Boston Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog

According to The Lowell Sun, Darren Wilson from Lawrence Massachusetts faces criminal charges including mayhem, assault and battery causing serious bodily injury and two counts of assault and battery as a result of a fight in front of Jay's Food Market in Lowell Massachusetts. According to reports, Wilson and Domingo Sanchez engaged in a fight. During the fight Wilson, who was apparently losing, grabbed Sanchez's foot and twisted it "180 degrees" according to prosecutors. While Sanchez was laying on the ground, Wilson is accused of punching Sanchez in the head before leaving the area. Sanchez required surgery to repair his foot and is reportedly using a cane while experiencing constant pain.

Although all of the facts are not known at this time, it appears that the defendant may have a viable claim of self-defense. In Massachusetts, once a claim of self-defense is raised the Commonwealth must prove one of the following things beyond a reasonable doubt:That the defendant did not reasonably believe he was being attacked or about to be attacked; or That the defendant did not do everything reasonable in the circumstances to avoid physical combat; or That the defendant used more force to defend himself than was reasonably necessary in the situation. In cases where self-defense or defense of another is asserted it is often important to conduct extensive pre-trial investigation so that all favorable witnesses can be interviewed, located and summonsed to testify at trial If you are facing criminal charges and believe that you have a valid claim of self defense an expereinced criminal defense attorney is necessary to ensure that your side of the story is properly presented to the jury.