Restraining Orders Attorney in Springfield, Massachusetts

According to the Massachusetts Trial Court's year-end filing statistics, there were 35,248 total case filings for harassment and restraining orders statewide in the Fiscal Year 2021. In the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, a restraining order may be issued against a person for causing physical harm, harassing, or putting another person in fear of imminent danger. Once issued, the restraining order will protect the alleged victim from potential harm and prevent the alleged abuser from coming in contact with them.

Attorney Pacella has the experience and resources to guide and represent clients in domestic violence and restraining order-related matters. As an experienced Massachusetts criminal defense attorney, I’m available to review your unique situation and help you understand your possible legal options. Whether you are trying to file a restraining order or need help fighting a restraining order that was filed against you unjustly, I can provide you with the effective legal guidance and reliable advocacy you need to navigate crucial decisions.

My firm – the Law Office of Joseph M Pacella – proudly represents clients in Springfield and the surrounding areas throughout Western and Central Massachusetts, including Northampton, Westfield, Amherst, and Palmer.

Restraining Orders in Massachusetts

A restraining order, also known as an abuse prevention order or protective order, is a legal order issued by a Massachusetts state court to protect an alleged victim from physical or sexual harm. In the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, there are several types of restraining orders, including emergency protective orders, temporary (ex parte) orders, and long-term orders.

A protective order can be obtained against a family or household member, including:

• a spouse or former spouse

• a present or former household member

• a relative by blood or a present or former relative by marriage

• the parent of a minor child, even if the parents never married or lived together

• a person involved in a dating relationship with the victim.

You may be eligible for an abuse prevention order if a family or household member committed an act of abuse against you. However, if you don’t qualify for an abuse protection order, you may be eligible for a harassment prevention order. An experienced attorney can review your unique situation and enlighten you about the steps you need to take to file a restraining order.

What a Restraining Order Does

Utilizing a restraining order, the court can order an individual to:

• stop the abuse

• prohibit contact with the victim

• vacate or remain away from a house or workplace

• surrender all firearms and firearm identification cards

Additionally, the court can award temporary support and custody of minor children to the victim.

Once a restraining has been issued, violations of its terms become a criminal offense. Law enforcement can make an arrest where it is apparent that a violation occurred.

What To Do If A Restraining Order is Filed Against You

However, if a restraining order (or 209A order) has been filed against you, make sure that you:

• Obey the restraining order to the letter

• Hire a restraining order defense attorney to help prepare for the hearing and fight your charges

• Gather evidence and witnesses for your defense

• Attend the court hearing

Defending yourself against a false restraining order can be difficult, depending on the surrounding circumstances. Therefore, you need to act quickly and hire an experienced attorney to advocate for your legal rights and help fight the restraining order charges.

Why You Should Fight a Restraining Order

Having a restraining order on your record can have devastating, immediate, and long-term consequences. For example, a protective order can:

• Go down on public record

• Go down on your criminal record

• Cause you to be denied employment opportunities

• Cause you to be denied housing

• Prevent you from being able to get a gun

• Prevent you from doing certain things or visiting certain places

• Prevent you from being able to join the military

• Affect your immigration status

The best solution is to avoid having a protective order filed against you if at all possible. If someone else is threatening to file a restraining order, you need to contact a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. A skilled attorney can help fight your restraining order and improve your chances of a brighter tomorrow.

How Experienced Legal Counsel Can Help

Fighting a temporary restraining order without proper guidance or representation could easily lead to the judge imposing a long-term restraining order. Unfortunately, having a restraining order on your record can have devastating, immediate, and long-term ramifications. Therefore, it is important to work with a knowledgeable restraining order attorney to evaluate your unique situation and determine the best course of action.

At the Law Office of Joseph M Pacella, I’m dedicated to offering experienced legal guidance and reliable representation to clients trying to file or oppose a restraining order. As your legal counsel, I will review the surrounding facts of your case, enlighten you about your available legal options, and outline an effective strategy to pursue a favorable outcome for your unique situation.

Using my extensive legal understanding, I will help you navigate the Massachusetts criminal justice system and fight vigorously to oppose the unjust protective order that was filed against you. Even if you need to get a restraining order to protect yourself and your family from domestic violence or abuse, I can take prompt action to seek the right protection order on your behalf.