Assault and Battery on a Family or Household Member
What is a family or Household member?
Under Massachusetts law, an individual can be a family or household member in several different ways:
- The alleged victim is married to the defendant
- There is a child in common
- The alleged victim and defendant are in a substantive dating relationship
It is important to know that the relationship does not need to be exclusive to be considered substantive. An individual who is merely an acquaintance does not qualify as a family or household member.
If you have been charged with Assault and Battery on a Family or Household Member, make sure you know your rights and get the representation that you deserve; contact BISSON LAW today!
Penalties
This type of crime is considered a misdemeanor and carries up to 2 1/2 years in the House of Corrections.
If an individual has previously been convicted of this crime, a subsequent conviction is a felony and carries up to 2 1/2 years in the House of Corrections or up to 5 years in prison, if indicted.