{"id":5252,"date":"2024-04-29T22:57:22","date_gmt":"2024-04-29T22:57:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.affordlaw.org\/?p=5252"},"modified":"2025-05-23T22:30:56","modified_gmt":"2025-05-23T22:30:56","slug":"jail-violatiing-restraining-order-massachusetts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/jail-violatiing-restraining-order-massachusetts\/","title":{"rendered":"How Long Do You Go to Jail for Violating a Restraining Order in Massachusetts?"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"5252\" class=\"elementor elementor-5252\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0bcc83d e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"0bcc83d\" 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-f16fa88 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"f16fa88\" 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, violating a restraining order can lead to serious consequences. If a person violates the specific terms of an Abuse Prevention Order or a Harassment Prevention Order\u2014like no abuse, no contact, vacating the home, staying away from work\/home, or surrendering firearms\u2014it is considered a criminal offense. The penalty for such a violation can be up to 2.5 years in the House of Correction, along with possible fines up to $5,000 and additional probation or court-imposed requirements. Moreover, a conviction or even a continuance without a finding can affect one&#8217;s employment opportunities, housing, citizenship status, or lead to deportation\u200b.<\/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-596336b elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"596336b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/pRXN_d2JA1k?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-1ba92f9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-boomdevs-toc-widget\" data-id=\"1ba92f9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" 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=\"#introduction-to-restraining-orders-and-legal-protections\">Introduction to Restraining Orders and Legal Protections<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#what-constitutes-a-violation-of-a-restraining-order\">What Constitutes a Violation of a Restraining Order?<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#legal-implications-of-violating-a-restraining-order\">Legal Implications of Violating a Restraining Order<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#jail-time-for-restraining-order-violations\">Jail Time for Restraining Order Violations<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#the-legal-process-and-defenses\">The Legal Process and Defenses<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#factors-that-influence-the-severity-of-penalties\">Factors That Influence the Severity of Penalties<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#preventative-measures-and-mutual-restraining-orders\">Preventative Measures and Mutual Restraining Orders<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#help-getting-a-restraining-order-in-massachusetts\">Help Getting a Restraining Order in Massachusetts<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li class=\"last\">\n        <a href=\"#see-how-affordable-we-are\">See How Affordable We Are<\/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-1399cb8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"1399cb8\" 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='introduction-to-restraining-orders-and-legal-protections'  id=\"boomdevs_1\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Introduction to Restraining Orders and Legal Protections<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b15dd66 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"b15dd66\" 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 Restraining Order, also known as a Protective Order, is a legal order issued by a court to protect you from being harassed, abused, or stalked. In Massachusetts, violating such an order is a serious matter and can lead to severe consequences, including jail time.<\/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-ea05992 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"ea05992\" 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='what-constitutes-a-violation-of-a-restraining-order'  id=\"boomdevs_2\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What Constitutes a Violation of a Restraining Order?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-dec6084 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"dec6084\" 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='defining-a-violation'  id=\"boomdevs_3\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Defining a Violation<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ea0f251 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"ea0f251\" 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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.affordlaw.org\/what-considered-violation-restraining-order-massachusetts\/\">violation of a Restraining Order<\/a> occurs when an individual does something that the court has expressly forbidden in the terms of the Order. This could include:<\/p><ul><li>physical contact,<\/li><li>sending a text message,<\/li><li>making a phone call, or<\/li><li>appearing at your place of work.<\/li><\/ul><p>Each action against the specific terms can result in an order violation.<\/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-b4faceb elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"b4faceb\" 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='range-of-actions-considered-as-violations'  id=\"boomdevs_4\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Range of Actions Considered as Violations<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-80e109c elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"80e109c\" 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 scope of actions that may constitute a violation is broad. It can range from direct contact to indirect actions, such as sending messages through a third party. Any action that can be perceived as an attempt to communicate or come into contact with the protected individual may be seen as a violation.<\/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-45ec1ed elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"45ec1ed\" 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='legal-implications-of-violating-a-restraining-order'  id=\"boomdevs_5\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Legal Implications of Violating a Restraining Order<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3394292 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"3394292\" 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-d89b20b elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"d89b20b\" 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='civil-vs-criminal-offense'  id=\"boomdevs_6\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Civil vs. Criminal Offense<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-782fdb2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"782fdb2\" 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, a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.affordlaw.org\/violating-restraining-order-felony-massachusetts\/\">violation of a Restraining Order<\/a> is treated as a criminal offense. This means that the violator can face criminal charges, and if convicted, it will result in a criminal record. Violating a Restraining Order is a misdemeanor.<\/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-05c5e14 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"05c5e14\" 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-of-a-criminal-charge'  id=\"boomdevs_7\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Consequences of a Criminal Charge<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-87a9c70 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"87a9c70\" 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 charges can lead to significant jail time, especially if the violation involves aggravated circumstances such as sexual relations, criminal stalking, or fear of imminent serious physical harm to the alleged victim. The punishment will be even more severe if your abuser\/harasser has a criminal history, especially a history of such violations.<\/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-a7a0abb elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"a7a0abb\" 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='jail-time-for-restraining-order-violations'  id=\"boomdevs_8\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Jail Time for Restraining <br>Order Violations<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ec63ca4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"ec63ca4\" 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='first-time-vs-subsequent-offenses'  id=\"boomdevs_9\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">First-Time vs. Subsequent Offenses<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bbdb2ce elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"bbdb2ce\" 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>For a first-time offender, the punishment might be less severe, potentially resulting in probation or a shorter jail sentence. However, repeat offenses or violations involving physical violence can lead to much longer sentences, including several years in state prison.<\/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-b298da9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"b298da9\" 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='specific-jail-sentences'  id=\"boomdevs_10\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Specific Jail Sentences<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9810ff3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"9810ff3\" 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 length of jail time depends on the nature of the violation and the violator\u2019s criminal history. In general, a violator could face anything from a few days in the House of Correction to up to two and a half years for more serious 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-1e3d46f elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"1e3d46f\" 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='the-legal-process-and-defenses'  id=\"boomdevs_11\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">The Legal Process and Defenses<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-aa00698 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"aa00698\" 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_12\" 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-1106daf elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1106daf\" 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 accused of violating a restraining order, the case will typically be heard in the District Court, regardless of which court issued the Order. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.affordlaw.org\/209a-violation-massachusetts\/\">Massachusetts can also prosecute your abuser\/harasser for violating<\/a> an out-of-state order while in Massachusetts.<\/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-ff24c51 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"ff24c51\" 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-defense'  id=\"boomdevs_13\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Building a Defense<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9f0375c elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"9f0375c\" 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 criminal defense attorney can provide legal advice and may argue lack of probable cause or reasonable doubt regarding the violation. The attorney-client relationship is essential in crafting a defense strategy that aligns with the best interest of the client.<\/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-6d2b5f8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"6d2b5f8\" 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='factors-that-influence-the-severity-of-penalties'  id=\"boomdevs_14\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Factors That Influence the Severity of Penalties<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8a4b4ae elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"8a4b4ae\" 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-district-attorney-s-perspective'  id=\"boomdevs_15\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">The District Attorney\u2019s Perspective<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6a83320 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6a83320\" 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 District Attorney&#8217;s Office takes order violations seriously, and they often seek substantial penalties. They will want to hear from you as to what you would like to have done to your abuser\/harasser. They have victim advocates that work in their office that as a go-between between you and the prosecutors.<\/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-091e87c elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"091e87c\" 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='consideration-of-specific-circumstances'  id=\"boomdevs_16\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Consideration of Specific Circumstances<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9e0d7dd elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"9e0d7dd\" 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>Each case is unique, and factors such as the presence of family members, the type of order (temporary or permanent), and the nature of the violation will all influence the outcome. Your abuser\/harasser\u2019s criminal record also plays an important part when the judge decides on a punishment.<\/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-ad9113d elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"ad9113d\" 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='preventative-measures-and-mutual-restraining-orders'  id=\"boomdevs_17\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Preventative Measures and Mutual Restraining Orders<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e83f9b3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"e83f9b3\" 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='obtaining-a-restraining-order'  id=\"boomdevs_18\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Obtaining a Restraining Order<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2d6eaf8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2d6eaf8\" 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>For those seeking protection, obtaining a restraining order is a legal process that provides a shield against further abuse. It&#8217;s possible to apply for different types of orders, such as a 209A Abuse Prevention Order or a 258E Harassment Prevention Order, depending on the situation.<\/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-50dab3b elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"50dab3b\" 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-concept-of-mutual-restraining-orders'  id=\"boomdevs_19\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">The Concept of Mutual Restraining Orders<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-22e1516 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"22e1516\" 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>Sometimes, mutual restraining orders may be issued, where both parties are prohibited from contacting each other. The violation of this type of order by either party carries similar penalties.<\/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-656f1c2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"656f1c2\" 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_20\" 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-7125da2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"7125da2\" 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-f49351e elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"f49351e\" 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-68f68a4 elementor-align-center elementor-hidden-mobile elementor-tablet-align-center elementor-hidden-tablet elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"68f68a4\" 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-2e8a523 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"2e8a523\" 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='see-how-affordable-we-are'  id=\"boomdevs_21\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">See How Affordable We Are<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3890fb6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"3890fb6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/AEmIP8eEDII?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-3ce48e2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-shortcode\" data-id=\"3ce48e2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"shortcode.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-shortcode\"><div id=\"calculatorexpress_com-calculator\" style=\"text-align: center;\">Loading...<\/div>\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\" src=\"https:\/\/calculatorexpress.com\/apps-js\/scripts_embed.js\"><\/script>\r\n\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\">\r\n\tvar embed = '<style>iframe#fee-calc{width: 100%;min-width: 900px;border:none;}@media only screen and (max-width: 600px) {iframe#fee-calc { display: block; width:100%;min-width:280px; }<\/style><center><iframe id=\"fee-calc\" src=\"https:\/\/calculatorexpress.com\/API9\/Paul_Whelan_UW\/\" scrolling=\"no\" border=\"no\" onload=\"iFrameResize()\"><\/iframe><\/center>';\r\ndocument.getElementById('calculatorexpress_com-calculator').innerHTML = embed;\r\n<\/script><\/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-2760784 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"2760784\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/Y441G6781R8?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-3e2b5ac elementor-align-center elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"3e2b5ac\" 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-sm\" href=\"\">\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\">Your freedom is a<br> phone call away <br> 508-453-1250<\/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-91e078e elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"91e078e\" 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_22\" 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-288a441 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"288a441\" 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, violating a restraining order can lead to serious consequences. If a person violates the specific terms of an Abuse Prevention Order or a Harassment Prevention Order\u2014like no abuse, no contact, vacating the home, staying away from work\/home, or surrendering firearms\u2014it is considered a criminal offense. The penalty for such a violation can be [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5253,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[25],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5252","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>How Long Do You Go to Jail for Violating a Restraining Order in Massachusetts? - Afford Law<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Explore the legal consequences of violating a restraining order in Massachusetts. Our comprehensive guide details jail time, penalties, and the judicial process, providing essential knowledge for understanding the gravity of such violations. 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