Restraining and harassment orders are legal protections issued by a court that are designed to protect alleged victims from abuse. If you have had a restraining order or harassment order issued against you, it is critical that you adhere to the order’s stipulations; the failure to do so can result in criminal penalties. If you have been accused of violating a restraining order in Boston, call our criminal defense attorney at The Law Offices of Paul R. Moraski to learn more about your rights.
Restraining and Harassment Orders – What’s the Difference?
Restraining and harassment orders are two different type of protective orders issued by a court. While a restraining order can only be issued when the plaintiff and the defendant have some type of relationship (i.e. are dating, were previously dating, are related, have a child together, etc.), a harassment order can be used to protect a plaintiff against anyone, regardless of the relationship. These orders often require the defendant to do things like:
- Refrain from contacting the plaintiff;
- Refrain from traveling to the plaintiff’s location;
- Refrain from physically assaulting the plaintiff;
- Leave any location where the plaintiff is located, including a shared home;
- Refrain from carrying a firearm; and
In some cases, a defendant can even be ordered to pay the plaintiff for things like child support or costs related to harassment.
What Happens If I Violate a Restraining or Harassment Order?
Following the provisions of a restraining or harassment order is a must – if you do not do so, you could face criminal penalties. Here’s what will happen if police have probable cause to believe that a defendant has violated a restraining or harassment order:
- The defendant (you) will be arrested;
- You will face criminal charges for the violation of certain parts of the order; and
- If there is enough evidence, you will be convicted of a violation of a protective order/harassment order and face consequences that might include:
- Up to 2.5 years in jail,
- A fine of up to $5,000, or
You Need a Skilled Attorney on Your Side
Violating a restraining or harassment order is a very serious offense, and the consequences are heavy. You do not want to spend the next two and a half years of your life in jail as a result of being convicted of a violation of restraining order charge. To assist you in defending yourself against charges and understanding the options available to you, you need a skilled Boston criminal defense lawyer on your side.
At The Law Offices of Paul R. Moraski, we are here to help you. When you call our law firm, we will review your case and help you to understand the potential defenses available to you, as well as other options, such as negotiating a plea deal. Our goal is to secure the best outcome for your case as possible.
To learn more about your rights, please call our law firm today. You can reach us at (978) 397-0011 or by sending Attorney Paul Moraski a message directly using the contact form on our website. We will return your inquiry as soon as possible.