A mother vindicated after a difficult encounter with law enforcement never expected that trying to calm her son during a courthouse arrest would result in criminal charges against her. Yet that is exactly what happened. After hearing the evidence, a jury needed only minutes to reach a verdict and recognize what truly occurred.
The Charges Against Our Client
Our client faced serious allegations stemming from an incident at Waltham District Court:
One count of assault and battery on a public employee (a court officer)
Two counts of witness intimidation
These weren’t minor charges. Under Massachusetts law, a conviction on all three counts could have resulted in decades of potential incarceration and tens of thousands of dollars in fines.
The Penalties Our Client Faced
Assault and Battery on a Public Employee (M.G.L. c. 265, § 13D): This charge carries a sentence of 90 days to 2½ years in a house of correction, or a fine of $500 to $5,000. While the statute sets a 90-day floor, this is not a true mandatory minimum—the sentence can be suspended and the person placed on probation.
Witness Intimidation (M.G.L. c. 268, § 13B): This felony offense is punishable by up to 2½ years in jail or up to 10 years in state prison. Fines range from $1,000 to $5,000. With two counts, our client faced the possibility of consecutive sentences.
Total Exposure: Our client faced maximum exposure of over 22 years incarceration across all three counts and fines up to $15,000.
What Really Happened
According to the charges, our client allegedly impeded officers who were arresting her son during a court proceeding. The Commonwealth claimed she assaulted the officers and attempted to obstruct the arrest through intimidation.
The reality was completely different.
The Power of Video Evidence
We moved quickly after being retained. Our first priority was obtaining video footage of the incident—and that footage told the real story.
The video clearly showed our client never touched the officers. Throughout the entire incident, she faced her son, not the officers. She was trying to calm him down as he prepared to be arrested. She was being a mother in a difficult moment, not a criminal.
Understanding the Legal Requirements
To secure a conviction, the Commonwealth had to prove specific elements beyond a reasonable doubt:
For assault and battery on a public employee, prosecutors needed to show our client intended to touch the officers, actually touched them, and did so without their consent while they performed their official duties.
For witness intimidation, they had to prove she attempted to physically injure one of the officers with intent to delay or obstruct a criminal proceeding.
The video evidence made it impossible for the Commonwealth to meet this burden. Our client simply didn’t commit the offenses.
Justice Delivered Quickly
After we presented the case and the jury saw the evidence, they deliberated for only a couple of minutes. Their verdict: Not guilty on all charges.
The brevity of their deliberation speaks volumes. When the evidence is clear, justice can be swift.
Why This Case Matters
This case demonstrates three critical points for anyone facing criminal charges:
Video evidence can be decisive. In today’s world, many incidents are captured on camera. This footage can be the difference between conviction and acquittal.
Don’t give up—even when charges involve police officers. It’s intimidating to fight charges that involve law enforcement or court personnel. Many people assume they can’t win. But prosecutors still must prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt, regardless of who the alleged victims are.
Acting quickly matters. We secured the video evidence early. In some cases, footage gets deleted or becomes unavailable. Swift action by your attorney can preserve the evidence that proves your innocence.
If You're Facing Similar Charges
Charges of assault on a public employee or witness intimidation carry real consequences: potential jail time, years in state prison, substantial fines, and a permanent criminal record that can affect employment, housing, and your reputation.
You need a criminal defense attorney who will investigate thoroughly, secure evidence immediately, challenge the Commonwealth’s case at every step, and fight for you without backing down.
Our client walked out of that courthouse vindicated because we acted decisively and the evidence proved the truth. Every person accused of a crime deserves that same vigorous defense.
If you’re facing criminal charges in Massachusetts, don’t wait. Contact our office for a consultation to discuss your case and your options.
