Domestic Violence

Domestic violence cases are treated different than other criminal cases. There are a number of police domestic violence units and designated prosecutors who have been specially trained to aggressively help people experiencing domestic violence.

The law surrounding domestic violence is complex and highly specialized. That is why it is so important to contact an experienced attorney who focuses on defending the rights of individuals facing domestic violence charges.

Examples of Domestic Violence

Domestic violence covers a wide range of abuse including child negligence and spousal abuse, including:

• Verbal threats
• Stalking
• Harassing phone calls
• Intimidation
• Physical abuse or assault
  • Pushing
  • Shoving
  • Hitting
  • Slapping
  • Kicking
  • Biting
  • Pinching
  • Hair pulling
  • Beating with fists, feet or a weapon
• Sexual abuse
  • Unwanted sexual touching
  • Forced sexual acts/rape
• Verbal abuse
  • Constant criticism
  • Name calling, degrading remarks
  • Ignoring the victim
  • Emotional cruelty
• Child abuse
  • Negligence
  • Child endangerment
  • Charges can be filed if the child is witness to spousal abuse
• Elder abuse
• Can occur in the home or at the victim’s care facility
• Social abuse
  • Violating privacy acts
  • Opening mail/email
  • Listening to private telephone conversations
  • Isolating the victim from friends and family
  • Extreme jealousy and possessiveness
• Financial abuse
  • Withholding money from victim
  • Forbidding the victim to work
  • Not paying bills
  • Not providing spouse or children with necessities or food

  Domestic Violence: Punishment and Penalties

  Domestic violence charges may vary depending on the severity of the case. Charges may be filed as either misdemeanors or felonies; however, severe injuries inflicted on a victim such as broken bones or bruises will almost always be charged as felonies. Minor injuries and verbal abuse are more likely to be filed as misdemeanors. Prior charges will usually influence the way the charge is filed.

  Contact an Experienced Attorney

  If you or someone you know has been accused of domestic violence, it is important to contact an attorney who is experienced in domestic violence cases immediately. A skilled Massachusetts criminal defense attorney will thoroughly evaluate the situation and devise the best possible course of action.

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Suite 215
Lowell, MA 01852

Tel: 800-483-9219