Clifford Defense helps Massachusetts residents fight false or exaggerated restraining orders. We appear at hearings across all MA courts and fight to protect your rights and family relationships. Free consultation.
A Massachusetts restraining order can be issued ex parte — without you present in court — removing you from your home the same day it is issued. Within hours, you can lose access to your home, your children, and your firearms, based solely on the other party's unverified statement. Attorney Mark J. Clifford fights aggressively at every stage of the restraining order process to protect your rights across all Massachusetts courts.
When an emergency restraining order is issued, Massachusetts law requires a hearing within 10 days at which you have the right to appear and contest the order. This hearing is your most critical opportunity. Attorney Clifford prepares thoroughly — gathering contrary evidence, preparing you for court, cross-examining the petitioner, and arguing that the legal standard has not been met. Many orders are terminated or significantly modified at the 10-day hearing.
Violating a Massachusetts restraining order — even through accidental or indirect contact — is a criminal offense under G.L. c. 209A, § 7, punishable by up to 2.5 years in jail and a $5,000 fine. A violation may also lead to enhanced restraining order conditions or loss of bail. Attorney Clifford also defends clients charged with restraining order violations.
In some cases, you may be able to obtain a restraining order against the petitioner — creating a mutual order. Attorney Clifford evaluates every case for this possibility and advises on the implications for custody, property, and future proceedings.
The 10-day hearing is your window of opportunity. Call (617) 501-0411 — do not go to the hearing without a lawyer.
Charged with Restraining Order Defense? Speak with an experienced Massachusetts defense attorney today — free and confidential.
📅 Book Consultation 📞 Call (617) 501-0411A restraining order in Massachusetts can be issued ex parte — without you present — based solely on the accuser's statement. Attorney Mark J. Clifford attends every restraining order hearing and presents a full defense to challenge the order and protect your rights, your home, your firearms, and your relationship with your children.
The 10-day extension hearing is your critical opportunity. Clifford Defense prepares thoroughly and argues aggressively against extension.
We gather texts, emails, call logs, photos, and witness statements that contradict the petitioner's claims.
A restraining order can remove you from your home. We fight to minimize and challenge every collateral consequence.
Massachusetts restraining orders trigger automatic loss of firearms licenses. We fight to restore your Second Amendment rights.
Call (617) 501-0411 — do not go to your restraining order hearing alone.
Attorney Mark J. Clifford appears in every Massachusetts District Court and Superior Court. Whatever county your restraining order charges are filed in, Clifford Defense is ready.
Courts: Cambridge, Lowell, Malden, Waltham, Ayer District Courts; Middlesex Superior Court (Woburn)
The most populous county in Massachusetts. restraining order cases move through five District Courts plus Middlesex Superior Court. Clifford Defense appears regularly in every Middlesex courthouse.
Courts: Boston Municipal Court, Chelsea District Court, West Roxbury District Court; Suffolk Superior Court
Boston is the hub of Massachusetts criminal prosecution. restraining order cases here may be routed through BMC or Superior Court — each has distinct procedures Clifford Defense knows well.
Courts: Worcester, Fitchburg, Gardner, Dudley, Westborough, Milford District Courts; Worcester Superior Court
New England's largest county by area. Six District Courts plus Worcester Superior Court handle restraining order matters — Clifford Defense covers every one.
Courts: Salem, Lawrence, Haverhill, Newburyport, Lynn, Gloucester District Courts; Essex Superior Court (Salem)
The North Shore has six District Courts and an active Superior Court in Salem. Clifford Defense defends restraining order cases from Gloucester to Lawrence.
Courts: Dedham, Quincy, Wrentham, Stoughton, Brookline District Courts; Norfolk Superior Court (Dedham)
South of Boston, five District Courts and Norfolk Superior Court handle restraining order cases from Quincy to Wrentham. Clifford Defense serves every Norfolk County court.
Courts: Plymouth, Brockton, Hingham District Courts; Plymouth Superior Court
Plymouth County stretches from Brockton to the Cape. restraining order charges are heard in three District Courts and Plymouth Superior Court — Clifford Defense covers all of them.
Courts: Springfield, Chicopee, Palmer, Westfield District Courts; Hampden Superior Court (Springfield)
Western Massachusetts's largest county. restraining order cases go through four District Courts and Hampden Superior Court. Clifford Defense serves the entire Pioneer Valley.
Courts: Northampton, Belchertown District Courts; Hampshire Superior Court (Northampton)
Home to the Five Colleges corridor. restraining order matters are heard at Northampton or Belchertown District Court, with felonies going to Hampshire Superior Court.
Courts: Fall River, New Bedford, Taunton, Attleboro, North Attleboro District Courts; Bristol Superior Court (New Bedford)
The South Coast from Attleboro to Fall River. Five District Courts plus Bristol Superior handle restraining order cases across this large county.
Courts: Barnstable, Orleans District Courts; Barnstable Superior Court
Cape Cod's county — two District Courts and Barnstable Superior Court handle restraining order cases for all 15 Cape towns. Year-round defense available.
Courts: Pittsfield, Northern Berkshire, Southern Berkshire District Courts; Berkshire Superior Court
The westernmost county. Three District Courts and Berkshire Superior Court in Pittsfield handle restraining order matters across the Berkshires.
Courts: Greenfield, Orange District Courts; Franklin Superior Court (Greenfield)
The Pioneer Valley's northern county. restraining order cases are heard at Greenfield or Orange District Court, with serious felonies at Franklin Superior Court.
Courts: Edgartown District Court; Dukes County Superior Court
Martha's Vineyard — the Edgartown District Court handles all restraining order charges on the island. Clifford Defense represents clients on Martha's Vineyard.
Courts: Nantucket District Court
The island's sole courthouse handles all restraining order matters for Nantucket. Clifford Defense represents clients on Nantucket Island.
📞 Call (617) 501-0411 — free consultation, 24/7, anywhere in Massachusetts.
Yes. An ex parte emergency restraining order can be issued the same day the petitioner applies — without you receiving notice or having the opportunity to be heard. The court hears only the petitioner's side. You then have the right to a 10-day hearing where both sides can present evidence.
At the 10-day hearing, both parties appear before the judge. You have the right to testify, present evidence, and cross-examine the petitioner. The judge decides whether to extend the order, modify it, or terminate it. This is your most critical opportunity — Clifford Defense prepares thoroughly for every 10-day hearing.
Yes, significantly. A 209A order prohibiting contact with the petitioner may also prohibit contact with children if they live with the petitioner. The family court handles child custody, but a restraining order in District Court directly affects the practical circumstances. Attorney Clifford coordinates district court restraining order defense with family court custody proceedings.
Violating a 209A or 258E order is a criminal offense under G.L. c. 209A, § 7, punishable by up to 2.5 years in jail and a $5,000 fine. Any contact — even through a third party — can constitute a violation. Even if the protected person initiates contact, you can still be charged for responding. Never contact the protected person without speaking to your attorney first.
In some cases, yes. If the other party engaged in abusive, threatening, or harassing conduct toward you, you may be entitled to your own 209A or 258E order. This is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Attorney Clifford advises on the feasibility and implications of a mutual restraining order in each situation.
A restraining order (209A or 258E) is a civil matter and does not create a criminal record. However, restraining orders are entered into the Massachusetts Domestic Violence Record System and federal NCIC database — accessible to law enforcement and, in certain circumstances, employers. Violations of restraining orders are criminal and do appear on CORI.
Contact Clifford Defense now for a free, confidential consultation. We're available 24/7 across all of Massachusetts.
Attorney Clifford defends all types of criminal charges across Massachusetts — click any practice area for details.
Don't see your charge? Contact us — we defend all Massachusetts criminal matters.
