In a Massachusetts assault and battery case, self defense is likely to be at issue. When an individual charged with assault and battery asserts a self defense, a Massachusetts criminal defense lawyer needs to learn as much about the victim and alleged aggressor as possible. A case decided by the Massachusetts Supreme Court, Commonwealth v. Adjutant, allows a defendant to offer into evidence prior violent acts of the alleged victim to prove who was the aggressor even if the defendant did not know about these prior acts.
These prior violent acts can be discovered through searching criminal records or through witnesses who know the alleged victim. These acts if a judge admits them into evidence can support a claim of self defense at trial.
Michael DelSignore is a Massachusetts criminal defense attorney that defends assault and battery cases throughout the State. If you are charged with assault and battery or a domestic assault and battery let Attorney DelSignore review your case, discuss your defenses, and begin preparing your defense at trial. Call for a free consultation at 508-455-4755 or by email through the contact form on this website.
