Issues in Massachusetts
Domestic Assault Cases
As the term “domestic” suggests, this charge covers assault and battery in family situations and also covers people who are in dating relationships or in domestic partnerships. Like a non-domestic assault and battery, these charges allege that the accused made threats to cause harm or injury or made unlawful physical contact. People facing these charges should know that even if the victim does not wish to press charges under marital privilege, the district attorney can still prosecute. Some other things to note include:
- Many domestic assault and battery cases involve the breakdown or a romantic or family relationship, including pending divorces
- In some instances, victims allege that they have been physically abused by the accused over long periods of time
- Some cases involve alcoholism or drug addiction or use
- Some cases involve efforts to seek revenge or payback on the part of the victim
- The victim may have filed a restraining or protective order against the spouse or partner that was violated by mistake
Attorney Burns investigates the charges. In many instances, the police and district attorney do not have the full picture of the situation that led to the arrest. She will bring forward any mitigating evidence and fight false statements and testimony. Families and relationships are messy; she will make sure that the court has the full picture. Her experience working at the Department of Children and families (DCF) gives her insight into the complexities of families and relationships.
