Worcester Criminal Harassment Lawyers

Massachusetts Stalking and Harassment Attorneys

In Massachusetts, there are laws that define what constitutes criminal harassment. These laws are very specific on what behavior constitutes harassment. If you face charges of criminal harassment, or have been the victim of criminal harassment, it is essential that you have a lawyer on your side who fully understands the criminal justice system and can aggressively defend your rights.

At the Walpole and Fitchburg offices of O’Connor and Ryan, our lawyers are always ready to take on the harassment you have been experiencing or the criminal charges you are facing. With more than 30 years of experience handling a wide variety of felony and misdemeanor matters, we are highly skilled attorneys who are able to utilize our extensive knowledge of the law and prosecution tactics in order to seek a resolution to the case that is in your best interests.

Contact us now to schedule a consultation with one of our criminal defense lawyers.

Aspects of Criminal Harassment Cases

Our criminal harassment representation can be tailored to meet the needs of someone who is seeking to obtain a criminal harassment order against another individual. An attorney at our firm can evaluate your case and advise you whether or not you may be able to obtain an order. In addition, if someone has an established criminal harassment order against you, we can provide the aggressive representation you need to fight the order against you.

Regardless of which side of a criminal harassment order you are on, it is important to note how harassment is defined. In order for a petition for a criminal harassment order to be granted, the alleged victim must show that he or she has:

• Suffered from three or more acts of “willful and malicious conduct” that were intended to cause “fear, intimidation, abuse or damage to property” and does so cause these things.

OR

• Suffered from one act that results in the person being forced, threatened or otherwise put under duress in order to engage in sexual relations against his or her will.

OR

• Suffered from one act that is in “violation of several specifically enumerated” criminal laws.

An order may be sought in Boston Municipal Court, District Court, Superior Court or Juvenile Court under 258E. The process for seeking an order is much like that of a 209A, which includes all or some of the following: the filing of the complaint, emergency relief, ex parte hearing, notice to defendant, 10-day hearing and an extension hearing. However, unlike a 209A, a plaintiff in a criminal harassment order matter does not have to show the likelihood that substantial physical and bodily harm is imminent.

Contact Our Worcester Criminal Harassment Attorneys

To schedule a consultation about your case, contact O’Connor and Ryan. We have offices in Fitchburg and Walpole, Massachusetts, to serve you.