CITING the increase in domestic violence cases in the commonwealth, the Attorney General’s Office says it will take a “more aggressive and stronger stance” against the perpetrators.
Attorney General Robert T. Torres says AGO will urge the courts to impose more severe terms and conditions of punishment on perpetrators.
“We have a new policy regarding sentencing recommendations in domestic violence cases,” he said.
The new policy reflects the “seriousness of these cases and aims to reestablish consistency” in sentencing, he said.
For any cases involving family violence:
• AGO will no longer agree to the suspended imposition of sentences.
• AGO will not recommend less than 75 hours of community work service.
• AGO will not agree to convert any community work service hours into a fine.
• AGO will not agree to the suspension of the entire sentence of imprisonment if the victim has suffered any physical injury.
Torres said domestic violence cases continue to increase each year despite efforts to deter them.
“That’s why we are taking a more aggressive and stronger stance against domestic violence cases. We will recommend more severe terms and conditions of punishments for the court to consider in order to deter its occurrence and hopefully end it,” Torres said.
