New Bedford Violent Crimes Attorney Serving Massachusetts

When it comes to prosecuting and sentencing violent crimes, Massachusetts has some of the most strict laws in the country. Due to the way the Commonwealth defines violent crimes, it’s far easier than you think to find yourself up against life-changing and disastrous consequences.

Once you’ve been charged with a violent crime, the best thing you can do is hire Courtney K. Fogarty as your New Bedford violent crimes attorney. The sooner you schedule your free no-obligation initial consultation, the sooner you can begin taking steps towards acquittal and reclaiming your freedom. 

Types of Violent Crimes

In the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, any crime involving a weapon or weapons, verbal threats, or physical force of any kind.

If you’re thinking that covers quite a wide spectrum of crimes, you aren’t wrong. Here are just some which are considered violent crimes in Massachusetts:

• Suffocation
• Mayhem
• Reckless child endangerment
• Assault and battery causing serious bodily harm or injury
• Assault and battery with a dangerous weapon
• Aggravated assault and battery
• Assault and battery on a disabled or elderly person
• Assault and battery on a law enforcement official
• Assault and battery
• Assault
• Threats to commit a crime
• Aggravated or armed burglary
• Homicide
• Murder
• Rape
• Carjacking

These are just the most common cases in which you’ll need an aggressive and experienced New Bedford violent crimes attorney. The state prosecutes these cases thoroughly and severely, and you’re going to need an effective tactical defense to avoid the harsh penalties.

FAQS

What Are the Penalties if Found Guilty?

If found guilty, the penalties can be quite severe. Violent crimes are punished harshly at both the state and federal levels. Even worse, if your case involves specific factors, you face harsher sentencing.

If you have a prior criminal record or prior violent crime conviction, the judge will often enhance your sentence. Using a weapon during a violent crime and causing bodily harm to the victim will have the same effect.

Generally speaking, the judge may choose to penalize you with…

• Long prison sentence, depending on your specific charges
• Probation
• Mandatory counseling
• Expensive fines ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars
• Restraining orders
• Paying restitution to the victim(s)
• Community service

But that’s just the beginning. The negative ripples throughout your life can be absolutely staggering unless you hire an expert New Bedford violent crimes attorney like Courtney K. Fogarty.

You see, a violent crime conviction follows you around like a dark cloud. Very few employers in the Boston area are excited about hiring you once you have violence on your record. While rejecting your application purely due to a prior conviction is unlawful discrimination, these employers are more likely to choose an applicant with a clean record.

You’ll also lose your right to own or possess firearms if the Commonwealth sees you as a violent offender.

Then there’s the collateral damage to your relationships. The children’s court is very likely to rescind your custodial rights or custody arrangements if you’re saddled with a violent crime conviction.

You may also be forced into a no-contact order with the victim, and arrested if you try to get near that person. This can be absolutely devastating and life-changing depending on your relationship with the victim.

What Defenses Do You Have?

You have a few potential defenses that may help exonerate you of violent crime charges. “I didn’t do it” is simply not a strong enough strategy, which is why it’s vital that you work with a skilled criminal defense attorney like Courtney.

Self-defense is both a common and valid defense, This could refer to defending your property, another person involved in the incident, or yourself from harm.

Your situation may be well-suited to an alibi defense. By providing evidence that you weren’t present at the time and place of the criminal offense, the jury becomes more likely to rule in our favor.

Identification is yet another possible defense. One of the most crucial elements of a violent crime case is proving your identity and the identity of the perpetrator are the same. Convincing the jury of this rests entirely on the prosecution, which can be quite difficult in certain cases.

When you choose Courtney as your New Bedford violent crimes attorney, she’ll get to know every detail of your unique circumstances.

Who Should You Choose as your Massachusetts Criminal Defense Lawyer?

You should choose Massachusetts criminal defense lawyer Courtney K. Fogarty from the Law Office of Courtney K. Fogarty.

With over 10 years of handling Violent Crimes as an Assistant District Attorney, Courtney knows all the complex intricacies of advocating effectively for your freedom. 

When you’re accused of a violent crime, you’ve got a lot on the line. Law enforcement officials, prosecutors, and judges alike take a very harsh stance against violence in their communities. The media loves to publicize and report on these cases, adding additional stress and strain to an experience that’s already difficult.

Hiring a New Bedford Violent Crimes Defense Attorney

If you’re facing these charges, the best thing you can do is schedule your free 60-minute initial consultation with Courtney as soon as possible. Call Fogarty Law today at 508-317-0339 to start building your defense.