Assault
G.L. c. 265, § 13A — up to two and one-half years, and more with serious injury
In Massachusetts, an assault or an assault and battery is punished by imprisonment in a house of correction for not more than two and one-half years or a fine of not more than $1,000. A summons may issue instead of an arrest warrant when the court believes the person will appear.
- Causing serious bodily injury: permanent disfigurement, loss or impairment of a bodily function, limb or organ, or a substantial risk of death.
- Against a person known to be pregnant.
- Against a person the attacker knows has a vacate, restraining or no contact order in effect against the attacker.
Up to 5 years. Any of those is punished by up to 5 years in state prison, or up to two and one-half years in a house of correction, or a fine of up to $5,000, or both.
Sources for this section (1)
- G.L. c. 265, § 13A — Assault and assault and battery
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Massachusetts attorney.