STALKING LAW

Stalking is a criminal offense, the victim can go to the district court to file a criminal complaint on stalking and/or harassment charges against the stalker. CONTINUED...

M.G.L.C. 209A DOMESTIC ABUSE LAW

This law was enacted in 1978. The history of this law goes back to the early 1960s. CONTINUED...

THE ROLE OF THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE

The County District Attorney represents the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in nearly all criminal cases within the district and is responsible for prosecuting defendants accused of having committed criminal offenses. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts through the District Attorney has the burden to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant committed the crime charged. CONTINUED...

WHAT THE VICTIM SHOULD DO IF THE COURT IS CLOSED

Obtaining an Emergency Restraining Order
During weekends, holidays or weeknights when the court is not open for the public, the victim can access an emergency order through the law enforcement agency. CONTINUED...

OTHER LEGAL UPDATES

Full Faith and Credit for Out-of-State Protection Orders
This new law provides that out-of-state (not issued from Massachusetts) protection orders or protection orders issued in another jurisdiction, "will be fully enforceable in Massachusetts, and treated as if the order originated in Massachusetts." CONTINUED...

Restraining Orders for Persons who are physically disabled
This new law provides that the court, through the emergency judicial response system, may grant emergency abuse prevention orders by telephone during court hours to persons who cannot appear in court without severe hardship due to a physical condition. CONTINUED...

RESTRAINING ORDERS (Mass. General Laws ch. 209A) CONTINUED...

VICTIM WITNESS SERVICE BUREAU

The Middlesex County District Attorney's Office has a Victim Witness Service Bureau that provides victim advocacy services in all twelve District Courts in the county. CONTINUED...

WHAT IS DISTRICT COURT?

District Court has broad criminal and civil jurisdiction. In criminal cases, they hold probable cause hearings, which can result in a bind-over to a grand jury; non-jury trials for misdemeanors and some other criminal prosecution; and six person jury trials. CONTINUED...

WHAT IS FAMILY & PROBATE COURT?

The Family and Probate Court has jurisdiction over family-related matters including divorce; separate support; protection petitions in cases of family, elderly, and disabled abuse; custody and adoptions. CONTINUED...

WHO IS A FAMILY OR HOUSEHOLD MEMBER? CONTINUED...