Indecent Assault and Battery Lawyer in New Bedford, MA

The first days of an indecent assault and battery investigation often shape everything that follows. Whether police have already arrested you or you have received notice of a hearing, decisions about statements, evidence, and counsel carry forward into the case.

Riccio Law’s founding attorney previously prosecuted cases for the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office. That experience informs how the firm approaches the opening stages as your indecent assault and battery lawyer in New Bedford, MA.

Before a Complaint Issues

Not every accusation becomes a criminal case. When a complaint has not yet issued in qualifying circumstances, a clerk-magistrate considers whether probable cause exists. If it is not established, no criminal complaint issues.

Having counsel at that stage can matter before you formally become a defendant. If you have already been arrested, the practical priorities are to do the following:

• Remain silent about the allegations rather than trying to explain the case to police
• Request counsel
• Preserve relevant communications and evidence
• Comply with any release orders

Arraignment, Bail, and Dangerousness

At arraignment, the charge is read or the reading is waived, a plea is entered, required warnings are given, and the court determines bail or release conditions and sets further pretrial dates. Depending on the charge and circumstances, the Commonwealth may seek a dangerousness hearing under G.L. c. 276, § 58A. The prosecution may argue that no release conditions will reasonably assure another person’s or the community’s safety.

An indecent assault and battery lawyer in New Bedford, MA, prepares for that hearing as a contested proceeding rather than treating arraignment as a formality.

Discovery Works in Your Favor

Massachusetts Rule of Criminal Procedure 14 requires prosecutors to disclose information favorable to the defense. According to the rule, that includes material that:

• Casts doubt on guilt
• Undermines witness credibility
• Questions scientific evidence or its admissibility
• Supports suppression
• Mitigates culpability or sentencing

In a case that may rest heavily on credibility, delayed reporting, and digital communications, those disclosures shape every later decision. The parties then meet at a pretrial conference to discuss discovery, possible resolution, and the motions or contested issues that remain.

Registration Advisory Before Any Plea

Some cases resolve without trial. Before accepting a plea to a sex offense, the court must advise you that the plea may result in sex-offender registration obligations. G.L. c. 6, § 178C lists the qualifying offenses, and indecent assault and battery appears among them, though whether registration follows depends on the specific offense and the disposition.

Getting Ahead of the Case

Early choices, from the show-cause hearing through discovery, set the terms for what comes after. Our indecent assault and battery lawyer in New Bedford, MA, can review where your case stands today, prepare for any dangerousness hearing, and press for the disclosures Rule 14 requires. To schedule a consultation, call us at (617) 404-8878. You can also reach us by sending a message through our contact form.

Our office number is (617) 404-8878.