Middlesex Assault and Battery Lawyer

Dedicated Massachusetts Criminal Defense Attorney Defending the Rights of Clients Charged with Violent Crimes

Violent crimes such as assault and battery are some of the most serious crimes anyone can face. Regardless of whether an alleged victim suffered serious injuries, Middlesex County prosecutors and judges come down hard on those convicted of assault, assault and battery, and other crimes of violence. At the Law Office of Patrick J. Murphy, our Middlesex assault and battery lawyer has over 27 years of experience defending the rights and freedom of clients charged with violent crimes. With our help, you can rest assured that everything possible is being done to secure the best possible result in your case.

How Common is Violent Crime in Middlesex County?

According to the most recent data from the Massachusetts Trial Court, Department of Research and Planning, Middlesex County has the second-highest number of arrests for violent crimes. For example, in 2022, there were 4,763 arrests involving criminal offenses committed against another person; most of these involve allegations of assault, assault and battery, and domestic violence offenses.

Types of Violent Crimes in Massachusetts

While “violent crime” isn’t denied anywhere in the Massachusetts Code of Law, most Middlesex criminal defense attorneys agree that the term covers the following offenses:

Assault

Assault is a crime that prohibits individuals from placing another person in fear of harmful physical contact. There are two ways to commit an assault. First, it’s an assault if you try to make physical contact with another person but fail; for example, if you throw a punch and miss. Second, you can commit an assault by putting another person in reasonable fear of contact, even if you had no intention of making contact; for example, by cocking your fist back as though you were going to punch someone. Assault carries a maximum sentence of 2.5 years in a house of correction and a fine of up to $1,000.

Assault and Battery

Assault and battery is essentially a completed assault. In other words, to prove assault and battery, the prosecution must show that you put another person in reasonable fear of harm and that your actions were likely to cause injury. Assault and battery is punishable by a maximum sentence of 2.5 years in a house of correction and a fine of up to $1,000.

Aggravated Assault / Aggravated Assault and Battery

There are various circumstances that, if present, can increase the severity of assault or assault and battery charges. For example, if the alleged victim was under 14, over 60, pregnant, disabled, a household member, or a law enforcement officer, the maximum period of incarceration increases significantly.

Domestic Violence Offense

If the alleged victim of an assault or assault and battery is a “household member,” the offense still carries the same maximum of 2.5 years in a house of correction; however, the maximum fine increases to $5,000. Additionally, if you’re convicted of a second domestic violence offense, the crime carries a maximum of five years in state prison.

Other types of violent crimes include sexual offenses, homicide, manslaughter, affray, and assault with a deadly weapon.

How a Middlesex Assault and Battery Lawyer Can Help With Your Case

At the Law Office of Patrick J. Murphy, we understand that once you’ve been charged with a violent crime, every aspect of your life takes a backseat to your pending charges. And we’re here to help. Attorney Patrick Murphy is a veteran Middlesex assault and battery lawyer with nearly three decades of hands-on experience aggressively defending clients charged with these serious crimes. Whether you’re facing domestic violence charges, allegations of a sex crime, or any other type of violent crime, we can help develop a compelling defense focused on securing the best possible result. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation with a Middlesex County criminal defense lawyer today, call 617-367-0450. You can also reach us through our online contact form.