A 35-year-old Massachusetts woman is now facing multiple charges after an incident that occurred on Christmas Day in a relative's home. According to police, an alleged domestic violence situation occurred in front of the woman's family late in the evening.
Police were called to the scene after the woman attempted to leave the scene with her 10-year-old son. Eyewitnesses on the scene reported that the woman appeared inebriated and that her son did not want to leave with her. When he resisted, she allegedly struck the boy multiple times. After a relative tried to stop her, she allegedly fought with him, which led to an eyewitness calling the police.
Once police officers arrived on the scene, the woman attempted to fight with them as well, using her cell phone and a set of keys. Police removed the woman from the scene and charged her with multiple offenses, including resisting arrest, threatening to commit a crime, disorderly conduct, and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. Though the woman was later released on her own recognizance, a judge limited her contact with her son and ordered her to abstain from alcohol.
Those convicted of assault charges in Massachusetts may find themselves facing jail time, potential fines and other penalties. In the case of the woman above, she and her lawyer may argue that she suffers from alcoholism that requires treatment. Attending a substance abuse program in lieu of any jail time may be a solution. A judge may also require that the woman attend anger management classes and complete a period of probation, especially if this is her first criminal offense.
Source: Metro West Daily News, "Framingham police charge woman in assault", Norman Miller, December 26, 2014