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 the 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 the 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 pmWelcome and Introduction
2:05 pm - 2:25 pm
Differences Between 209A, 258E, and Other Restraining Orders
Kelsey Worline, Esq.,
Victim Rights Law Center, Boston
2:25 pm - 2:45 pm
Procedural Outline of the Various Steps in the Restraining Order Process, Including Jurisdictional Issues
Breanishea Amaya, Esq.,
New England Law, Clinical Law Office, Boston
2:45 pm - 3:05 pm
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
3:05 pm - 3:25 pm
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
3:25 pm - 3:45 pm
Common Arguments for and Against the Issuance of Restraining Orders, and Motions to Modify Existing Orders
Panel
3:45 pm - 4:00 pm
“Ask the Experts” Q&A Session
Panel
Please Note
This webcast is delivered completely online, underscoring their convenience and appeal.
There are no published print materials. All written materials are available electronically only.
They are posted 24 hours prior to the program and can be accessed, downloaded, or printed from your computer.
Speakers
ChairBreanishea Amaya, Esq.,
New England Law, Clinical Law Office, Boston
Faculty
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
