Massachusetts Harassment and Stalking Attorneys
Harassment Restraining Orders are sought by those individuals who are victim to harassment in order to prevent further harassment. Under Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 258E the Superior Courts, Boston Municipal Court, District Courts, and Juvenile Court have the ability to issue Harassment Prevention Orders.
The provisions of the new law are the same as those in 209A Restraining Orders, except for the requirement that the victim be a family member or in a substantial dating relationship.
An Analysis of the Massachusetts Law
on Harassment and Stalking
Harassment is defined as "(i) 3 or more acts of willful and malicious conduct aimed at a specific person committed with the intent to cause fear, intimidation, abuse or damage to property and that does in fact cause fear, intimidation, abuse or damage to property; or (ii) an act that, by force, threat or duress causes another to involuntarily engage in sexual relations."
A defendant in an action under Chapter 258E can be ordered to: "(i) refrain from abusing or harassing the plaintiff, whether the defendant is an adult or minor; (ii) refrain from contacting the plaintiff, unless authorized by the court, whether the defendant is an adult or minor; (iii) remain away from the plaintiff's household or workplace, whether the defendant is an adult or minor; and (iv) pay the plaintiff monetary compensation for the losses suffered as a direct result of the harassment; provided, however, that compensatory damages shall include, but shall not be limited to, loss of earnings, out-of-pocket losses for injuries sustained or property damaged, cost of replacement of locks, medical expenses, cost for obtaining an unlisted phone number and reasonable attorney's fees."
Don't Let a
Massachusetts Harassment Restraining Order
Ruin Your Life!
You should also know that stalking can occur when one person follows another repeatedly, leaves threatening messages - through the telephone, by e-mail, by posting on Facebook, MySpace, or Twitter - or continues to harass in any other way.
Nobody wants a criminal conviction on their record. A violation of an order under Chapter 258E can result in a fine of not more than $5,000.00, imprisonment in a House of Correction for up to 2 1/2 years, or both.
I've Been Arrested for Harassment and Stalking...
Do I Need a Lawyer?
Yes. Finding an attorney who focuses on Massachusetts criminal defense makes good sense - especially in times like these. Our firm, The Massachusetts Criminal Defense Group has a team of attorneys - at local offices throughout Massachusetts - who can represent you.
If you want more information about our firm, our 18-Point Defense Strategy, or our fee structure, you can read about us online, or you can ask any of our attorneys about their background and experience when you meet for your no-obligation consultation at any of our offices. Each attorney will tell you that he or she focuses on criminal defense almost exclusively and that we've helped people charged with nearly every possible criminal offense. We know how to guide your case through the Massachusetts courts and legal system because we've done it countless times.
Served With a Harassment Restraining Order?
Call Our Attorneys Immediately!
Our Boston, Worcester, Springfield and Massachusetts Harassment Order Attorneys will help you obtain a No-Harassment Order, or defend against one if the allegations are false. We will complete all paperwork, and present your case in court in the most vigorous manner possible. Our attorneys will keep you fully informed about the progress of your case and make sure that you are zealously represented.
Once you retain us, we will assign your case to the team of attorneys at our firm who are best suited to help you. We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and the Discover card and you can retain our criminal defense attorneys by telephone. Call us at (800) 461-6900, or contact us using our online form.