Charged with Assault and Battery? Our Boston Defense Attorney Is Prepared to Defend You
If you or someone you care about has been charged with Assault and Battery or any violent crime, the decisions you make today can affect the rest of your life. With offices in Boston and Salem, the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson offers strong, effective legal defense for individuals facing criminal charges in Suffolk County, Essex County, and surrounding areas. Our team of aggressive criminal defense attorneys, including a former prosecutor, brings both courtroom experience and insight into how the prosecution builds its case. This means you benefit from legal strategies built on knowledge of both sides of the courtroom.
At our criminal defense law firm, we understand the fear, confusion, and urgency that come with an assault charge. Whether you’re from Boston, Brighton, Chelsea, or nearby cities in Suffolk County, or live in Salem, Lynn, Peabody, Swampscott, or Saugus in Essex County, we take your case seriously. We also serve clients in Cambridge, Somerville, Newton, and Brookline. If you’re facing a charge, don’t wait. Contact us now to set up a strategy session with a trusted and experienced Boston defense attorney who will fight for your rights.
What Is Assault and Battery in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, Assault and Battery is a serious offense that involves either intentional physical contact or an attempt to cause harm. According to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 265, Section 13A, Assault and Battery can occur in two forms:
- Harmful Battery: The deliberate and unlawful use of force on another person.
- Offensive Battery: Unwanted physical contact that does not necessarily cause harm but is offensive or disrespectful.
Depending on the severity of the alleged offence and whether there are any aggravating circumstances, assault and battery carry the following penalties:
- Use of a dangerous weapon
- Serious bodily injury
- Victim being a public employee, elderly, pregnant, or disabled
In Massachusetts, even a first-time conviction can result in jail time, fines, probation, or mandatory anger management programs. More serious charges like Aggravated Assault and Battery may lead to years of imprisonment.
How Our Criminal Defense Law Firm Can Help
At the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson, we approach each case with the seriousness it deserves. Our experienced Boston criminal defense attorneys analyze the facts, assess weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and craft personalized legal strategies aimed at protecting your freedom and reputation.
We offer:
- Insight from a former prosecutor who understands how the other side thinks
- Aggressive representation in Boston, Salem, and beyond
- Deep knowledge of Massachusetts criminal law
- Individual attention—we take every case personally
Whether you’re being accused of a bar fight, domestic incident, or a misunderstanding blown out of proportion, your side of the story deserves to be heard. We explore every legal avenue, including motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or negotiate lesser penalties where appropriate.
Why Choose the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson?
A criminal record or a case being dropped can depend on the defense attorney you choose. At the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson, we’ve built our reputation as a trusted criminal defense law firm in Massachusetts by combining legal skill with a dedication to our clients’ well-being.
We take every case seriously. We prepare thoroughly. And most importantly, we listen. No case is too small, and no client is just a file number to us. You should have legal counsel who is aware of your particular circumstances as well as the law.
Areas We Serve
Our law firm proudly represents clients throughout Massachusetts, with a strong focus on communities in and around Boston and Salem. We regularly defend individuals facing criminal charges in, but not limited to following areas:
- Suffolk County: including Boston, Brighton, and Chelsea
- Essex County: including Salem, Lynn, Peabody, Swampscott, and Saugus
- Middlesex County: including Cambridge, Somerville, and Newton
- Norfolk County: including Brookline, Quincy, and Dedham
No matter where your case is being handled, our team is committed to providing experienced and strategic legal representation. If you’ve been charged in one of these locations or a nearby town, we are ready to step in and protect your rights.
Contact Us to Set Up a Confidential Strategy Session
If you’ve been charged with Assault and Battery or any violent crime in Massachusetts, don’t wait for things to get worse. The legal system moves quickly, and you need someone on your side from the start. Let our team help you understand your rights, evaluate the charges, and build a strong defense. Whether your case is in Boston, Salem, or another city in Suffolk, Essex, Middlesex, or Norfolk County, our aggressive criminal defense attorneys are ready to stand by your side. Contact the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson today to schedule a strategy session and take the first step toward protecting your future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between assault and assault and battery in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, assault is the attempt or threat to cause harm, while assault and battery involves actual physical contact. Both are criminal offenses but vary in legal consequences.
Can I go to jail for a first-time Assault and Battery charge?
Yes. Even a first offense can result in jail time, depending on the circumstances. Penalties increase significantly if aggravating factors are present, such as serious injury or use of a weapon.
Is Assault and Battery a felony in Massachusetts?
It can be. While basic Assault and Battery is usually a misdemeanor, certain forms—like Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon or against vulnerable victims—are considered felonies under Massachusetts law.
Will an Assault and Battery conviction stay on my record?
Yes. A conviction becomes part of your CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) and can affect job opportunities, housing, and more. That’s why it’s important to work with an experienced Massachusetts defense attorney to try to avoid a conviction.
What should I do after being charged with Assault and Battery?
Avoid discussing the case with anyone except your attorney. Do not contact the alleged victim. Contact a Boston criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to discuss your options and begin building a defense strategy.