{"id":4868,"date":"2024-04-19T21:41:07","date_gmt":"2024-04-19T21:41:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.affordlaw.org\/?p=4868"},"modified":"2025-05-24T13:08:38","modified_gmt":"2025-05-24T13:08:38","slug":"police-harassing-text-massachusetts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/police-harassing-text-massachusetts\/","title":{"rendered":"What Can the Police Do About Harassing Texts in Massachusetts?"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"4868\" class=\"elementor elementor-4868\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d36c0bd e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"d36c0bd\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d35058a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"d35058a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>In Massachusetts, harassing texts can be addressed by the police under the criminal harassment statute (MGL c. 265, \u00a7 43A). Victims can file a police report, and officers can investigate the situation. If the texts are threatening or involve repeated harassment, the sender may be charged with criminal harassment, which can result in fines, imprisonment, or both. Additionally, victims may seek a harassment prevention order from a court under MGL c. 258E, which can prohibit the sender from contacting them. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.affordlaw.org\/online-harassment-massachusetts\/\">Police involvement and judicial measures aim to stop the harassment<\/a> and protect the victim.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-34e9298 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"34e9298\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/C3656DKstmU?rel=0&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f2ad83f elementor-widget elementor-widget-boomdevs-toc-widget\" data-id=\"f2ad83f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;sticky&quot;:&quot;top&quot;,&quot;sticky_on&quot;:[&quot;desktop&quot;,&quot;tablet&quot;,&quot;mobile&quot;],&quot;sticky_offset&quot;:0,&quot;sticky_effects_offset&quot;:0,&quot;sticky_anchor_link_offset&quot;:0}\" data-widget_type=\"boomdevs-toc-widget.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t        \n            \n            <div class=\"fit_content\">\n                <div class=\"bd_toc_container\" data-fixedWidth=\"\">\n                    <div class=\"bd_toc_wrapper\" data-wrapperPadding=\"48px\">\n                        <div class=\"bd_toc_wrapper_item\">\n                            <div class=\"bd_toc_header active\" data-headerPadding=\"2px\">\n                                <div class=\"bd_toc_header_title\">\n                                    Table of Contents                                <\/div>\n                                <div class=\"bd_toc_switcher_hide_show_icon\">\n                                    <span class=\"bd_toc_arrow\"><\/span>                                <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"bd_toc_content list-type-number\">\n                                <div class=\"bd_toc_content_list \">\n                                    <div class='bd_toc_content_list_item'>    <ul>\n      <li class=\"first\">\n        <a href=\"#understanding-harassment-through-electronic-communications-in-massachusetts\">Understanding Harassment Through Electronic Communications in Massachusetts<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#criminal-penalties-and-consequences\">Criminal Penalties and Consequences<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#how-to-obtain-a-harassment-prevention-order\">How to Obtain a Harassment Prevention Order<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#preservation-of-rights-and-evidence\">Preservation of Rights and Evidence<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#criminal-record-and-subsequent-life-impact\">Criminal Record and Subsequent Life Impact<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#how-legal-representation-can-help\">How Legal Representation Can Help<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li class=\"last\">\n        <a href=\"#help-getting-a-restraining-order-in-massachusetts\">Help Getting a Restraining Order in Massachusetts<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n    <\/ul>\n<\/div>                                <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"layout_toggle_button\">\n                        <span class=\"bd_toc_arrow\"><\/span>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n\n    \t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-844efd1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"844efd1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='understanding-harassment-through-electronic-communications-in-massachusetts'  id=\"boomdevs_1\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Understanding Harassment Through Electronic Communications in Massachusetts<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ecfaf5f elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"ecfaf5f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 id='introduction-to-criminal-harassment-charges'  id=\"boomdevs_2\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Introduction to Criminal Harassment Charges<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-530a8aa elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"530a8aa\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>In Massachusetts, the rise of electronic communication devices has led to an increase in harassment cases involving:<\/p><ul><li>text messages,<\/li><li>instant messages, and<\/li><li>other internet communications.<\/li><\/ul><p>It\u2019s important to know that such harassing behavior can be stopped with the help of the court.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-692f96b elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"692f96b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 id='what-constitutes-criminal-harassment'  id=\"boomdevs_3\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What Constitutes Criminal Harassment?<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-edae97b elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"edae97b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 265, Section 43A, a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.affordlaw.org\/cori-law-massachusetts\/\">crime of criminal harassment<\/a> occurs when a person engages in a knowing pattern of conduct or series of acts over a period of time directed at a specific person which seriously alarms that person and would cause a reasonable person to suffer substantial emotional distress.<\/p><p>In addition, harassment can also be three or more separate acts of harassing behavior aimed at you that causes you alarm. This type of harassment is not considered criminal in nature, but the court recognizes the terrible impact it can have on your life. If you&#8217;re suffering from this type of behavior, you may qualify for a Harassment Prevention Order.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-72e88b0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"72e88b0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 id='the-legal-process-for-handling-harassment'  id=\"boomdevs_4\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">The Legal Process for <br>Handling Harassment<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d8f9180 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"d8f9180\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 id='filing-a-police-report'  id=\"boomdevs_5\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Filing a Police Report <\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9398b43 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"9398b43\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>If you are the victim of criminal harassment, the first step is to file a police report. It&#8217;s important to document all instances of harassment, as law enforcement will need detailed information to proceed with your case. You can do this simply by visiting your local police station and telling them what\u2019s going on. Be sure and bring any proof with you to show what your harasser is doing or saying.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3c65116 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"3c65116\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 id='seeking-a-harassment-prevention-order'  id=\"boomdevs_6\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Seeking a Harassment Prevention Order <\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6d9aefc elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6d9aefc\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Massachusetts courts can issue a harassment prevention order if you can demonstrate a substantial likelihood of immediate danger of harassment. This court order can restrict the harasser from contacting or approaching you and may carry penalties if violated.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3d3e9e5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"3d3e9e5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='criminal-penalties-and-consequences'  id=\"boomdevs_7\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Criminal Penalties <br>and Consequences<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-72ec1d2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"72ec1d2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 id='consequences-for-the-harasser'  id=\"boomdevs_8\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Consequences for the Harasser <\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4b13f37 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"4b13f37\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>A conviction for criminal harassment can result in fines, a sentence to the House of Correction, or even state prison, particularly for subsequent offenses. The severity depends on the nature of the harassment and any prior offenses.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-03aa107 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"03aa107\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 id='impact-on-the-victim'  id=\"boomdevs_9\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Impact on the Victim <\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3fd20be elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3fd20be\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>You might experience ongoing fear, leading to requests for more comprehensive protective orders. The legal system aims to provide relief and protection to prevent further emotional or physical harm. You should always feel free to go to court and ask for their protection. That\u2019s why they\u2019re there.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-34ec5f0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"34ec5f0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='how-to-obtain-a-harassment-prevention-order'  id=\"boomdevs_10\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">How to Obtain a Harassment Prevention Order<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cec087b elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"cec087b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 id='understanding-the-criteria'  id=\"boomdevs_11\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Understanding the Criteria <\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d520836 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"d520836\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>To obtain a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.affordlaw.org\/harassment-prevention-order-massachusetts\/\" data-wplink-edit=\"true\">Harassment Prevention Order in Massachusetts<\/a>, the alleged victim must demonstrate that the harassment caused fear of imminent serious physical harm or involved sensitive information.<\/p><p>There are three ways you can qualify for an HPO:<\/p><ol><li>Your harasser committed three or more separate incidents of harassing behavior aimed at you that caused you alarm,<\/li><li>You had unwanted sexual conduct with your harasser because they forced you, threatened you, or put you under duress, or<\/li><li>Your harasser committed certain crimes against you.<\/li><\/ol>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e763a12 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"e763a12\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 id='legal-steps-to-acquire-an-order'  id=\"boomdevs_12\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Legal Steps to Acquire an Order <\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7db584b elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"7db584b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/BjgPvAofm5g?rel=0&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-70e9587 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"70e9587\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/tqyMJfO00DM?rel=0&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-097e6e6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"097e6e6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/635heMTFgYg?rel=0&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-67a928c elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"67a928c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The process typically begins in your local court. You need to fill out your application for the order, then go before the judge for an ex-parte hearing. Ex-parte just means that you will be the only one testifying. Your harasser most likely won\u2019t be there. If the judge is convinced you need an order right away, they will issue you a Temporary Harassment Prevention Order that\u2019s good for 10 days. If you want the order extended, you must go back to court on that day for a 2-party hearing. This time, both you and your harasser will be there to talk to the judge. Your order may be extended for up to 1 year.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-35817db elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"35817db\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='preservation-of-rights-and-evidence'  id=\"boomdevs_13\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Preservation of Rights <br>and Evidence<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-36eb0e8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"36eb0e8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 id='documenting-the-harassment'  id=\"boomdevs_14\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Documenting the Harassment <\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-532d0db elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"532d0db\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Preserve all communications, including:<\/p><ul><li>texts,<\/li><li>emails, and<\/li><li>social media messages.<\/li><\/ul><p>This documentation can be crucial in court to establish the persistent nature of the harassment. Also, make a list and take <a href=\"https:\/\/www.affordlaw.org\/examples-harassment-statements-massachusetts\/\">statements from anyone who witnessed any of the harassing<\/a> behavior.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-acc6291 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"acc6291\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 id='protecting-your-rights'  id=\"boomdevs_15\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Protecting Your Rights <\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-56dfe77 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"56dfe77\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>An experienced attorney can help ensure that your rights are protected throughout the legal process. It\u2019s important to know how to present your case to the court. That includes:<\/p><ul><li>completing the written statement,<\/li><li>preparing evidence and<\/li><li>speaking to the judge.<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-448f907 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"448f907\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='criminal-record-and-subsequent-life-impact'  id=\"boomdevs_16\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Criminal Record and Subsequent Life Impact<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-45ab2d7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"45ab2d7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 id='potential-for-a-criminal-record'  id=\"boomdevs_17\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Potential for a Criminal Record <\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-108affd elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"108affd\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Being charged with criminal harassment can result in a criminal record, which can affect employment, housing, and more. It is crucial to handle these charges correctly to avoid or minimize these long-term impacts.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7b29cc7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"7b29cc7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 id='violation-of-a-harassment-prevention-order'  id=\"boomdevs_18\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Violation of a Harassment Prevention Order<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5ece8ce elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"5ece8ce\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/q1rHQTp1HX8?rel=0&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9aacb69 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"9aacb69\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>In some cases, it might be possible to have the records sealed or expunged. Discuss these options with your attorney to understand the possibilities based on your specific circumstances. It\u2019s also possible to appeal the original decision regarding your Restraining Order. Although both expungements and appeals are possible, they are very rare.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f88ebaf elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"f88ebaf\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='how-legal-representation-can-help'  id=\"boomdevs_19\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">How Legal Representation<br> Can Help<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1403de7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"1403de7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 id='building-a-case'  id=\"boomdevs_20\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Building a Case <\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b995f7a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"b995f7a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>An attorney can help develop a theory of the case. This includes looking at the actions your harasser has taken and how to present them to the judge. Also, keep in mind that not all annoying activities are considered harassment. The First Amendment to the Constitution protects a lot of offensive speech. Only speech that is considered:<\/p><ol><li>Fighting words, or<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.affordlaw.org\/true-threats-massachusetts\/\">True threats<\/a><\/li><\/ol><p>qualify as harassing speech. An attorney can help you decide what is harassment and what is not.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ec2b9aa elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"ec2b9aa\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 id='navigating-the-court-system'  id=\"boomdevs_21\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Navigating the Court System <\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c4472d8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"c4472d8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Legal representation is invaluable in navigating the complexities of the court system, from the first time you walk into court to fill out the paperwork all the way to your 2-party hearing. There are a lot of steps and it\u2019s important to know what to do.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0c52d7c elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"0c52d7c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='help-getting-a-restraining-order-in-massachusetts'  id=\"boomdevs_22\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Help Getting a Restraining Order in Massachusetts<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e7e3877 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"e7e3877\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/LJTbn6MDwtg?rel=0&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-530dd20 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"530dd20\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>If you&#8217;d like help getting a Restraining Order without paying an expensive attorney, we can help. With our Legal Coaching we can walk you through every step to make sure you&#8217;re ready for your hearing. The first thing to do is see if you qualify for a <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.affordlaw.org\/massachusetts-restraining-orders\/\"   title=\"Massachusetts Restraining Order\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\">Massachusetts Restraining Order<\/a>. Click on the link below to see if you qualify for either type of Restraining Order.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6487a04 elementor-align-center elementor-hidden-mobile elementor-tablet-align-center elementor-hidden-tablet elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"6487a04\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-xl\" href=\"https:\/\/www.affordlaw.org\/qualify-ro\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Do i qualify for a restraining order?<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-688fe2c elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"688fe2c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 id='legal-disclaimer'  id=\"boomdevs_23\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Legal Disclaimer<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-66182f0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"66182f0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult with an attorney to discuss your specific circumstances and receive tailored guidance.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In Massachusetts, harassing texts can be addressed by the police under the criminal harassment statute (MGL c. 265, \u00a7 43A). Victims can file a police report, and officers can investigate the situation. If the texts are threatening or involve repeated harassment, the sender may be charged with criminal harassment, which can result in fines, imprisonment, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4869,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[25],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4868","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-restraining-orders"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What Can the Police Do About Harassing Texts in Massachusetts? - Afford Law<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Facing harassment via electronic communication in Massachusetts? Read our detailed guide on how to handle harassing texts, emails, and social media messages legally. 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