Suffolk Domestic Violence Lawyer

Police and prosecutors in Suffolk County take an aggressive approach to allegations of domestic violence. So much so, that police officers who respond to a substantiated call of domestic violence have no choice but to arrest the accused—even if the situation has calmed down and the alleged victim doesn’t want to press charges. And, while DV crimes are often based on exaggerations or downright lies, the punishments for these offenses are so harsh that you can’t afford to take any chances. At the Law Office of Patrick J. Murphy, our Suffolk domestic violence lawyer has successfully represented men and women facing allegations of family violence for over 27 years. We understand how to expose the weaknesses of the prosecution’s case to you can get back to living your life.

Domestic violence is broadly used to describe a variety of criminal offenses that are committed against family members or those who are or were involved in a romantic relationship. In recent history, Massachusetts lawmakers have passed several laws clarifying what constitutes a crime of domestic violence. For example, domestic violence laws seek to prevent the following:

• Placing a family or household member in fear of imminent bodily injury;
• Causing a family or household member to engage in consensual sexual activity; and
• Causing or attempting to cause a family or household member to suffer physical harm.

While there are many DV charges prosecutors can pursue, most Suffolk County domestic violence cases involve assault, assault and battery, strangulation, intimidation of a witness, and violation of a protective order.

Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 209A Section 1, the state’s domestic violence laws apply to the following types of relationships:

• Individuals who are married or have ever been married;
• Individuals who currently live together or have ever lived together;
• Individuals who are related by blood;
• Individuals who are related by marriage;
• Individuals who have a child in common; and
• Individuals who are currently or have ever been involved in a “substantive dating or engagement relationship.”

Those convicted of a domestic violence offense in Suffolk face a combination of incarceration, probation, fines, and mandatory classes. Of course, the punishment largely depends on the type of crime, whether the victim was injured, and the defendant’s criminal history. For example, committing an assault and battery against a family or household member will result in a sentence of up to 2.5 years in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. However, if you have a prior conviction for assault and battery on a family or household member, you’ll face up to five years in state prison and a fine of up to $5,000.

In addition, anyone who is convicted or obtains a continuance without a finding in a case involving assault and battery on a family or household member must complete a batterer’s intervention program.

Given the harsh punishments involved, anyone facing a domestic violence crime in Suffolk County should immediately contact an experienced criminal defense attorney to discuss possible defenses.

If you face allegations of domestic violence, it is imperative that you reach out to a dedicated Suffolk domestic violence defense attorney as soon as possible. At the Law Office of Patrick J. Murphy, we recognize that you have many choices when it comes to who you select to defend you. However, we also know you deserve a lawyer who will take your case as seriously as you do—which isn’t always easy to find. At the Law Office of Patrick J. Murphy, we take an individualized approach to every case we handle. We focus on quickly identifying the best defenses and aggressively advocating on your behalf from the moment you bring us on board. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation with an attorney today, call 617-367-0450 or reach out to us through our online contact form. We represent clients throughout Suffolk County, including in Boston, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop.