When Facing Domestic Abuse Charges, Hire a Tough and Strategic Domestic Violence Defense Attorney to Help Build a Strong Case
Tension and interpersonal stress between family members and loved ones can be mentally and physically overwhelming. We know that when you’ve been charged with a domestic violence charge, it can cause an overwhelming sense of shame and even anger. We at Rudolf, Smith, Griffis & Ruggieri, LLP understand the delicate nature of such charges, and that in a moment of isolation, it’s critical to have a domestic violence defense attorney that you can trust to properly represent you.
If you live in Worcester County in Massachusetts and are facing criminal charges, do not hesitate to call the legal team at Rudolf, Smith, Griffis & Ruggieri, LLP. Our team of domestic violence defense attorneys will help you understand your options and offer you comprehensive legal representation. Call us today at (508) 570-3037 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.
Understanding the Laws and Statutes of Domestic Violence in Massachusetts
Domestic violence is taken very seriously in Massachusetts. In our many years of experience, we know first hand that prosecutors take an aggressive position in building their case against domestic violence defendants.
Domestic violence cases fall under both federal and state provisions, which means that each state may prosecute differently and penalties may vary. The former Governor of Massachusetts, Deval Patrick, signed “An Act Relative to Domestic Violence” (ARDP) in 2014 which made new domestic violence crimes fall under state law. The ARDP made it easier for prosecutors in Massachusetts to “prove the existence of a domestic relationship between husbands and wives, parents and children, and even people who are just dating.”
The Potential Penalties of Domestic Violence Charges
The penalties for domestic violence are harsh, which is why it’s so important to hire a domestic violence defense attorney who knows how to be both tough and very strategic in building their defense. If you are accused and/or found guilty of a domestic violence crime, you may face penalties such as:
- Difficulty getting out of police custody following your initial arrest
- Prosecutors potentially trying to hold you for 120 days in jail without bail and without a trial
- Charges for a domestic violence crime even if the alleged victim is merely your girlfriend or boyfriend
- Charges for additional domestic violence crimes in Massachusetts such as strangulation and aggravated strangulation.
This list is not exhaustive and it’s best to seek the counsel of one of our domestic violence defense lawyers to best ascertain what penalties you may be facing and what the best course of action is for your case.
What Constitutes Domestic Violence?
In Massachusetts, domestic violence is any act of abuse that is committed by one member of the family or the household over another. Violence or abuse includes:
- attempting to cause or causing physical harm;
- placing another in fear of imminent serious physical harm; or
- causing another to engage involuntarily in sexual relations by force, threat, or duress.
Abuse can be defined as physical, psychological, and emotional as well. It is also not defined by marriage to the alleged victim in order for it to be considered domestic violence. The court will assess if the relationship in question is “substantive” by looking at:
- the length of the relationship;
- the type of relationship;
- the frequency of interaction between the parties; and
- if the relationship has ended, how long it’s been since the relationship ended.
A Domestic Violence Defense Attorney Can Help You
If you have been charged with domestic abuse, you need to find representation. Find a domestic violence defense attorney who approaches your case with suspended judgment and with an aggressive approach. Our Worcester-based team of domestic abuse defense lawyers at Rudolf, Smith, Griffis & Ruggieri, LLP take on small caseloads and therefore have the time and resources to dedicate to your defense.
Contact us now for more information: (508) 570-3037