Assault With Intent to Murder

Armed assault with intent to murder is a major felony crime punishable by up to 20 years in state prison. This type of charge is usually brought in situations in which the alleged victim sustained a substantial amount of injury. There also must have been a weapon involved, such as a gun, a knife or a pipe, for example. Many times these are circumstances in which a fight may have escalated or the accused was provoked, resulting in a stabbing, serious beating or shooting. If you have been charged with assault with intent to murder or armed assault with intent to murder, there is a lot at stake. That is why you need a Boston criminal defense attorney who can evaluate and defend your case properly.

Contact Boston assault with intent to murder defense attorney David R. Yannetti today and schedule a confidential consultation to discuss your case.

High Burden of Proof on Prosecutors

This is a particularly difficult charge to prove. Prosecutors have the burden of proving that at the time the injury was inflicted, the alleged perpetrator specifically intended to murder the victim. This is known in criminal law as a "specific intent" crime and is a higher degree of intent than general intent. Essentially, the intent in an assault with intent to murder charge is the same the intent necessary to substantiate a murder charge. At trial, the prosecution will have to prove that beyond a reasonable doubt, you committed this crime. These charges cannot be brought in district court as the district court has no jurisdiction. If the Commonwealth intends to prosecute this crime, it must indict the alleged perpetrator and prosecute the case in superior court.

With such a high burden of proof, prosecutors will sometimes use this charge as leverage. Their hope is often to intimidate a defendant into pleading guilty to a lesser crime. That is why it is so crucial that you have a Boston murder defense attorney who is not intimidated by prosecutors who bring such a serious charge to use it as a plea bargaining tool. Attorney David Yannetti has years of extensive experience. He has a proven track record and will use his superior negotiation skills to help you plea for a lesser charge only if it is in your best interests and something you want to do. Otherwise, he will stand ready to fight the government for you by fiercely and intelligently defending you at trial. Attorney Yannetti is experienced enough to see through a case when it is brought only for intimidation purposes. He will thoroughly evaluate your case to determine the best plan of action.

Contact a Seasoned Boston Murder Defense Attorney

Attorney Yannetti has more than 22 years of legal experience and has successfully defended many violent crimes cases.

Free Phone Consultation: Contact Boston murder defense lawyer David Yannetti.