Domestic Violence Attorney in Quincy, Massachusetts

According to a report from the Massachusetts Domestic Violence Fatality Review Team, an average of 23,000 charges (including assault or battery on a household member, violations of a restraining order, and harassment orders) are filed annually in Massachusetts courts. Here in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, domestic violence accusations are serious and can jeopardize your quality of life, reputation, liberty, as well as your personal and professional future. If convicted, you could be facing a prison sentence, hefty fines, a protective order, loss of parenting privileges, and (if there are additional immigration issues) possible deportation.

If you have been arrested and charged with domestic abuse, retaining a skilled and aggressive Massachusetts criminal defense attorney is paramount to building your defense strategy. McBride Law is committed to providing comprehensive legal guidance and vigorous representation to individuals facing domestic violence allegations. Attorney Devin McBride can review and investigate all the facts of your case, help fight your charges with all available evidence, and work to establish your innocence.

McBride Law is proud to serve clients across Quincy, Massachusetts, and the surrounding areas of Weymouth, Boston, Hingham, and Norwell. Call today to schedule a free consultation.

Domestic Violence in Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, domestic violence is commonly referred to as "domestic abuse." Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 209A, Section 1, domestic abuse is defined as the occurrence of one or more of the following acts between family or household members:

• Attempting to cause or successfully causing physical harm

• Placing another person in fear of imminent serious physical harm

• Causing another person to involuntarily engage in sexual relations by force, threat, or duress

General Provisions of the Law

According to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 209A, Section 1, the term "family and household members" includes:

• People who are or were married

• People who are or were living together

• People who are related by blood or marriage

• People who have children together

• People who are dating or have dated

Domestic Violence Charges

Under Massachusetts law, any of the following crimes committed against a family or household member may be considered a crime of domestic violence:

• Any felony offense

• Any misdemeanor constituting domestic abuse

• Assault and battery

Possible Penalties

In the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, domestic abuse is punished severely. If you are convicted, possible penalties you will face include:

• First Offense: Up to two-and-a-half years in a Massachusetts house of correction and a fine of up to $5,000

• Second & Subsequent Offenses: Up to five years in a Massachusetts state prison

Other possible consequences of a domestic violence conviction include:

• Loss of rights to own or possess firearms

• A restraining or protective order being filed against you

• Mandatory anger management class for 16 weeks

• Mandatory attendance of a certified batterer's program for 40 weeks

• Loss of parenting privileges or child custody rights

• Possible deportation

• Loss of employment

• Difficulty in securing future employment

• Ineligible to run for public office

• Difficulties in securing public assistance, educational, and professional opportunities

Possible Defenses

Some possible defenses against domestic violence charges include claiming:

• You were falsely accused

• Self-defense

• Lack of intent

• Defense of property

• Defense of other people

• You were standing your ground

• Lack of knowledge

• Consent or mutual combat

• Inconsistencies in the evidence

• The victim's behavior caused the violence

• Errors during the investigation

Hire a Knowledgeable Defense Attorney

When facing domestic abuse allegations, choosing to defend yourself against the charges without proper guidance or experienced representation can expose you to the possibility of being convicted and receiving the maximum allowable punishment. If convicted, you could face massive fines, a prison sentence, a protective order, loss of custody, and other social ramifications. Retaining a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney is crucial to protect your rights and help build your defense.

Attorney Devin McBride has devoted his career to handling a wide range of cases and defending individuals accused of domestic abuse. As your legal counsel, he can evaluate every detail of your case and develop an effective defense strategy to fight the allegations against you. Using his extensive experience and understanding of the law, he will help you navigate the Massachusetts criminal justice system, fight vigorously to defend your rights, and ensure that you are given fair treatment in every phase of the legal process.