IF YOU OR A LOVED ONE IS A VICTIM OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, CALL 911 NOW!
The Attorneys at Allen Law Group have the knowledge and experience to get you the results you deserve. Your family matters.
Domestic violence can be characterized as any physical harm, attempt to cause physical harm, inflicting fear of physical harm, or involuntary sexual relations between any family or household members. Family and household members include those who are married or divorced, living together, related by blood, have children together, are dating, or have previously dated.
Types of domestic violence may include:
Abuse Prevention Order Violation
Restaining Order
A 209A Abuse Prevention Order (commonly referred to as a “restraining order”) can be filed by family or household members who are suffering from domestic violence. In some cases, the victim will file a petition for a protective order ex parte (without the knowledge of the abuser). The court will decide whether or not to issue the order based on the victim’s account of the abuse. If a temporary order is issued, the abuser will be served with the order and told to stay away from the victim. After a short period, generally ten days, the court will hold another hearing where both sides will appear. The court can either extend the order or dismiss it based on the testimony of both sides.
Assault and Battery
While assault and battery are always a crime, it is punishable more severely when committed against family and household members. Additionally, when the defendant knows they have an Abuse Prevention Order against them, they are punished more severely if they commit an assault or battery against the victim protected by that Order.
Stalking
Stalking is defined in Massachusetts General Laws Ch. 265 § 43 as (1) willfully and maliciously engaging in a knowing pattern of conduct or series of acts over a period of time directed at a specific person which seriously alarms or annoys that person and would cause a reasonable person to suffer substantial emotional distress, and (2) making a threat with the intent to place the person in imminent fear of death or bodily injury. Stalking can be another form of domestic violence.
DIVORCE — Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 208 presents the guidelines on how to proceed with a Divorce, including how to file for divorce on a specific ground of misconduct (i.e. adultery, abandonment, abuse, etc.) or via an irretrievable marriage breakdown.
Whether you have been the victim of domestic violence, or have been charged with domestic violence, it is crucial to have a team behind you that specializes in Family Law. At Allen Law Group, we are dedicated to helping individuals facing serious accusations of domestic violence and those that are vulnerable and need help seeking protection.