Mayhem is a crime under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 265 Section 14. Although many people think of chaos, disorder or a riot when they hear the word “mayhem,” the legal definition of mayhem is much different. Under law, mayhem means hurting another person to the point that they are disfigured or maimed.

Specifically, the law prohibits maiming, mutilating or crippling someone’s tongue, eye, ear, nose, lip, or limb. In Massachusetts, what constitutes the crime of mayhem has been interpreted extremely broadly. Even injuring a child’s fingernails was found to constitute mayhem. The law also prohibits being present and helping another person to maim or disfigure with knowledge that the other person intended to maim or disfigure.

To convict a defendant of mayhem, the prosecutor is required to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant acted with either malicious intent or a specific intent to maim or disfigure, depending upon which of the two possible theories of mayhem the prosecutor proceeds. “Malicious intent” means an evil intent. Essentially, the prosecutor will try to establish that you knew that your actions would cause serious damage to the victim. Specific intent to maim or disfigure may be inferred from the nature of the injuries. It may also be inferred when an attack is drawn out or when a defendant inflicted repeated blows on the victim.

If you are convicted of mayhem, you face imprisonment in the state prison for up to 20 years, or, if handled in the District Court, imprisonment in jail for up to two and one half years or a fine of up to $1,000.

Mayhem will be prosecuted aggressively, since it is one of the more violent and often horrific crimes. If you have been charged with mayhem, you should immediately contact a skilled and experienced criminal defense attorney like Kathleen M. McCarthy. Although mayhem is defined very broadly in Massachusetts, it is exceptionally hard to prove that a defendant acted with the requisite mental state. Your chance of success depends upon contacting a lawyer who will put up a strong fight for you. Kathleen M. McCarthy has a lengthy history of success in defending violent crimes of all kinds. She has more than 20 years of criminal legal experience. If you have been charged with mayhem or any other crime, call the Law Offices of Kathleen M. McCarthy at (978) 975 8060 or contact her online today. She will begin to protect your rights without delay.