What constitutes harassment in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, a criminal harassment charge may arise from a variety of circumstances. Generally, criminal harassment entails intentionally targeting someone else with behavior that is meant to alarm, annoy, torment or terrorize them. Not all petty annoyances constitute harassment.
Can you go to jail for harassment in Massachusetts?
Criminal harassment can be a serious offense in Massachusetts and can carry jail time. The law is designed to protect people who are being stalked, even if the actions do not fall under the specific definition of stalking in Massachusetts law.
How do I file a harassment complaint in Massachusetts?
To get a Harassment Prevention Order, file a Complaint for Protection from Harassment in any District Court, Boston Municipal Court, Juvenile Court, or Superior Court that covers the area where you live. See the the Trial Court’s website for the Complaint form, Affidavit form, and Instructions.
How do I prove harassment in Massachusetts?
The Commonwealth must show:
- you engaged in a knowing pattern of conduct or speech, or series of acts, on at least 3 separate occasions;
- you intended to target the victim with the harassing conduct or speech, or series of acts, on each occasion;
What proof do you need for a restraining order in Massachusetts?
To obtain a restraining order in Massachusetts, you must prove that there has been a prior incident of violence. Assault, harassment, stalking, terroristic threats, and other forms of harassment examples.
What legally defines harassment?
Harassment is governed by state laws, which vary by state, but is generally defined as a course of conduct which annoys, threatens, intimidates, alarms, or puts a person in fear of their safety.
Is verbal abuse a crime in MA?
Know Your Rights: Street Harassment and the Law | 1 A variety of forms of street harassment are illegal in Massachusetts, including verbal harassment, up-skirt photos, indecent exposure, following, and groping.
What is a no abuse order in MA?
A 209A restraining order is a court order that protects you from being abused by a member or former member of your household or family or someone you have been dating. It is called a 209A restraining order because the law that created it is Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 209A.
What is a stay away order in MA?
You can request that the defendant be ordered to stay away from your work. This means the defendant: Must stay away from the place where you work as long as the order is in effect, even if you aren’t there at the time.