Clifford Defense provides strong assault and battery defense throughout Massachusetts. False accusations, self-defense, lack of intent — we fight all assault charges to protect your record and freedom.
Assault and battery charges in Massachusetts range from misdemeanor bar-fight cases to serious felony prosecutions carrying years in state prison. Whatever the allegations, you need a defense attorney who knows Massachusetts assault law inside and out. Attorney Mark J. Clifford has defended hundreds of A&B cases across all Massachusetts courts — from simple misdemeanors to ABWDW felonies — and will fight aggressively for the best possible outcome.
Under Massachusetts law, assault and battery are legally distinct. Assault (G.L. c. 265, § 13A) is an attempted or threatened battery — placing someone in reasonable fear of imminent bodily harm. Battery is the harmful or offensive touching of another person without consent. The two are frequently charged together as "assault and battery," but the distinction matters for your defense strategy.
Massachusetts recognizes the right to use reasonable force in self-defense, defense of another, or defense of a third party. Under G.L. c. 278, § 8A, the Castle Doctrine provides that you have no duty to retreat from your home before using force in self-defense. Attorney Clifford builds complete self-defense presentations — gathering surveillance footage, witness statements, medical records, and prior complaint history to establish that your actions were justified.
For defendants without a prior record, a Continuance Without a Finding (CWOF) may be available. Under this disposition, you admit to sufficient facts for a finding of guilty, but the court continues the case without entering a conviction. After a probationary period, the case is dismissed — no conviction on your record. Attorney Clifford regularly negotiates CWOFs for qualifying clients facing first-time A&B charges.
To convict you of assault and battery, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt: (1) you touched the alleged victim; (2) the touching was intentional; and (3) the touching was either harmful or offensive and without consent. Each element is an opportunity for your defense attorney to create reasonable doubt. Attorney Clifford scrutinizes every piece of evidence — police reports, 911 recordings, body camera footage, medical records, and witness credibility — to find weaknesses in the prosecution's case.
Strangulation is now a standalone felony under G.L. c. 265, § 15D, added in 2014. Prosecutors aggressively charge strangulation based on petechial hemorrhaging (burst blood vessels in the eyes), voice changes, or the alleged victim's statement alone — even without visible marks. Attorney Clifford challenges the medical evidence, the alleged victim's credibility, and the circumstances to fight these serious charges.
Under Massachusetts law, a "dangerous weapon" is any object used in a manner capable of causing serious bodily harm. Courts have found the following to be dangerous weapons in the right context: cars, baseball bats, bottles, knives, chairs, high heels, and even shod feet. A conviction for ABWDW carries up to 10 years in state prison. Attorney Clifford challenges whether the item was actually dangerous and whether the use was intentional.
Call (617) 501-0411 immediately after an assault and battery arrest — 24/7 availability, free consultation.
Charged with Assault & Battery Defense? Speak with an experienced Massachusetts defense attorney today — free and confidential.
📅 Book Consultation 📞 Call (617) 501-0411Assault and battery charges in Massachusetts often come down to one person's word against another's. Attorney Mark J. Clifford uses every available tool to challenge the prosecution's narrative — from surveillance footage to witness credibility to constitutional motions.
Massachusetts law protects your right to defend yourself. We document every fact supporting a lawful self-defense claim.
Security cameras, Ring doorbells, and cell phone footage frequently tell a very different story than the complainant.
False accusations are common in assault cases. We investigate the accuser's history, motives, and inconsistencies.
For first-time defendants, a CWOF may be available — no conviction, case dismissed after probation.
Call (617) 501-0411 for a free Massachusetts assault defense consultation.
Attorney Mark J. Clifford appears in every Massachusetts District Court and Superior Court. Whatever county your assault and battery charges are filed in, Clifford Defense is ready.
Courts: Cambridge, Lowell, Malden, Waltham, Ayer District Courts; Middlesex Superior Court (Woburn)
The most populous county in Massachusetts. assault and battery cases move through five District Courts plus Middlesex Superior Court. Clifford Defense appears regularly in every Middlesex courthouse.
Courts: Boston Municipal Court, Chelsea District Court, West Roxbury District Court; Suffolk Superior Court
Boston is the hub of Massachusetts criminal prosecution. assault and battery cases here may be routed through BMC or Superior Court — each has distinct procedures Clifford Defense knows well.
Courts: Worcester, Fitchburg, Gardner, Dudley, Westborough, Milford District Courts; Worcester Superior Court
New England's largest county by area. Six District Courts plus Worcester Superior Court handle assault and battery matters — Clifford Defense covers every one.
Courts: Salem, Lawrence, Haverhill, Newburyport, Lynn, Gloucester District Courts; Essex Superior Court (Salem)
The North Shore has six District Courts and an active Superior Court in Salem. Clifford Defense defends assault and battery cases from Gloucester to Lawrence.
Courts: Dedham, Quincy, Wrentham, Stoughton, Brookline District Courts; Norfolk Superior Court (Dedham)
South of Boston, five District Courts and Norfolk Superior Court handle assault and battery cases from Quincy to Wrentham. Clifford Defense serves every Norfolk County court.
Courts: Plymouth, Brockton, Hingham District Courts; Plymouth Superior Court
Plymouth County stretches from Brockton to the Cape. assault and battery charges are heard in three District Courts and Plymouth Superior Court — Clifford Defense covers all of them.
Courts: Springfield, Chicopee, Palmer, Westfield District Courts; Hampden Superior Court (Springfield)
Western Massachusetts's largest county. assault and battery cases go through four District Courts and Hampden Superior Court. Clifford Defense serves the entire Pioneer Valley.
Courts: Northampton, Belchertown District Courts; Hampshire Superior Court (Northampton)
Home to the Five Colleges corridor. assault and battery matters are heard at Northampton or Belchertown District Court, with felonies going to Hampshire Superior Court.
Courts: Fall River, New Bedford, Taunton, Attleboro, North Attleboro District Courts; Bristol Superior Court (New Bedford)
The South Coast from Attleboro to Fall River. Five District Courts plus Bristol Superior handle assault and battery cases across this large county.
Courts: Barnstable, Orleans District Courts; Barnstable Superior Court
Cape Cod's county — two District Courts and Barnstable Superior Court handle assault and battery cases for all 15 Cape towns. Year-round defense available.
Courts: Pittsfield, Northern Berkshire, Southern Berkshire District Courts; Berkshire Superior Court
The westernmost county. Three District Courts and Berkshire Superior Court in Pittsfield handle assault and battery matters across the Berkshires.
Courts: Greenfield, Orange District Courts; Franklin Superior Court (Greenfield)
The Pioneer Valley's northern county. assault and battery cases are heard at Greenfield or Orange District Court, with serious felonies at Franklin Superior Court.
Courts: Edgartown District Court; Dukes County Superior Court
Martha's Vineyard — the Edgartown District Court handles all assault and battery charges on the island. Clifford Defense represents clients on Martha's Vineyard.
Courts: Nantucket District Court
The island's sole courthouse handles all assault and battery matters for Nantucket. Clifford Defense represents clients on Nantucket Island.
📞 Call (617) 501-0411 — free consultation, 24/7, anywhere in Massachusetts.
In Massachusetts, assault is an attempted or threatened battery — putting someone in reasonable fear of harm. Battery is the actual intentional, harmful, or offensive touching. The two are commonly charged together as "assault and battery," though each element must be proven separately.
Simple assault and battery is a misdemeanor carrying up to 2.5 years in jail. Assault and battery with a dangerous weapon (ABWDW) is a felony carrying up to 10 years in state prison. Assault and battery on a police officer is also a felony. The classification depends on the circumstances and alleged victim.
No. Massachusetts does not have a stand your ground law. However, Massachusetts does have the Castle Doctrine (G.L. c. 278, § 8A), which removes the duty to retreat when you are in your own home. Outside the home, you generally must retreat if you safely can before using force in self-defense.
A Continuance Without a Finding (CWOF) is a disposition where you admit to sufficient facts for a guilty finding, but the court does not enter a conviction. After a probationary period — typically 1 year — the case is dismissed. A CWOF is not a conviction, but it does appear on CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) and can be used as a prior offense if you are charged again.
The victim does not control whether charges proceed — the prosecutor does. However, an uncooperative or recanting victim significantly weakens the prosecution's case. Attorney Clifford uses victim non-cooperation as leverage in negotiations and, where appropriate, argues that without the victim's testimony the prosecution cannot prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
Strangulation is a standalone felony under G.L. c. 265, § 15D — impeding the blood circulation or airflow of another person by constricting the throat or neck. It carries up to 5 years in state prison (10 years if the victim is pregnant). Prosecutors aggressively charge strangulation based on medical evidence such as petechial hemorrhaging, even without visible marks.
A misdemeanor A&B in District Court can resolve in as few as 2–4 court dates over 3–6 months through dismissal, CWOF, or plea. Cases going to trial typically take 6–12 months. Felony ABWDW cases in Superior Court may take 12–24 months or more. Attorney Clifford pursues the fastest resolution consistent with the best outcome for your case.
Contact Clifford Defense now for a free, confidential consultation. Available 24/7 across all of Massachusetts.
Attorney Clifford defends all types of criminal charges across Massachusetts — click any practice area for details.
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