Hosea Richardson, 33 of Newton, Massachusetts was wanted by police for charges of domestic violence in the West Roxbury District Court. Last week the hunt for Richardson ended peacefully when he surrendered to Boston Police. Authorities alleged that Richardson had beaten a female in her West Roxbury home after spending a night dancing at a local nightclub. Richardson fled and allegedly called his mother who lived in Newton to pick him up at a parking lot in Dedham. The next day Richardson called the police and told them he was going to the hospital where the victim was being treated to get into a confrontation with the police and the victim. Police feared that Richardson, who had confessed that he was not afraid of being killed by police, would initiate an incident that could result in a physical conflict. Ultimately the police located Richardson who surrendered peacefully. He is being held pending a psychiatric evaluation and to answer on domestic violence charges along with other unrelated pending matters.
Domestic violence occurs when a partner or a family member attempts to dominate another either physically or emotionally. This typically occurs between husbands and wives, or partners in a dating relationship. Both men and women can be the victim of domestic violence. Domestic violence can take on many forms. Physical abuse and sexual abuse are the most common but psychological abuse or intimidation are also well known forms.
In Massachusetts domestic violence is governed by Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 209A. That law provides that anyone who is being abused by a family member or a household member may apply for a restraining order. The restraining order can require no abuse, or that the person against whom the order issues refrain from contacting the victim or even that that person vacate the home. Abuse in Massachusetts for the purpose of the statute is an attempt to cause or the actual causing of physical harm, placing another in fear of imminent serious physical harm of causing another to engage in involuntary sexual relations by force or threats or duress. Household members are considered people who are or were married to one another, are or were residing in the same household, are or were related by marriage, have a child in common or are or have been in a substantive dating or engagement relationship.
Our office has defended people accused of incidents of domestic violence for over 20 years. On several occasions we have seen the “victim” abusing the system and trying to obtain a restraining order to exercise control over another. All too often we see people applying for restraining orders as a means for getting revenge after a failed relationship. Judges in the Massachusetts district courts frequently endorse these orders even if the victim does not present sufficient evidence for the issuance of a 209A order. The problem with restraining orders is that a violation of them results in a criminal prosecution. Again, allegations of restraining order violations are frequently brought as a means of revenge or control. These cases can be difficult to defend. All the victim has to do is say that you called him/her and threatened him/her in violation of the order. It is critical that if a restraining order issues against you you engage a Boston, Massachusetts Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer to try to have that order vacated. Our office has done that successfully on many occasions. Call us now to discuss your criminal matter.