Assault and battery, though very similar, are actually two different charges. Assault refers to the threat of violence, where as battery refers to unlawful physical contact with the intent to cause harm, injury, or pain. That being said, police officers in Boston have the right to arrest and charge someone with assault & battery even if no actual physical harm was caused. The police can also file charges against someone whose actions made it obvious they intended to threaten or harm the victim.
If you have been charged with assault & battery, it’s imperative that you seek experienced legal counsel right away. Assault and battery are very serious criminal charges that can result in a number of adverse penalties upon conviction. In Massachusetts, assault and battery are punishable by imprisonment, $1,000 in fines, and other various penalties. However, these penalties will be enhanced by such factors as:
- A weapon was used to the commit the crime. This is includes such weapons as firearms and knives, but also any other object used for the purpose of causing harm or injury, such as a plate, rock, shovel, etc. A fist and a foot even constitute a weapon.
- The severity of the victim’s injuries
- If the crime was committed against a minor
If you are facing assault and/or battery charges in the Boston area, Attorney Thomas A. Brant can help. Mr. Brant has more than 20 years of experience in criminal law, and has been very successful at helping clients throughout the Boston area avoid assault & battery convictions. Furthermore, having defended clients against both felony and misdemeanor assault and battery charges, Mr. Brant has developed a keen insight and effective defense strategies for defending people against these types of charges. When you come to the Law Office of Thomas A. Brant, you can feel confidant knowing your rights will be defended by an experienced Boston assault & battery attorney who will aggressively fight your charges, and work hard to ensure you are found “not guilty!”
Contact Boston assault & battery lawyer Thomas A. Brant today!