Massachusetts Assault and Battery Criminal Defense Attorneys
Assault and battery on a child under fourteen is a crime in Massachusetts that results when someone commits an assault and battery on any child under the age of fourteen causing either bodily injury or substantial bodily injury. It is a crime taken seriously by prosecutors who will aggressively seek to prove your guilt and usually will ask for the maximum penalty.
In order to find a defendant guilty of assault and battery on child under age 14 causing serious bodily injury the prosecution must prove four elements beyond a reasonable doubt:
- The defendant exercise care or custody over the child;
- The child was under the age 14;
- It was the defendant’s intention to touch the child;
- The child suffered substantial bodily injury because of the touching.
Criminal Penalties For Assault and Battery on Child Under Age 14 Causing Substantial Bodily Injury
“Substantial bodily injury” is any injury that causes permanent failure of a bodily function, a risk of death, or permanent disfigurement.
The maximum punishment for causing serious bodily injury is imprisonment for a maximum of fifteen years. The maximum punishment for a caretaker wantonly or recklessly permitting serious bodily injury is imprisonment for a maximum of five years.
Talk With an Experienced Boston A&B Charges Defense Lawyer for Free
Assault and battery is a serious offense and the prosecutor will work hard to prove your guilt. In most cases involving assault charges, the prosecutor will also seek the maximum punishment possible. For the best possible outcome, you need a criminal defense attorney who has experience in cases involving assault and battery charges; an attorney who will take the time to investigate your case and prepare a strong defense in your favor.
Any assault and battery conviction will remain on a public criminal record and can lead to job loss, difficulties in finding employment or educational opportunities.
Call our Brockton Assault and Battery Defense Lawyers to schedule a free no-obligation case review and consultation at (508) 588-0422 and you will have taken your first step to find out how best to confront this important matter. You can also click here to use our Free Case Evaluation Form.
Our knowledgeable and experienced Boston Child Assault and Battery Lawyers at The Law Offices of Gerald J. Noonan are available to assist clients throughout all of Massachusetts, including but not limited to Plymouth County including Brockton, Plymouth, Bridgewater, Hingham, Wareham, Middleboro; Norfolk County including Quincy, Stoughton, Dedham, Weymouth, Braintree, Randolph, Canton, Sharon, Brookline, Franklin; Bristol County including New Bedford, Fall River, Taunton, Wrentham, Attleboro, Mansfield, Easton, Raynham; and Middlesex County including Cambridge, Lowell, Somerville, Newton, Woburn, Framingham, Malden, Chelsea, Everett, Arlington, Medford and Waltham; Cape Cod, Barnstable, Falmouth and Worcester Essex County including Lynn, Lawrence and Salem; and the Greater Boston area including South Boston, Revere, Dorchester and Roxbury.
