Massachusetts Street Fights Can Result in Serious Criminal Charges

SPRINGFIELD, MA, October 15, 2012

As long as there have been streets, people have been fighting in them. A street fight can range from a dispute among bar patrons to a fight outside Fenway Park or after a Patriots Game. It could be a fight after a concert at the DCU Center or even a brawl in the streets involving weapons and dozens of people. With all the commotion involved and the ease of scattering when the dispute ends, it may be surprising that street fights can result in serious criminal charges.

But it's true. Street fights in Massachusetts frequently result in criminal charges, and some of those charges are serious, as one recent street fight in Worcester shows.

Reports of Gunshots Lead Police to Teen Fight

The incident began when police were called to a report of gunshots in the Berkley Street area at about 10:20 p.m. on a July night. Witnesses said a group had been fighting, but fled the area.

Twenty minutes later, police were called to Plumley Village for another report of gunshots and a group fighting. They saw teenage boys drive to a parking lot off Thomas Street and begin to fight. As police called for backup, the teens fled. Officers later arrested six teens on suspicion of multiple charges related to street fighting. More than 20 criminal counts were issued as a result of the fight.

Weapons Violation Among Alleged Crimes

Among the most serious of the charges was carrying a dangerous weapon. The two 17-year-old boys arrested on this charge could face a mandatory minimum sentence of 2 1/2 years in prison if convicted.

Other charges faced by the arrested teenagers include:

Trespassing, which can carry a maximum sentence of up to 30 days in jail and a $100 fine
Resisting arrest, which can carry a maximum sentence of up to 2 1/2 years in jail and a $500 fine.
Disturbing the peace, which can carry a sentence of up to six months in jail and a $200 fine.
Disorderly conduct, which can carry a sentence of up to six months in jail and a $200 fine.

In situations like this, police often recommend multiple offenses against a suspect, such as disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and assault on battery on a police officer. These offenses are often similar, but they are vague enough that all can be charged during one incident. Often, prosecutors offer to drop several charges during negotiations for a plea.

A conviction on even one charge would give the defendants in this case a criminal record that could affect their ability to find employment and housing and could have other negative effects on their lives.

Talk to an Attorney to Learn More About Charges From Street Fights

If you or your child has been arrested after a street fight, consult with an experienced attorney right away. Being charged with a crime does not mean that you will be convicted of one. A knowledgeable lawyer can explain the full impact the charges could have on your life and advise you of potential defenses to the charge.

Attorney Irwin Pollack
Massachusetts DUI & Criminal Defense Group
1 Monarch Place
Springfield, MA 01144
http://www.masscriminaldefenseattorneys.com