RESTRAINING ORDERS/DOMESTIC ASSAULT

An argument between husband and wife rises beyond a shouting match. A drunken altercation with a family member leads to physical blows. An estranged or ex-spouse strategically exaggerates a confrontation in divorce or custody proceedings.

Sometimes these situations blow over. Sometimes they lead to arrest for domestic violence, and serious consequences. If you are the victim of trumped-up domestic abuse allegations, or facing criminal charges for a fight that got out of hand, the Law Office of Bruce J. Patryn can protect your rights and respond vigorously.

Our Springfield, Massachusetts law firm represents men, women and juveniles charged with domestic violence in Hampden County or Hampshire County, including restraining order violations. Arrange a free consultation with Mr. Patryn himself, an experienced trial lawyer and former prosecutor.

Domestic violence can include physically striking someone, verbal threats or threatening gestures, pushing and shoving, an outright brawl with a partner or spouse, or sexual assault. Domestic abuse may involve children, siblings, or parents. Except in cases of serious bodily injury (aggravated battery), the charge is a misdemeanor offense, but it can carry substantial consequences in and out of court:

·         Jail time, fines, probation and/or community service

·         Loss of employment

·         Loss of child custody or visitation

·         Loss of right to possess firearms

Like child endangerment by DUI, many assault and battery and spousal abuse charges involve alcohol use by one or both persons. In defending clients, we seek to show that the incident was an isolated incident and out of character, rather than part of a pattern of abusive behavior. To improve your legal position, we may advise clients to get into treatment for drug or alcohol addiction, or enroll in anger management counseling.

The District Attorney will prosecute you even if the alleged victim wants to drop charges (but the victim's wishes may be a mitigating factor at sentencing). The Law Office of Bruce J. Patryn will advise you on the merits of admitting guilt and pleading to a lesser offense, or taking your case to a jury. Mr. Patryn has extensive experience in suppressing unreliable evidence, improving your situation in negotiations or at trial.

Many domestic violence accusations are made during divorce and custody battles in an attempt to bias the family court. The accused spouse is removed from the house and ordered not to have contact as part of a restraining order, then falsely accused of calling, e-mailing or driving by the home in violation of the protective order. The Law Office of Bruce J. Patryn will represent you at hearings and at trial to deny these additional charges and protect your interests in the underlying family court issues.

Don't be railroaded by fabricated domestic violence accusations. Contact our Springfield office to protect your rights and work to limit the negative consequences of an arrest or conviction.