of Mind When You
Need It Most.
Having a restraining order placed against you can be a very upsetting experience, especially if you feel as though the order was granted and enforced without just cause for doing so. Whether you have been falsely accused of domestic violence, stalking or other charges, or if you simply want to know what your rights are following an alleged restraining order violation, contact the Cambridge restraining order attorneys at Altman & Altman LLP today to learn more about the legal rights available to you.
Many people do not realize that there are immediate consequences to being served with even a temporary restraining order. These consequences can include being forced to vacate your own home and being unable to be with or contact the ones most important to you, like your children. If you happen to work in the same general area as the person who filed the order, you may even face professional repercussions resulting in losing money or being fired from your place of employment.
At their worst, restraining order violations can cause permanent damage to your reputation and can even result in jail time and heavy fines, as much as 2 ½ years in prison and $5,000 in monetary penalties!
Despite the power that is given to the person who originally files the restraining order, rest assured that you will have your day in court to give your side of the story, too. Usually, when a temporary restraining order is granted, within 10 to 14 days you will have a hearing in front of a judge and be able to present your side. This is the time when having an experienced professional representing you really makes all the difference in the world.
The implications of failing to fight back against a restraining order are significant. If the judge agrees with the plaintiff and agrees to enforce the restraining order, it counts against your criminal record. Once the other party has the order, they may go so far as to call the police and try to have you arrested if you so much as accidentally run into them out in a public space
If there is more to the restraining order – perhaps you have also been arrested and accused of domestic violence or other form of assault and battery – this hearing will provide you with a preliminary opportunity to defend yourself before any further court proceedings related to the arrest.
Restraining orders can be necessary legal implements utilized to protect innocent victims from abuse and threats of violence, but they can also be used nefariously by people who are actively trying to cause damage of their own – perhaps to damage the reputation of an ex-spouse or a rival that they have some trifle with. Although filing a false restraining order is a violation of the law itself, this doesn’t stop people from doing it every day.
People on the receiving end of such wanton disregard for civic justice need people on their side to protect their rights and give them proper representation in the courtroom. The defense attorneys at Altman & Altman LLP have over 50 years of experience advocating for our clients in all matters civil and criminal, whether your problem occurs in Cambridge, Boston, Salem or elsewhere in Massachusetts.
We believe that nobody should be victimized by a false report, and that you should have a fighting chance to clear your name. We also take great care to individualize our cases, as we understand no two clients are alike and no too legal situations the same. We take the time to go over the details of your case at no charge in order to craft the best legal strategy for your unique situation.
Call us 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.