VICTORY: All Criminal Charges to Be Dismissed After Strategic Defense for Military Veteran

Written By: William J. Manchinton Jr.

Published: 06/02/2025

Share Us:

Resisting Arrest, Disorderly Conduct, and Assault Charges Set for DISMISSAL - Here's How We Did It

Another successful outcome secured for our clients facing serious criminal charges

We’re proud to share another major victory for our clients and their families. Our law firm recently secured an agreement for the complete dismissal of all criminal charges against a military veteran who was facing multiple serious accusations, including Resisting Arrest, Disorderly Conduct, Assault, and Interfering with Police Officer. Through strategic advocacy, all charges will be dismissed upon successful completion of a one-year general continuance.

The Charges Our Client Faced

Our client, a U.S. Army veteran, was initially charged with five separate criminal offenses following an incident during a Veterans Day celebration:

Disturbing the Peace (MGL Chapter 272, Section 53)
Disorderly Conduct (MGL Chapter 272, Section 53)
Resisting Arrest (MGL Chapter 268, Section 32B)
Assault and Battery on a Police Officer (MGL Chapter 265, Section 13D)
Interfering with Police Officer (Common Law)

These charges carried potential penalties including jail time up to 2½ years and significant fines. For a veteran trying to rebuild his life after military service, a criminal conviction would have been devastating.

Our Strategic Defense Approach

1. Comprehensive Mitigation Strategy

We immediately began building a comprehensive mitigation package that highlighted our client’s:

Honorable military service as an Army infantryman
Service-connected disabilities including traumatic brain injury (TBI) and anxiety disorder
100% VA disability rating recognizing the severity of his service-related conditions
Clean criminal record – this was completely out of character
Active engagement in education and VA healthcare
Commitment to treatment and personal growth
Veteran involved in an incident on Veteran’s Day

2. Challenging Probable Cause

We filed a Motion to Dismiss for Lack of Probable Cause, carefully analyzing every aspect of the arrest and the circumstances leading up to it. Our thorough investigation revealed significant weaknesses in the Commonwealth’s case.

3. Negotiating for Time and Treatment

We strategically requested a general continuance to allow our client to:

Continue his education at community college
Maintain his VA treatment programs
Demonstrate his commitment to being a productive member of society
Show the court this incident was an aberration, not a pattern

The Successful Outcome

After months of strategic advocacy, we secured an agreement for ALL CHARGES TO BE DISMISSED upon successful completion of a one-year general continuance.

Our Motion to Dismiss was partially granted, successfully getting the Assault and Battery on a Police Officer charge – one of the most serious charges our client faced – reduced to simple Assault. This significant reduction put us in a much stronger negotiating position with the prosecution. Through continued advocacy and negotiations, we ultimately secured an agreement where all charges will be dismissed if our client stays out of trouble for one year. Our client can now continue his education and treatment programs, knowing that his criminal record will remain clean.

Why This Case Matters

This victory demonstrates several key principles of effective criminal defense:

Veterans Deserve Special Consideration

Military veterans who suffer from service-connected disabilities like PTSD, TBI, and anxiety disorders often find themselves in the criminal justice system due to circumstances beyond their control. Courts increasingly recognize that traditional prosecution may not serve justice when dealing with those who sacrificed for our country.

Mitigation Can Be More Powerful Than Trial

While many attorneys focus solely on trial preparation, sometimes the most effective strategy involves comprehensive mitigation that shows the prosecutor and judge who your client really is – not just what they’re accused of doing.

Strategic Timing Matters

Knowing when to request continuances, when to file motions, and when to negotiate can make the difference between a conviction and complete dismissal.

Special Focus on Veterans' Cases

We understand the unique challenges facing military veterans in the criminal justice system. Many of our clients struggle with:

Service-connected disabilities that affect judgment and behavior
PTSD and anxiety disorders that can escalate minor situations
Difficulty transitioning to civilian life
Substance abuse issues related to service trauma
Employment concerns about criminal records

Your Criminal Charges Can Be Beaten

Just like our veteran client, you deserve experienced, aggressive representation that looks at every angle of your case. Whether you’re facing Resisting Arrest, Disorderly Conduct, Assault charges, or any other criminal accusations, we know how to fight for dismissals, reduced charges, and favorable plea agreements.

What We Do Differently:

Immediate case evaluation to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case
Comprehensive mitigation that shows who you really are
Aggressive motion practice challenging evidence and procedures Strategic negotiations with prosecutors
Trial-ready preparation when cases can’t be resolved pretrial
Special advocacy for veterans and those with mental health challenges

Don't Face Criminal Charges Alone

Criminal charges can destroy your career, your reputation, and your future. But with the right defense strategy, even serious charges like Assault, Resisting Arrest, and Disorderly Conduct can be dismissed or resolved favorably.

If you have a case with an upcoming court date and are looking for legal representation, contact our office today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and start building your defense immediately.

Every case is unique, and past results don’t guarantee future outcomes. However, our track record of dismissed charges and successful outcomes speaks for itself.

Ready to fight your charges? Call us now or fill out our online contact form. We’re here to help you protect your future, just like we did for our veteran client.

Attorney William J. Manchinton, Jr. – Experienced Criminal Defense Throughout Massachusetts