Assault & Battery Charges
What is an Assault?
An assault occurs when an individual attempts to commit a battery on another individual or threatens to commit a battery on another individual. A battery is the use of force. For example, if one individual threatens to punch someone or attempts to punch them but misses, that would be an assault. If the individual’s hand touches the other person, then the assault is enhanced to an assault and battery.
Assault, in and of itself, can range from 2½ years in the House of Correction to 5 years in state prison. Massachusetts recognizes many different categories of assault. Some forms of assault are considered misdemeanors, while others are considered felonies. If found guilty, the penalties can range from multiple years in prison and thousands of dollars in fines.
Several types of assaults can be charged as a subsequent offense, increasing the time one may be sentenced to jail or prison.
If you have been charged with Assault, ensure you know your rights and get the representation you deserve; contact Bisson Law today!
What is an Assault and Battery?
Assault and Battery is an enhanced version of assault. Unlike an assault, where an individual threatens to hurt someone or attempts to hurt someone but is unsuccessful, an assault and battery occurs when a part of an individual’s body touches another individual. Another example would be when an individual throws an object at someone, and it strikes the other person.
One type of assault and battery occurs when it is done to a child. Under Massachusetts Law, a child is someone who is under the age of 14 at the time the assault and battery occurred. Penalties for this type of crime are quite serious and can range from 2½ years in the House of Correction to 15 years in state prison.
There are many assault and battery offenses that an individual can be charged with. For example, if the assault and battery is committed against a public employee, to collect a loan, against a correctional facility employee, against a family member, or a healthcare provider, to name a few. Additionally, some of these offenses have provisions for subsequent offenses, which may increase an individual’s incarceration time.
If you have been charged with Assault and Battery, ensure you know your rights and get the representation you deserve; contact Bisson Law today!