Charged with Mayhem in Massachusetts? Our Defense Attorneys Are Ready to Protect Your Rights
Being charged with Mayhem in Massachusetts is a serious legal matter that demands experienced and strategic representation. The Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson is a seasoned criminal defense law firm with offices in Boston and Salem, offering legal defense for individuals accused of assault and violent crimes, including Mayhem. Our team consists of aggressive defense attorneys, including a former prosecutor, providing valuable insight into how the state builds its case.
We proudly serve individuals facing criminal charges not only in Boston, Brighton, and Chelsea in Suffolk County but also in Salem, Lynn, Swampscott, Peabody, and Saugus in Essex County. Our law firm is also equipped to defend clients in Cambridge, Somerville, and Newton in Middlesex County, and Brookline in Norfolk County. When your future and reputation are on the line, the right defense makes all the difference. That’s where we step in — delivering representation that is responsive, knowledgeable, and committed.
What Is Mayhem Under Massachusetts Law?
Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 265, Section 14, Mayhem is defined as the malicious intent to maim or disfigure another person. This includes actions such as cutting or removing someone’s tongue, eye, ear, nose, or limb, or otherwise making them permanently disabled or disfigured.
There are two types of Mayhem charges under Massachusetts law:
- Mayhem by specific acts – where certain forms of mutilation (cutting out a tongue, slitting a nose or lip, disabling a limb, etc.) are intentionally inflicted.
- Mayhem by dangerous means – where someone intentionally inflicts serious injury using a dangerous weapon or method, resulting in permanent disfigurement or disability.
The law treats Mayhem as a felony, and a conviction can result in a state prison sentence of up to 20 years. The consequences of such a charge go far beyond incarceration — a felony conviction can affect employment, housing, and many civil rights for years to come.
Why You Need a Massachusetts Defense Attorney for a Mayhem Charge
A charge of Mayhem is not something you should attempt to navigate without legal representation. This is not just another assault charge — Mayhem implies intent and permanent injury, making it more severe than many other violent crime allegations. If you’re facing these charges, the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson offers the experience, knowledge, and focused legal strategy necessary for your defense.
Our attorneys understand how prosecutors think, especially with our unique experience that includes a former prosecutor on our team. This allows us to anticipate how your case will be pursued and identify weaknesses in the state’s argument.
As an aggressive criminal defense attorney, we explore every opportunity to challenge evidence, expose flaws in the prosecution’s case, and ensure your rights are protected from start to finish.
Areas We Serve
Our criminal defense law firm proudly represents clients throughout Eastern Massachusetts. Whether you’re facing Mayhem charges in the heart of Boston or in surrounding communities, we’re ready to provide strong legal support wherever your case is being prosecuted.
We serve individuals in, but not limited to following areas:
- Suffolk County: including Boston, Brighton, and Chelsea
- Essex County: including Salem, Lynn, Swampscott, Peabody, and Saugus
- Middlesex County: including Cambridge, Somerville, and Newton
- Norfolk County: including Brookline, Dedham, and Quincy
With offices located in both Boston and Salem, we are well-positioned to assist clients across these regions. If your case is being heard in District or Superior Court within any of these counties, our team is prepared to stand by your side with skilled legal representation.
Potential Defenses to a Mayhem Charge
Every case is unique, but potential defenses in a Mayhem case may include:
- Lack of Intent: Mayhem requires intentional conduct. If the injury occurred accidentally or without malice, this could reduce or dismiss the charge.
- Self-Defense: If the injury occurred while defending yourself or another person from harm, this may be a valid defense.
- False Accusations: Sometimes, accusations are exaggerated or completely fabricated. This can be exposed through cross-examination and investigation.
- Insufficient Evidence: Prosecutors must prove every element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. We ensure they are held to that high standard.
Our approach focuses on examining every aspect of your case and tailoring a strategy to your specific circumstances. This includes reviewing medical records, witness statements, and police reports to uncover facts that support your defense.
What Sets our law firm Apart?
At the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson, we treat every case personally. We don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach. As a Boston criminal defense attorney with deep experience in assault and violent crime, we recognize that your freedom, reputation, and future are at stake. Our law firm is committed to aggressive representation in the courtroom and careful, honest guidance outside of it.
We have built our reputation as a trusted criminal defense law firm in Massachusetts by standing with our clients — not just representing them, but advocating for them. We don’t overpromise, and we don’t back down when the stakes are high.
Take Action Now to Protect Your Rights
If you or a loved one is facing a Mayhem charge in Massachusetts, it’s important to act quickly and decisively. The earlier you engage an attorney, the more options you may have to build a strong defense. Contact the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson today to schedule a confidential strategy session. We are ready to assess your case, explain your options, and develop a defense built around your specific situation — with offices conveniently located in Boston and Salem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mayhem a felony in Massachusetts?
Yes. Under Massachusetts law, Mayhem is classified as a felony offense punishable by up to 20 years in state prison.
What’s the difference between assault and Mayhem?
Assault may involve threats or attempts to cause harm, while Mayhem requires intentional and permanent disfigurement or disablement of another person.
Can Mayhem charges be reduced to a lesser offense?
In some cases, charges may be reduced to assault or assault and battery if evidence of intent or permanent injury is lacking. An experienced defense attorney can help pursue this outcome.
What if the injury was accidental?
Accidental injuries generally do not qualify as Mayhem. Intent is a required element of the offense, and proving the injury was unintentional may be a key defense strategy.
Where will my Mayhem case be heard?
It depends on where the incident occurred. Cases may be prosecuted in District or Superior Court, typically in the county where the alleged offense happened.