When it comes to orders of abuse or harassment, understanding your rights is of critical importance, whether you’re protecting yourself and your family from potential abuse or you’re defending yourself against the issuance of an order.

In the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, there are two kinds of protection orders.

Restraining Orders. Restraining orders, formally called “Protective Orders” or “Orders of Protection” under Massachusetts General Law 209A, are issued when there is actual or attempted physical or verbal harm between family or household members or members of a romantic relationship.

Harassment Prevention Orders.  Harassment Prevention Orders as defined by Massachusetts General Law 258E are issued when there is a threat of abuse or damage to property, or an attempt to harass or annoy by a party that isn’t a family or household member.

Both restraining and harassment orders begin with plaintiffs requesting protection by visiting their local court. After that initial order is in place, both parties get the opportunity to present evidence. Scott helps clients in the process of having an order issued against another person, or in defending against an order being issued against them. In either case, he represents the best interests of both plaintiffs and defendants in court and his extensive courtroom experience makes him an excellent asset to any client dealing with the delicate and extremely subjective issues that are presented in these hearings.