Section 4. If the person complained of is convicted, he may be punished by a fine of not more than one hundred dollars or by imprisonment for not more than six months. Instead of imposing sentence, the court or justice may order the person complained of to enter into a recognizance, with sufficient sureties, in such sum as the court or justice orders, to keep the peace toward all the people of the commonwealth, and especially toward the person requiring such security, for such term, not exceeding six months, as the court or justice may order. The court or justice may, for good cause, revoke such order or reduce the amount of the recognizance, or order that it be taken without surety.
Structure Massachusetts General Laws
Part IV - Crimes, Punishments and Proceedings in Criminal Cases
Title II - Proceedings in Criminal Cases
Chapter 275 - Proceedings to Prevent Crimes
Section 1 - Justices Keeping Public Peace; Security
Section 2 - Complaint of Threat to Commit Crime
Section 3 - Warrant to Apprehend Accused
Section 4 - Punishment; Recognizance to Keep the Peace
Section 5 - Commitment on Refusal or Neglect to Recognize
Section 6 - Discharge of Accused; Complainant Paying Expenses
Section 7 - Accused Paying Expenses; Commitment
Section 8 - Appeal From Order to Recognize
Section 9 - Witnesses to Recognize for Appearance
Section 10 - Proceedings on Appeal
Section 11 - Failure to Prosecute Appeal; Recognizance Remaining in Force
Section 12 - Discharge From Commitment Upon Giving Security
Section 13 - Recognizance; Breach of Condition
Section 16 - Remission of Portion of Forfeited Penalty
Section 17 - Right of Surety to Surrender Principal; Discharge From Liability; New Recognizance