A recent Massachusetts court decision highlights the complexity of the self-defense doctrine in Massachusetts criminal cases. The ruling offers valuable insight into how courts evaluate self-defense arguments and the evidence required to support such a defense. For those facing charges involving allegations of violence, understanding the legal framework surrounding self-defense…
Assault and Battery are common crimes in Massachusetts, whether together or as stand-alone offenses. But most people don’t really understand the conduct behind each of these crimes. It is common for someone to refer to a certain act as an assault, when they really mean battery, and vice versa. Assault…
Bill Cosby has been sentenced to three-to-10 years imprisonment for the sexual assault of at least one woman, although dozens more have come forward. This week, he began his time behind bars in a single cell at SCI Phoenix, a newly-opened state prison that can hold nearly 4,000 inmates, but…
In an effort to protect individuals from abusive situations, MA courts have been given the authority to issue restraining orders when a reasonable likelihood of harm is suspected. In many ways, this is a very good thing. No woman, or man, should be subjected to abuse. However, such broad authority…
Beginning in 2014, a new crime was created in Massachusetts, separating assault and battery committed against a family member from other types of assault and battery. As a result, the penalties for domestic assault and battery are generally more serious than those for regular assault and battery. This applies to…
You know, words can be funny. In some arenas, they mean one thing, and then in another, they can mean something different. This happens a lot in the practice of criminal law. Attorney Sam’s Take On Assault And Battery Harry Hands sees Sally Shoulder. Harry likes Sally. He calls to…
As we continue our voyage through the seasons, at the rate of a season a day, let’s continue with our discussion begun last week. A recent article in the Boston Herald, , discussed the recent run of videos which reveal the underside of law enforcement officers which most people would rather…
If you know any judges, politicians or members of law enforcement, I beg you to bring the next few blogs to their attention. Perhaps, to the extent that they do not understand a fatal-yet-ignored issue in the Massachusetts criminal justice system, this will wake them up. Oh yeah…all the rest…
Well, it’s the day after. This morning, I was curious as to the reaction by my fellow Bostonians (and environs) to the loss of the New England Patriots. I was a bit surprised to hear on Radio 1030 that, while Boston’s Finest were out in droves…ready for trouble…the mood was…
Domestic abuse is a serious crime in MA, and nationwide. And for good reason. Nobody should suffer physical or emotional abuse at the hands of a loved one. When men and women are being harmed by a spouse or intimate partner, they should be able to end the abuse and…