Civil Rights Violation

The crime of Civil Rights Violation punishes the use or threat of force, intimidating, threatening a person with bodily injury or otherwise oppressing another from the free exercise or enjoyment of any right or privilege secured to him by the laws or United States Constitution.

Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 265, Section 37, punishes persons convicted of the crime of Civil Rights Violation with imprisonment up to 1 year; or if bodily injury result, up to 10 years in state prison.

In order to prove the crime of Civil Rights Violation, the prosecutor is required to prove, beyond a reasonable doubt:

1. That the alleged victim was exercising a right or privilege protected by the Constitution or laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or of the United States;
2. That the defendant either injured, intimidated, interfered with, or threatened the exercise of enjoyment of that legally protected right, or attempted to do so;
3. That the defendant did so by using force or by threatening to use force; and
4. That the defendant did so willfully.

For purposes of a Civil Rights Violation, a person is exercising or enjoying a right or privilege secured under law whenever that person's behavior or interest is protected by any provision of the Massachusetts or United States Constitution.

In Massachusetts, prosecutors and the District Attorneys' Offices take very serious the crime of Civil Rights Violations, and judges often take a hard-line stance on this type of conduct.  For this reason, you should immediately consult with an experienced Massachusetts Criminal Defense Attorney if you have been charged with the crime of Civil Rights Violation.

Boston Criminal Lawyer Lefteris K. Travayiakis has experience in defending persons accused of Civil Rights Violations, as well as other Crimes of Violence. 

To schedule a Free Consultation, Contact Us Online or call 617-325-9500.