Bristol County Domestic Violence Attorneys

Work with a Well-Respected Fall River Law Firm 

Domestic violence charges are taken very seriously, and Massachusetts prosecutors are aggressive in their pursuit of convictions. With penalties that include fines and lengthy prison sentences, domestic violence charges should always be taken seriously and treated with meticulous care. 

At the Law Office of Frank D. Camera and Associates, P.C., we know how overwhelmed and scared you must be. In addition to conviction penalties, you are likely concerned about how your charges or a conviction will affect your family and reputation. You are not alone; our Bristol County domestic violence defense lawyers are here to help guide you through this. 

Turn to our trusted domestic violence lawyers for personalized legal counsel. Dial (877) 444-1098 or contact us online to schedule a consultation and discuss your options.

When you reach out to our firm after an arrest in Fall River or another Bristol County community, we take the time to listen to your side of the story, review the police reports and any protective orders, and explain what to expect at your arraignment and future court dates in the local district or superior court. By working closely with a domestic violence attorney, you can begin making informed choices about whether to fight the charges at trial, pursue negotiations, or address related issues like child custody, housing, and employment in a way that protects your long-term interests.

Defining Domestic Violence Under MA State Law

Under Massachusetts General Laws, domestic violence is defined through a comprehensive framework that outlines the nature of abuse and the relationships within which such acts occur. Simply speaking, domestic violence is defined as abuse occurring between family or household members. 

Abuse, in this context, is recognized through various acts that cause physical, emotional, or sexual harm. These include attempts or successful efforts to cause physical damage, instilling a fear of significant bodily harm (intimidation), or coercing someone into non-consensual sexual activities. 

Under this law, family and household relationships are defined as people who: 

• Are or were married to each other 
• Are or were cohabitating together 
• Are related to one another through marriage or blood 
• Are or have been in a substantive romantic or dating relationship 
• Have children in common 

Massachusetts law allows victims of domestic violence to seek a protective order, a type of restraining order that can enforce no-contact stipulations, order the abuser to vacate the shared residence, or grant temporary sole custody of children. Violating these protective orders is a criminal offense that can lead to arrest and prosecution.

Common Defenses in Massachusetts Domestic Violence Cases

Every domestic violence case is different, and we carefully review the facts, evidence, and history of the relationship before advising you on a path forward. Depending on what happened, defenses may include arguing that the allegations are exaggerated or false, that you acted in lawful self-defense, or that the Commonwealth cannot meet its burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt. In some cases, issues with how the police handled the investigation, obtained statements, or executed an arrest in Fall River, New Bedford, or another Bristol County city can be raised to challenge the admissibility or reliability of the evidence.

We also look closely at photographs, medical records, 911 recordings, text messages, social media posts, and witness accounts to see whether they truly support the charges or reveal inconsistencies that help your side of the story. A domestic violence lawyer can explain how these details may affect your case and whether options such as pretrial diversion programs, counseling, or negotiated resolutions are available, while still preparing thoroughly to go to trial in the appropriate district or superior court if that becomes necessary.

Schedule your consultation by calling (877) 444-1098 today or by contacting us online.