as anger management, batterer’s programs, sex offender registration, or GPS monitoring.

What Causes an Assault Charge to be a Misdemeanor or a Felony?

In Massachusetts, a misdemeanor is a charge for which the maximum penalty is a house of correction sentence, and you cannot be sentenced to state prison. Just because you are charged with a misdemeanor however, that does not mean that you cannot go to jail. Most misdemeanors do have the potential of a jail sentence. Any charge for which you are subject to a state prison sentence – even those which give a state prison sentence as a possible alternative – is a felony charge in Massachusetts.

So, for example, a charge of assault and battery is punishable by up to 2.5 years in the house of correction and is, therefore, a misdemeanor. While the charge of assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon is punishable by either up to 2.5 years in the house of correction or up to 10 years in state prison and is, therefore a felony.

What is a “Shod Foot”?

A “shod foot” is a shoe with foot with a shoe on it. When a defendant kicks someone with shoes on, they will be charged with “Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon,” with the weapon being the “Shod Foot.”

Why You Should Hire an Assault Defense Attorney:

  • These offenses carry severe penalties including terms of imprisonment, and many are felonies, which can impact your life in many ways for year to come.
  • Often these cases hinge on witnesses who must be identified and evaluated. Mitigating factors and potential defenses such as self-defense must be quickly identified and explored fully.
  • An assault defense attorney can begin work immediately to assess the case and prevent excessive bail and conditions of release. We can also begin to investigate the facts of the case and obtain critical evidence necessary to defend against the charges. This includes filing legal motions such as motions to suppress evidence and statements as well as motions to dismiss all or some of the charges based on the facts and law that apply.

Defend Against Assault Charges with Experienced Legal Representation

Being accused of assault can have serious consequences, including criminal charges, fines, and even jail time. It's crucial to have a skilled Westwood assault lawyer on your side to defend your rights and protect your future. At Eisenstadt Law, our team has years of experience representing clients facing assault charges in Norfolk County and throughout Massachusetts.

When you choose our firm, you can expect:

  • Personalized legal strategies tailored to your unique case
  • Aggressive defense in and out of the courtroom
  • Clear communication and guidance throughout the legal process
  • A track record of success in defending clients against assault charges

Don't face assault charges alone. Contact Eisenstadt Law today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you fight back against your charges.

Schedule your free phone consultation with a criminal defense attorney at Eisenstadt Law by filling out our confidential contact form or by calling 24/7 to get live help
at (617) 523-3500 right now.

What Makes Our Firm Different? 

We Don't Back Down From a Challenge
  • Local Attorneys

    Our firm consists of local attorneys who have worked in the area for years. Each attorney is familiar with the courts and has a great reputation within the legal field.

  • Free Initial Consultation

    At Eisenstadt Law, our firm offers a free inital consultation to learn more about your case and to ensure our team is the best fit for you.

  • Aggressive Defense

    Our legal team does not back down from a challenge. We fight to ensure that the rights, futures and freedoms of our clients are protected.

  • Proven Track Record

    Our attorneys have successfully helped thousands of clients reach a positive outcome in their cases. We have acheived this by using our experience and expertise to our advantage.

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    We are available 24/7 to best suit the needs of our clients. We pride ourselves on providing each of our clients and their cases with the personal attention and commitment that they deserve.

Meet Our Attorneys

At EKG, our attorneys provide aggressive yet client-focused representation. Our goal is to protect your rights while providing you with the service your deserve.

Why Clients Choose to Work With Us

Read How We Have Helped Previous Clients
  • Domestic Assault and Battery Not Guilty
  • Felony Larceny Case Dismissed
  • Forgery, Uttering, Credit Card Fraud, Identity Fraud, Larceny Case Dismissed
  • Identity Fraud, Criminal Harassment, Witness Intimidation Case Dismissed
  • Motor Vehicle Homicide Not Guilty
  • Operating Under the Influence of Alcohol (OUI, DUI) Not Guilty
  • Possession of a Firearm, Possession of Ammunition Motion to Suppress allowed. Evidence Suppressed
  • Possession with Intent to Distribute Charges Reduced from Felony to Misdemeanor
  • Threats Case Dismissed
  • Violation of a Restraining Order Case Dismissed
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Client Success Stories

Read What Past Clients Had to Say
  • We could not have been happier with Eisenstadt Law

    “They took their time and clearly explained the legal process and what their approach to the case would be. Needless to say, we hired Eisenstadt Law and could not have been more satisfied with their service.”

    - L.S.
  • They made a very bad situation much easier to deal with.

    “I thought I was going to lose everything I had until that first court hearing in probate court. The judge immediately agreed with Ed’s arguments and the next week, Joe had the restraining order dismissed.”

    - K. B.
  • We could not believe how quickly you were able to get our son out of jail.

    “We could not believe how quickly you were able to get our son out of jail and were even more impressed with how you were able to get the case thrown out. He was lucky to have lawyers like you on his side.”

    - J. & B. L.
  • I never thought anyone could have gotten me out of trouble but you did it.

    “My friend was right to send me your way for my case. I never thought anyone could have gotten me out of trouble but you did it.”

    - J. S.
  • Thank you all so much for your help!!

    “They reviewed the case with me and explained the legal issues more clearly than any of the other lawyers I had met with. When I eventually met Joe in court I knew that all three of these guys had what it took to defend me.”

    - R. S.
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