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An arrest for a violent crime puts your entire life under a microscope. Overnight, you’re no longer seen as a neighbor, coworker, or parent. You are treated as a defendant. Police reports, witness statements, and headlines never tell the whole story, yet they can shape how the case begins.
At Riccio Law, we step in to level the playing field. Attorney Anthony Riccio has stood on both sides of the courtroom in Massachusetts, first as a prosecutor and now as a Massachusetts violent crime lawyer. That perspective means he knows how cases are built, where the weaknesses often hide, and how to push back against assumptions that can cost you your freedom.
Time is critical. The prosecution is already working on your case. The sooner you have Riccio Law in your corner, the stronger your defense can be. Contact today for a confidential consultation.
Under Massachusetts law, a violent crime is any offense that involves the use of force, the threat of force, or a weapon. These cases are taken seriously because they are viewed as a risk to public safety and often carry some of the harshest penalties on the books.
Violent crime charges can include incidents between strangers, disputes that escalate at home, or confrontations that involve weapons. Even when no one is physically injured, the allegation of violence alone can lead to an arrest and serious criminal charges.
Common examples include assault and Battery, armed Robbery, home invasion, kidnapping, arson, and homicide. Each charge has its own definition under the Massachusetts General Laws, but they all fall into the same category: crimes where the state alleges the use or threat of force.
Being accused of a violent crime does not mean the facts are clear-cut. Many cases involve conflicting accounts, self-defense claims, or situations where police concluded before all the evidence was reviewed. This is why having a strong defense at the earliest stage is essential.
Violent crime cases in Massachusetts cover a wide range of offenses. Each carries its own penalties and challenges, but all require a focused defense strategy from the very start.
Examples of Violent Crime Charges:
Regardless of the specific charge, a violent crime case is never straightforward. Prosecutors often push for maximum penalties, and the consequences reach far beyond a courtroom sentence.
Having a Massachusetts violent crime lawyer who understands the law, the evidence, and the strategies that work in these courts can make all the difference.
The exact penalty depends on the charge, whether a weapon was involved, and whether the accused has a prior record.
|
Charge |
Possible Penalties |
| Assault & Battery | Up to 2.5 years in jail, fines |
| Armed Robbery | Up to life in state prison |
| Home Invasion | 20 years to life |
| Kidnapping | Up to 10 years in prison |
| Arson | Up to 20 years in prison |
| Homicide | Life in prison |
Working with a lawyer as early as possible is often the most critical step in reducing these long-term consequences.
Every violent crime case has its own story, and so does every defense. The state must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, and our role is to show where their version of events falls apart.
We start with the evidence. If police overstepped during a search or ignored your rights during questioning, that can change the course of the case.
Witness accounts are rarely perfect. Memories fade, and bias creeps in. Pointing out those flaws can cast doubt on the version of events presented in court.
Massachusetts law also allows defenses like self-defense or defense of others. Not every use of force is unlawful, and showing the context behind what happened can change how the case is viewed.
Finally, no strategy is copied from one case to another. A homicide charge requires a different approach than an assault or robbery. We create a plan tailored to the specific facts, the court, and the individuals involved.
Selecting the right defense lawyer in a violent crime case can be the most critical decision you make.
Here’s why clients turn to Riccio Law for their defense:
When the stakes are this high, experience alone isn’t enough. You need a Massachusetts violent crime lawyer who understands the pressure you’re under and has the focus to guide you through it.
Bail eligibility depends on the specific charge, your criminal history, and risk factors. A defense lawyer can argue for reasonable conditions.
Yes, charges can sometimes be reduced through negotiations or by challenging weak evidence; however, this depends heavily on the specific facts of each case.
A prior conviction often increases penalties. Prosecutors may seek enhanced sentencing, especially if the earlier offense involved violence, weapons, or serious injury.
Not always. Many cases are resolved through dismissal, plea agreements, or the suppression of evidence, although serious charges often proceed to trial.
Immediately after arrest or investigation. Early representation protects your rights and strengthens your defense before prosecutors gain too much ground.
A violent crime charge puts your future at risk. Your freedom, your reputation, and even your ability to move forward in life may depend on the decisions you make right now.
At Riccio Law, we provide clear guidance from the start. When you reach out, you will speak directly with Attorney Anthony Riccio about your case and the steps that can be taken to protect you.
The longer you wait, the stronger the case against you becomes. Contact Riccio Law today or request a confidential consultation to begin building your defense.
