Massachusetts Restraining Order Defense Attorney

A restraining order in Massachusetts can turn your life upside down overnight. You can be removed from your home, barred from seeing your children, and face immediate criminal charges if you violate the order — even accidentally. If a restraining order has been filed against you, you need an experienced attorney immediately.

Types of Restraining Orders in Massachusetts

• 209A Abuse Prevention Order: For family and household members, current or former romantic partners
• 258E Harassment Prevention Order: For individuals who are not family or household members
• Emergency (Ex Parte) Orders: Issued without your presence or knowledge
• Ten-Day Hearings: Your first opportunity to contest the order
• Annual Extension Hearings: Renewals of existing orders

Consequences of a Restraining Order

• Forced removal from your home
• No contact with your children
• Federal firearms prohibition
• Employment consequences, especially for licensed professionals
• Immigration consequences
• Criminal charges for any violation — even accidental contact

How We Fight Restraining Orders

• Appear at emergency ex parte hearings
• Challenge the factual basis for the order
• Cross-examine the plaintiff at ten-day hearings
• Present evidence showing the allegations are false or exaggerated
• Argue the legal standard has not been met
• Fight extension hearings to end improper orders

Violations of Restraining Orders

Violating a restraining order in Massachusetts is a criminal offense (G.L. c. 209A, § 7) punishable by up to 2.5 years in jail and a $5,000 fine. We also defend clients charged with restraining order violations across all Massachusetts courts.