QUESTION
I have been issued a criminal complaint and I need to appear for a hearing. Should I get a lawyer?
Asked on Sep 10th, 2013 on Domestic Violence - Massachusetts
More details to this question:
I admitted to slapping my ex boyfriend in the face but only after he assaulted me first. He threw me to the ground and I slapped him out of self defense. After I slapped him, he threw me through a doorway and into a wooden bench. I endured several injuries upon hitting the bench. I believe that I should not be charged with any sort of misdemeanor since I was simply reacting out of self defense.
1 ANSWER
You should consult an experienced criminal attorney before any hearing. If you were ordered to appear for a Clerk Hearing you may be able to stop the criminal process before a complaint issues and avoid a criminal record. If you are ordered to appear for a criminal arraignment then it will be more difficult to stop the criminal process. As for the facts, if they are as you described, then you can claim self-defense at a trial. There are other ways to stop the process without litigating a self-defense issue at trial. For a more detailed explanation consult an attorney or review materials on my website, www.johnedevito.com.
Answered on Sep 11th, 2013 at 4:31 PM