Articles Posted in Domestic Violence

Yesterday’s Boston Globe contained the story of a “standout” high school football star who now is not looking for a talent scout, but a criminal defense attorney. While he had been scheduled to bring his athletic prowess to college, his future is now in doubt due to allegations of demonstrating them at the wrong place and time.

The crimes alleged are of the Massachusetts assault and battery variety and have invoked further suspicion of ongoing domestic abuse.

It would appear that Mathew G., 18, of Dracut (hereinafter, the “Defendant”) and his girlfriend are parting ways. His 17-year-old ladyfriend has accused the Defendant of hitting her early Sunday morning in a rage of alcohol-fueled jealousy at a party in Lowell. Apparently, this assault included pouring beer over her head as she talked to another male. She also claims that the Defendant punched her in the face when she ran away from him, refusing to return.

The Defendant was arrested was arraigned on domestic assault and battery charges in Lowell District Court on Tuesday, during which time he pleaded “not guilty”. While both he and his court-appointed attorney have refused to make any public comment, his ex-girlfriend has indicated that this is not the first time the Defendant has struck her.

While the complainant declined a ride to the hospital, the officers say that they saw redness on her face, presumably from the Defendant’s blow.
Continue reading

Over the years, as a Boston criminal defense attorney, I have come across what has become an “age old question”. The question is what are the limits of disciplining one’s own children. In days gone by, the answer was apparently “whatever works”.

Fortunately, those days are over. However, as with other types of Massachusetts domestic violence matters, the pendulum seems to have swung all the way in the opposite direction. Understand that I am not a believer of corporeal punishment and I do not engage in it with my kids. However, I have seen cases where criminal charges were brought because of one slap as a response outrageous behavior.

Where does the case of Amaurys G., 28, (hereinafter, the “Defendant”) of Lawrence, fall on the chart? You decide.

On Friday night, the Defendant was arrested and charged with Massachusetts assault and battery on his children. The kids’ behavior involved arguing over a toy car.

The Defendant’s solution?

Beating the two kids, ages 9 and 10, repeatedly with a phone charger cord and throwing a bag of oranges at his daughter.
Continue reading

Today’s daily Boston Criminal Lawyer Blog features two people who are well known to the criminal justice system. In fact, one of them was featured in a posting on April 7th and can be found here.

Harold P., 41, of Lynn, (hereinafter, the “Defendant”) is a former youth sports coach and Lynn Classical hall monitor. The former hall rule enforcement official is in trouble with the law.

Again.

The Defendant had faced charges back in 2002. He had been accused of a sexual assault matter concerning a Lynn Classical student at that time. In 2005, he was exonerated.
On April 4th, 2009, however, he found himself charged with domestic violence.

This Monday, the Defendant was arraigned at Lynn District Court. He posted $200 bail, but reportedly fled court before he was supposed to. Because of that, he now has an outstanding warrant out for his arrest.

“It’s all a big misunderstanding,” said Lynn native and Boston attorney Gary Zerola. “He has never failed in his obligations and he just misunderstood what he was supposed to do.”
Continue reading

Boston waits, along with the rest of the world, for the next episode of the latest show biz soap opera. In case you have not heard…it involves Chris Brown and Rihanna, two well-known stars in the music world. The next episode is expected to air in April, when Mr. Brown is scheduled to be arraigned on charges of assault likely to cause great bodily injury and making criminal threats. The complainant? His girlfriend and fellow star, Rihanna,

The plot twist?

Rihanna seems to be on the side of her battling beau.

On a previous episode, the judge was ready to order Brown to stay away from Rihanna, as is customary in Domestic Violence cases. But the objection came from Rihanna, who asked the judge not to prohibit such contact while he faces these felony charges.

The judge granted her request, but ordered that Brown not abuse or intimidate her in the meantime. According to her attorney, that was “more than sufficient”.

Whatever that means…!
Continue reading

Performer Chris Brown is due in court today over allegations that he assaulted pop star Rihanna, who is his girlfriend. According to a police search warrant, he is accused of biting and beating the 21-year-old pop star during an alleged domestic violence altercation that took place in his rented Lamborghini on the night before the Grammy Awards last month.

The couple were reportedly riding in the vehicle together when they got into a fight. He allegedly tried to make her get out of the car, but she was wearing a seat belt. He then allegedly punched her a number of times and bit her fingers and ears, even threatening to kill the female singer.

Someone who heard the couple arguing after they stopped in an affluent residential area reportedly called 911. By the time police arrived at the scene, Brown was no longer there but a woman was found beaten and bruised next to his Lamborghini rental. There are some reports indicating that Rihanna’s blood was reportedly found spattered in the car.

The 19-year-old singer was arrested on February 8 under suspicion of making criminal threats. Brown is also under investigation for felony battery. Prosecutors, however, have yet to charge him for any crime. Experts have been commenting that a plea agreement might be under negotiation to prevent felony charges from being filed against Brown.

In the meantime, the media is reporting that Brown and Rihanna reconciled last weekend and the couple are back together again despite the alleged assault incident. According to experts, a criminal case against him may be difficult to pursue if she won’t testify against him.

Chris Brown still not charged in Rihanna case; Mark Geragos happy, New York Daily News, March 5, 2009
Chris Brown repeatedly beat, bit Rihanna, report says, Los Angeles Times, March 5, 2009
Chris Brown arrested in battery investigation, victim suspected to be girlfriend Rihanna, New York Daily News, February 9, 2009 Continue reading