A Franklin man has been charged with trying to kill his girlfriend in a Marlborough domestic violence incident, The MetroWest Daily News recently reported.

Domestic violence charges in Marlborough require an experienced Massachusetts Criminal Defense Attorney be immediately consulted to sort out the real facts.

In this case, Richard Waters, 26, was arraigned Wednesday in Marlborough District Court on 14 charges: attempted murder, assault with intent to intimidate, assault and battery, assault with a dangerous weapon, reckless endangerment of a child, car theft, threatening to commit a crime, vandalizing property, driving with a suspended license, failing to stop for police, negligent driving, using a car without authority, a marked lanes violation and speeding, police said.

According to police, the couple and their child spent the day together at Hopkinton State Park one day in early July. When they got home, the couple allegedly got into a fight, with Waters allegedly choking the woman three times, punching a hole in the wall and making several threats.

After the alleged outburst, he took her car keys and left, leading police on a high-speed chase. He was driving 70 mph in a 30 mph zone at times; the chase lasted until he drove off the road and ran into the woods. After officers searched the area using a police dog, they called off the search. An arrest warrant was issued and he was later detained.

The newspaper later reported that he was being held without bond after a dangerousness hearing. Prosecutors allege the man is a member of the Framingham street gang the Kendall Street Thugs.

In domestic violence cases, law enforcement officers typically have very little evidence on which to bring charges. But because of the stigma attached to these events, they are sometimes worried that not making an arrest could lead to further violence.

So, sometimes, they listen to the person who claims to be the victim and make an arrest with little evidence. With little corroborating evidence, a person is sometimes carted off to jail, has their mug shot published by the media and suffers other consequences.

Defense to domestic violence-related charges that an aggressive Massachusetts Domestic Violence Attorney will pursue, include:

Self defense. In this type of defense, an attorney can seek to suggest the alleged victim in fact perpetrated the violence. It’s possible to show they are the aggressor.

Fabrication by the victim. In cases of divorce, a break-up, or other situations, alleged victims will lie to police as a form of revenge or pay back.
Ulterior motivation. Sometimes, alleged victims believe that a partner picking up an arrest record or conviction can benefit them financially or otherwise and will stretch the truth.

If you are facing criminal charges and require a Massachusetts criminal defense attorney, call to discuss your case at 508-455-4755 or 781-686-5924. You may also email through this website or directly at mdelsign@gmail.com.

Additional Resources:

Man charged with trying to kill Marlborough girlfriend, by Kendall Hatch, The MetroWest Daily News
No bail for Franklin man in Marlborough attempted murder case, by Kelleigh Welch, The MetroWest Daily News