Can a restraining order be dropped in Massachusetts?
Asked by: Lamar Larkin | Last update: February 12, 2025Score: 4.6/5 (75 votes)
Yes. The court should be sure the person who wants to change or end a current 209A restraining order is actually the person who filed the complaint in the first place. To stop someone from trying to impersonate you, the court clerk should ask for identification from anyone who asks to modify or terminate a 209A order.
What are good reasons to drop a restraining order?
A significant change in circumstances, such as improved behavior, completion of anger management or counseling programs, or evidence that the risk of violence has diminished, may provide grounds for seeking the dismissal of a restraining order.
What do you have to do to drop a protection order?
- Return to the county court where the petition for the original order was filed.
- Complete the necessary paperwork.
- Speak with the judge or another court officer prior to the order being vacated.
Can you appeal a restraining order in Massachusetts?
If a c. 209A order has issued against you, you have the right to appeal that order even though there is no provision in the statute itself for appeal by either party.
Does a restraining order go on your record in Massachusetts?
While a restraining order will not be a part of your criminal record, it does become a part of your civil record, which can be accessed by law enforcement.
What Happens If a Restraining Order Is Not Served in Massachusetts?
Can I sue someone for filing a false restraining order?
The victim of the false claim may file a civil lawsuit seeking damages for harm caused by the false allegations. The defendant may be required to compensate the victim for financial losses, emotional distress, and any other damages incurred as a result of the false order.
How to remove a restraining order in Massachusetts?
The person who requested the order can't change or end the order without contacting the court and asking the judge to change the order. Even if the plaintiff seems to request or allow conduct forbidden by the order, the defendant will be in violation of the abuse prevention order unless a judge has changed it.
What happens if the petitioner does not show up to a restraining order hearing?
If you miss your court hearing for a temporary restraining order in California, the court may dismiss your request for the order due to your absence. When a petitioner does not show up, the court often interprets this as a lack of interest or necessity in pursuing the restraining order.
Can you expunge a restraining order in Massachusetts?
In the 2006 case of Commissioner of Probation v. Adams, it was recognized that a judge has the inherent authority to expunge a record of an abuse violence registry system in the rare and limited circumstance that the judge finds the order was obtained through fraud on the court.
How to find out if someone has been served a restraining order?
Go to the local district courthouse where the restraining order would have likely been filed. You can use your brother's name (he would have been the defendant) to locate his file. If he was served with a restraining order, there will be a file with his name enclosing all documents filed.
How to get an injunction dropped?
Just go in and tell the court that you want it dismissed. If you simply do not show up to a hearing while you are still trying to get it, the court will also just dismiss it. You can kind of look at it like filing to get married. You can do all the paperwork and set an appointment for the ceremony at the courthouse.
How can a petitioner violate a restraining order?
- Coming too close to the alleged victim. ...
- Contacting the alleged victim. ...
- Failing to move out of your home. ...
- Visiting your shared workplace or school. ...
- Failing to pay bills. ...
- Failing to comply with child visitation rules. ...
- Purchasing or possessing a gun.
What would happen if the accuser doesn't show up to court?
3 attorney answers
Generally, if a victim fails to show up for trial, the prosecutor will request an adjournment and might request a material witness warrant. A skilled attorney might be able to persuade the prosecutor to dismiss the case without prejudice, pending any further request for prosecution by the victim.
What is the best excuse for missing court?
- Medical Emergencies. Life can throw unexpected events at us. ...
- Unforeseen Accidents. Being involved in a car accident while on your way to court can also be a valid reason for an FTA. ...
- Transportation Issues. ...
- Unaware of the Court Date. ...
- Bereavement. ...
- Additional Information.
Can you fight a restraining order in Massachusetts?
It is extremely difficult to challenge a restraining order, but it is possible. No matter what the circumstances are, you need to fight a false restraining order issued with the help of an experienced attorney at the Bellotti Law Group, P.C.
How long does a restraining order last in Massachusetts?
Long-term orders: A long-term abuse prevention order can be issued after the abuser is given notice and the chance to appear at a court hearing where you and the abuser will each have a chance to present evidence to the judge. If you can prove that you were abused, the judge can issue you an order for up to one year.
How does a restraining order affect you in Massachusetts?
A major consequence is that the restraining order is likely to require you, the Defendant, to leave your home, if you live with the person who receives the order. If you have children, a restraining order could prevent you from getting custody of or having visitation with your children.
Can I be around someone I have a restraining order against?
These orders impose specific restrictions or conditions on the individual subject to the order, such as maintaining a specified distance from the protected person, refraining from contacting the protected person, or ceasing any form of harassment or intimidation.
What is the penalty for filing a false restraining order in Massachusetts?
(a) A person who files a petition for an extreme risk protection order, knowing the information in the petition to be materially false or with an intent to harass the respondent, shall be punished by a fine of not less than $2,500 and not more than $5,000 or by imprisonment for not more than 21/2 years in the house of ...
How do you defend yourself against false accusations?
- Stay Calm and Gather Evidence. ...
- Contact a Criminal Defense Lawyer. ...
- Challenge the Accuser's Credibility. ...
- Understand Your Rights. ...
- Prepare Your Defense. ...
- Consider Counterclaims. ...
- Don't Let False Allegations Fly — Contact Right Law Group.
Does a restraining order show up on a cori check in Massachusetts?
(CORI does not include restraining order cases or non-criminal matters such as DCF “51A” reports of child abuse or neglect.
Can you look up restraining orders in MA?
In Massachusetts, you can look up a Restraining Order, but the specifics depend on whether the order is part of an open court case or a concluded one.
What is the difference between a no contact order and a restraining order in Massachusetts?
Understanding the Basics
A protective order, commonly known as a restraining order, is issued by a court to protect a person from harm or harassment. In contrast, a no-contact order specifically regulates communication between individuals, often prohibiting contact through phone calls or text messages.
What happens if the respondent fails to appear in court for restraining order?
If You Are the Respondent:
If you fail to appear, the judge can proceed with the hearing in your absence and may issue a permanent restraining order (usually lasting between 1 and 5 years).