Cambridge, 209A Hearing Defense Attorneys

In Massachusetts, when somebody wishes to place a restraining order it is referred to as a 209A – derived from the provision in the Massachusetts General Laws under Chapter 209A. While a person filing for a 209A restraining order has significant power, you will have the opportunity to defend yourself in a 209A hearing as well. The Cambridge defense attorneys at Altman & Altman LLP have significant experience advocating for our clients at such hearings, and we can help you as well.

Sometimes relationships go from healthy and positive to a place of irreparable damage. There could be a million different reasons for this, but regardless of the reason such a development might end with you being served a notice that the other person has filed a restraining order against you. If this happened to you, you might be wondering what happens next – you might even be panicking because you have been forced to leave your home and cease contact with people you care for deeply.

While things might seem dark, rest assured that you will have your day in court – literally – and we will help you through every step of the process towards clearing your name.

The 209A Hearing

Under state law, a person filing for a restraining order has a great deal of power. They get to present their side of the story to a judge, who will then decide to grant the restraining order or not. Normally, a judge will issue a temporary restraining order (TRO) first, so that you will be able to come into the courthouse and present your defense against the person filing the 209A.

This hearing, which ordinarily occurs within two weeks from the issuance of the temporary restraining order, is your chance to present the facts and details that were possibly withheld during the testimony of the reporting party. This is the first and most important chance to establish a strong defense, which is why it is vital to have a trained professional who has many years of experience in such situations on your side.

We can ensure that you are given the best possible chance to overturn the judge’s initial decision to issue the 209A. This is important because, as many are unaware of going through the process, if the judge upholds the 209A and implements the order beyond temporary status, this will appear in your criminal history during any and all background searches and may impact your ability to do things such as seek employment, purchase a firearm or qualify for certain programs.

When the Stakes are High, Trust Altman & Altman

The fallout from a restraining order being filed against you can be tremendous. You may lose the right to see your own children and family members that you care about, in addition to being kicked out of your place of residence. You may suffer serious damage to your reputation and it may even impact your professional life if your boss or prospective employer finds out about the order.

The stakes are simply too high to take any chances. If you need representation in a 209A situation in Cambridge, Boston, Salem or elsewhere in Massachusetts, your first call should be to Altman & Altman LLP. We have over 50 years of experience fighting on behalf of our clients and helping them get through the most harrowing and terrifying days of their lives.

Restraining orders may be vitally important to protect the lives of innocent victims of domestic abuse and other violence, however they may also be abused by those seeking to cause damage of their own to someone that they feel has wronged them in some other way. You may think you have little recourse, but you retain the right to legal counsel and you have the right to present your side of the story – always.

Contact us online or call for a free consultation to go over the details of your case today at 617-492-3000 or toll-free at 800-481-6199. We are available 24/7.