Top-Rated Boston Domestic Violence Attorneys
Boston Defense Lawyers Handling Domestic Violence Cases
Domestic abuse allegations can destroy your life. You may find yourself legally removed from your home and your family based only on accusations. If you have been charged with a crime of domestic violence, getting help from experienced legal counsel is crucial to improving your chances of a positive legal outcome.
Boston domestic violence attorney David Yannetti and his associates have extensive experience protecting the rights of individuals who have been accused of spousal abuse. As a former prosecutor, attorney Yannetti understands how domestic abuse cases are tried and defended. He will fight hard to ensure that your rights are protected throughout the criminal process.
Dedicated Representation in All Domestic Abuse Matters
The criminal defense lawyers at the Yannetti Criminal Defense Law Firm provide dedicated representation in all domestic abuse matters.
Attorney Yannetti and his legal team will be there for you at every stage of the process. Mr. Yannetti will fight to get all of the charges against you reduced or dismissed. However, if your case is brought to trial, he understands how to mount an effective attack against the prosecution’s evidence. When your reputation and your future are at stake, you need an experienced and skilled legal advocate.
Call Us for a FREE Phone Consultation
We are top rated domestic violence lawyers serving Massachusetts, who will provide you with the best representation you can obtain anywhere. With offices in Boston, Salem, and Dedham, we are here to help you. Call us for a FREE phone consult.
Additional Domestic Violence Information
Do you have additional questions about domestic violence cases? If so, call us for a free consult or visit the links below:
- Allegations of domestic violence/abuse
- What to do if falsely accused of domestic violence?
- What happens if convicted of domestic violence?
- New laws increase penalties for domestic violence offenses
- Under new law, domestic violences arrests not initially made public
- How to drop domestic violence charges
- Restraining orders
- Restraining order violations
- Restraining order FAQs
- What To Do If Falsely Accused Of Domestic Violence?
- What Happens If Convicted Of Domestic Violence?
- Salem Domestic Violence Lawyers
- Dedham Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence Questions & Answers
Listed below are a some answers to some frequently asked questions about domestic violence. If you have any further questions please call or email for a consultation.
When is a fight more than a fight? What is the definition of domestic violence?
Anyone who has been in a relationship knows that emotions can run high. Disagreements happen. But when is that disagreement more than just an argument? When does it rise to the level of domestic violence?
The answer will likely depend on state law. In Massachusetts, abuse is defined as the occurrence of one or more of the following between a family or household member: attempt to cause physical harm, the actual causing of physical harm, placing in fear of imminent serious physical harm, or causing another to engage involuntarily in sexual relations by force, threat, or duress.
For the purposes of domestic assault and battery charges family or household members include those who are married, have a child together regardless of marital status or living arrangements and those who are engaged or have a substantive dating relationship. A substantive relationship depends on the length and type of relationship as well as the frequency of interaction between the parties. Even without the presence of a substantive relationship, the prosecution could still move forward with criminal charges for other crimes like stalking or criminal harassment.
What happens if my partner calls the police and makes accusations of domestic violence?
The dispatcher who answers the 911 call will likely send two officers to the scene. During the call, the dispatcher will try to gather information about the safety of the caller, the nature of the incident that led to the call and whether there any weapons or other potential hazards like pets that could put responding officers at risk of injury. Additional information will likely include a request for descriptions of people there and whether there are children at the scene.
Will I get arrested?
It is important to know that the Commonwealth instructs police in Massachusetts to take a “pro-arrest, pro-prosecution” approach to these calls. The police need only to have probable cause that a crime occurred to move forward with an arrest. In these situations, uncorroborated statements by an alleged victim can satisfy this requirement.
If arrested, the police can keep those who are 18 or older without bail for a minimum of six hours if they believe you violated a restraining order or committed an act that constitutes abuse.
Will I go to prison for domestic violence charges?
Domestic violence crimes can include assault and battery, stalking, strangulation, and abuse prevention order violations. Penalties for these crimes vary but can include:
- Assault and battery. This can come with 2.5 years imprisonment or a $1,000 fine.
- Stalking. Up to 5 years imprisonment and a $1,000 fine.
- Strangulation. This can come with up to 5 years imprisonment and a $5,000 fine.
- Violation of a prevention order. Up to 2.5 years in a house of correction.
The penalties vary depending on the facts and can include more than one charge, meaning the ranges noted above can quickly add up to a much larger sentence.
What should I do immediately after being charged with domestic violence?
The Stakes Are Even Higher for Non-Citizens
For non-citizen spouses who wish to divorce but are fearful of being deported to their home country as a result, there is a large potential for abuse of the Violence Against Women Act (“VAWA”). Simply by claiming to be a victim of domestic violence — even where the allegations are patently false — a non-citizen spouse may put herself or himself on a fast track toward obtaining a green card. In this way, our government has provided an incentive for someone to falsely claim domestic violence — to the detriment of the innocent spouse.
A charge of domestic violence or spousal abuse puts you at risk of having your private life become public information. An experienced criminal defense attorney will be sensitive to all aspects of your case, both inside and outside the courtroom. Your reputation and your future are at stake. If you are not a U.S. citizen, a domestic violence conviction could affect your immigration status and ultimately lead to deportation.
Do you have additional questions about domestic violence and deportation? If so, call us for a free consult or visit the links below:
Seek Skilled Legal Help
A skillful defense lawyer can raise issues that may resolve a case without the necessity of going to trial and without the necessity of admitting to the charge or pleading guilty. The sensitive nature of these cases makes it all the more important that you retain a battle-tested attorney who will fight for you till the end.
Call for a Free Consultation with a Boston Domestic Violence Defense Attorney
If you have been accused of domestic abuse, you should seek legal advice immediately. Contact a domestic violence lawyer online or call 617-297-9213 for a free phone consultation.
