The routine nature of District Court restraining order hearings, coupled with the fact that the majority of litigants in such hearings appear pro se, belies the profound effect these legal instruments can have on the parties' lives. A restraining order can abruptly and dramatically limit a defendant's ability to maintain housing, maintain familial contact, work, or study. Conversely, the issuance of a restraining order can offer a plaintiff a degree of protection against unwanted contact that would otherwise impair their ability to safely live, associate, work, or study. For survivors of sexual and domestic violence, a restraining order may be the only remedy they receive from the court. In domestic violence situations, perpetrators frequently seek to obtain restraining orders as a form of further abuse and retaliation against their victim. It is imperative that practitioners are knowledgeable about the process for obtaining and defending a restraining order and what it means when one is in place.
Join our experts as we look at the options for restraining orders, how to get them, and what to expect when arguing for or against them.
Join our experts as we look at the options for restraining orders, how to get them, and what to expect when arguing for or against them.
Course Content
2:00 pm - 2:05 pm- Welcome and Introduction
- Differences Between 209A, 258E, and Other Restraining Orders
- Kelsey Worline, Esq., Victim Rights Law Center, Boston
- Procedural Outline of the Various Steps in the Restraining Order Process, Including Jurisdictional Issues
- Breanishea Amaya, Esq., New England Law | Boston, Clinical Law Office, Boston
- Obtaining, Enforcing & Defending c. 209A Restraining Orders in Massachusetts: Practice Tips for Working with Survivors of Domestic and Sexual Violence
- Lola Remy, Esq., Women's Bar Foundation, Boston
- Various Ways Restraining Orders Intersect with Criminal Proceedings, Including Confrontation Clause Issues
- Erika Castillo, Esq., Castillo Law Offices, Lawrence
- Victoria S. Miranda, Esq., Callahan, Barraco, Inman & Bonzagni, Westborough
- Common Arguments for and Against the Issuance of Restraining Orders, and Motions to Modify Existing Orders
- Panel
- “Ask the Experts” Q&A Session
- Panel
- Please Note
- MCLE webcasts are delivered completely online, underscoring their convenience and appeal.
- There are no published print materials. All written materials are available electronically only.
Speakers
Chair- Breanishea Amaya, Esq., New England Law | Boston, Clinical Law Office, Boston
- Erika Castillo, Esq., Castillo Law Offices, Lawrence
- Victoria S. Miranda, Esq., Callahan, Barraco, Inman & Bonzagni, Westborough
- Lola Remy, Esq., Women's Bar Foundation, Boston
- Kelsey Worline, Esq., Victim Rights Law Center, Boston
