Criminal Harassment/Criminal Harassment Orders Attorney in Springfield, Massachusetts

In the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, an individual may be charged with criminal harassment for deliberately targeting another person with different behavior intended to terrorize, annoy, alarm, or torment the victim. If convicted, the defendant may be facing heavy fines, lengthy imprisonment, a criminal record, and other life-altering ramifications. 

If you or someone you know is under investigation for criminal harassment, hiring a highly-skilled Massachusetts criminal defense attorney is crucial to help build your defense. At the Law Office of Joseph M Pacella, I have devoted my career to handling criminal cases and defending individuals wrongfully charged with criminal harassment. As your legal counsel, I can fight vigorously to defend your rights and dispute the accusations against you with factual evidence. 

My firm proudly serves clients in Springfield and throughout Western and Central Massachusetts, including Palmer, Amherst, Westfield, and Northampton. Contact me today to schedule a free consultation and start building your defense.

Harassment Charges in Massachusetts 

Harassment involves any unwelcomed behavior or conduct that is targeted at someone else with the intent to terrorize or frustrate the person. In the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, it is an offense to criminally harass another person.  

If you or someone close to you has recently been arrested or indicted with criminal harassment, you need to reach out to a seasoned criminal defense lawyer straightaway. Your legal counsel can review every fact of your case and determine your best defenses. 

When Harassment Becomes a Crime 

Not every minor annoyance can be considered harassment or lead to a crime. An act of harassment will become a crime if it involves physical touching, violence, sexual advances/pressuring, malicious conduct, or forceful conduct with the alleged defendant. Any of these actions might cross the line into criminal behavior. This may eventually result in criminal harassment charges against the perpetrator. 

Types of Criminal Harassment 

The different types and examples of criminal harassment in Massachusetts include: 

• Communication harassment - occurs through phone calls, texts, emails, demand letters, and other kinds of contact. 

• Stalking or watching another person’s actions and then initiating contact after some time. 

• Physical harassment 

• Sexual harassment 

• Malicious conduct 

• Pressuring someone for sex. 

• Violent incidents such as physical altercations or causing harm or injury to the victim. 

Generally, all forms of harassment are prohibited and can result in potential criminal charges against the perpetrator. A strategic Massachusetts criminal harassment defense attorney can enlighten you about the nature of your charges and the potential penalties. 

Possible Penalties  

However, a person convicted of criminal harassment in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts may be subject to any of the following penalties and consequences: 

• Prison sentences (ranging from months or years) 

• Massive fines and court fees. 

• Community service 

• Probation 

• A criminal record/history 

• Increased difficulty in getting public assistance 

• Loss of the right to vote during elections 

• Increased difficulty in traveling abroad 

• Damage to personal and professional relationships. 

• Loss of the right to acquire or carry a firearm 

• Ineligible to obtain certain financial loans. 

• Increased difficulty in getting accommodation, new jobs, and educational opportunities. 

A skilled attorney can intervene quickly on your behalf and outline an effective defense strategy to help you avoid or mitigate the severe punishments of a criminal harassment conviction. 

How Legal Counsel Can Help 

Defending your criminal harassment charges without skilled representation can expose you to the possibility of getting convicted. Unfortunately, a criminal conviction or history can jeopardize your personal reputation, freedom, career, and every aspect of your life. Therefore, when charged with criminal harassment, it is imperative that you retain a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney for detailed guidance and to help build your defense. 

At the Law Office of Joseph M Pacella, I’m dedicated to protecting individuals facing criminal harassment charges from the worst possible penalties. As your legal counsel, I can investigate every last detail of your case and strategize a strong defense to help fight your charges. In addition, I will fight aggressively to defend your rights and make sure those accusations don’t ruin your life.