If you are facing a domestic violence charge in Massachusetts, you are probably dealing with a lot of uncertainty about what comes next. The penalties depend on more than just the charge itself, including your prior history and the specific facts of the incident....
Domestic Violence
Digital evidence that can make or break a domestic violence case
Domestic violence cases in Boston increasingly rely on digital evidence that most people do not realize prosecutors can access. Text messages, social media posts and doorbell camera footage now play a central role in both building and defending against these charges....
Dangerousness hearings: Pretrial detention in DV cases
A domestic violence arrest in Boston can lead to a dangerousness hearing where prosecutors ask a judge to keep you locked up before trial. This hearing happens quickly, often within days of your arrest and the outcome can strip away your freedom for months....
What are the Consequences of a Domestic Violence Charge?
A domestic violence charge in Massachusetts can have ramifications beyond the courtroom. You may find that it impacts your job, your home life and your future opportunities in ways that become stressful. While every case involves its own set of facts, the legal...
How to protect yourself from false accusations during a divorce
Navigating a divorce is already an emotional minefield, but the stakes increase when false allegations of domestic violence emerge. In Massachusetts, an accusation can immediately jeopardize your parental rights and reputation. Understanding the legal landscape is...
What are your rights if served with a 209A restraining order in Massachusetts
Being served with a 209A restraining order can feel disruptive and stressful. The order may affect where you live, how you communicate, and parts of your routine. Knowing your rights helps you respond clearly and appropriately. You have the right to notice and a...
The long-term impact of false accusations on your record and reputation
False domestic violence accusations can change your life instantly. The damage extends far beyond the courtroom and can follow you for years. Even if the charges are dropped or dismissed, the effects on your record and reputation can be lasting. The effect on your...
How can social media hurt (or help) your case?
Social media often plays a big role in how people share experiences and connect with others. But during a domestic violence case, what someone posts online can influence how a judge, jury, or opposing counsel views the situation. Whether it helps or harms depends on...
How domestic violence charges affect divorce in Massachusetts
Divorce becomes more complicated when domestic violence allegations arise. These claims can affect custody, finances and your future. If you're facing this situation, you're not alone. Understanding how the process goes helps you ask the right questions and prepare...
What Should You Do If You Are Falsely Accused?
If you’ve been accused of committing a crime of domestic violence, then your future hangs in the balance. The allegations themselves can affect everything from your reputation to your career and the time you get to spend with your children, but a conviction can be...
Strategies to get criminal charges dropped
Domestic violence charges can wreak havoc on your life. Mere allegations can disrupt your employment, damage your reputation, and lead to a no-contact order that may even impact your ability to see your children, while a conviction can create a haunting record that...
Understanding domestic violence charges in Massachusetts
Domestic violence is a serious issue that can have devastating consequences for victims and their families. Massachusetts has strict laws in place to protect individuals from domestic violence, and understanding these laws is crucial if you or someone you know has...
Are courts biased against men in domestic violence cases?
Being accused of domestic violence can ruin your entire life. No matter the ultimate outcome, you are likely to still be labeled an “abuser” by people you knew and trusted. The stigma can follow you around for the rest of your life. A domestic violence accusation can...
Explaining the “mandatory arrest policy” in Massachusetts
Experts believe domestic abuse tends to worsen over time. With that in mind, lawmakers and others in Massachusetts have developed responses to domestic violence that are designed to separate the parties and prevent any further abuse. One facet of this approach is...
What is a 209A restraining order?
Household disputes are common across Massachusetts. In many instances, these disagreements result in nothing more than the exchange of some harsh words and hurt feelings. But when the matter turns physical, there can be additional ramifications. While criminal charges...










