Don't Let a MA Criminal Charge Ruin Your Life!
Arrested in Massachusetts for Violating a
Restraining Order?
Or Click here for
information on how and why to fight
a restraining order against you.
A Restraining order violation is when you violate the
terms of a restraining order written against you by allegedly abusing or going
near a person who has taken out such a civil court document. A restraining order
is also known as an abuse prevention order, protective order, or a "209A",
which is the Massachusetts General Law statute chapter number. It is a
serious offense that can carry a penalty of up to 2 1/2 years in jail,
and a $5000 fine.
Restraining orders are often abused, both in being
issued, and in how they are enforced. Did you know that in
Massachusetts, you can be charged and arrested on a restraining order
violation if:
-
the complainant claims that you drove by his
or her house, even if you live in the neighborhood;
-
were near his/her car;
-
the person believes that you
called and hung up;
-
you write a letter to the person;
-
if the person invites you over and you accept.
More typically, and in less serious cases, if you are
found guilty the penalty
is often a fine and required entry into a batterer's intervention
program.
Restraining Order Violation Defense Strategies
When appropriate, I can contest the whether the
restraining order should have been issued in the first place. There
are also a number of other arguments to be made depending on the facts
of the case and the alleged evidence against you. The early I can get
on a case, the more defense options we'll have, so call me right away
if you are facing this charge.
If you are charged with a restraining order violation
/ violating a protective order, abuse preemption order, or 209a,
or another criminal offense, call
me now at my office in Dedham, MA at (781)326-2700, or my Brockton
office to schedule your free first appointment now.
By
calling, you have nothing to lose. I'll be happy to talk with you
and discuss your case before you decide if you want to hire me.
Defending people accused of crimes is what I do for a living. Call to
set up a free consultation now.
Sincerely,
Elliot
Savitz, Attorney at Law
Also see my page on
harassment
orders.
Click here for a
restraining order violation charge in Rhode Island.
Massachusetts General Laws excerpt
CHAPTER 209A. Abuse Prevention orders
Any violation of such order or a protection order
issued by another jurisdiction shall be punishable by a fine of not
more than five thousand dollars, or by imprisonment for not more than
two and one-half years in a house of correction, or by both such fine
and imprisonment." ... "For any violation of such order, the
court shall order the defendant to complete a certified batterer's
intervention program unless, upon good cause shown, the court issues
specific written findings describing the reasons that batterer's
intervention should not be ordered or unless the batterer's
intervention program determines that the defendant is not suitable for
intervention. The court shall not order substance abuse or anger
management treatment or any other form of treatment as a substitute
for certified batterer's intervention. "
Elliot Savitz, Attorney at Law
30 Eastbrook Road
Suite 201
Dedham, MA 02026
(781)326-2700
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