Restraining Orders & Boston College Students: Protect Your Future with Experienced Defense
Being served with a restraining order as a Boston College student can be overwhelming and life-changing. Whether it stems from a dating conflict, roommate dispute, or a misunderstanding, the consequences can be immediate and severe.
At Marin, Barrett, and Murphy Law Firm, we help BC students and their families navigate the legal system, understand their rights, and safeguard their education. Our skilled attorneys regularly represent students in Newton District Court and assist with university conduct proceedings.
📞 Call (857) 229-2442 now for a free, confidential consultation.
What Is a Restraining Order?
In Massachusetts, restraining orders are civil orders to protect individuals from abuse or harassment. The two types most relevant to students are:
🔹 Abuse Prevention Order (209A): For current or former intimate partners, roommates, or family members
🔹 Harassment Prevention Order (258E): For individuals without a close relationship
These orders can be issued without criminal charges, often based solely on the accuser's statements.
Why Are Boston College Students Facing Restraining Orders?
College life involves close relationships and high emotions, which can lead to misunderstandings. Common scenarios include:
🎓 Breakups perceived as threatening or harassing
📱 Social media posts or texts misinterpreted as intimidation
🏠 Roommate disputes involving mental health or behavior
🗣️ Verbal arguments misconstrued as threats
These situations may result in emergency orders, forcing students out of housing, off campus, or into court with little notice.
The Restraining Order Process
A judge may issue a temporary restraining order without the student's presence. Within 10 days, a hearing in Newton District Court allows the student to respond. At the hearing, the judge may:
📅 Extend the order for up to one year
❌ Dismiss the order
✍️ Modify the terms
Our team prepares testimony, gathers evidence, and fights for dismissal or reduced restrictions.
How Restraining Orders Impact Students
A restraining order can disrupt a student's life significantly:
🏛️ Barred from dorms or campus buildings
📚 Restricted from classes or internships
📋 Appears on background checks
🚨 Risk of criminal charges for unintentional violations
🎓 Potential university disciplinary action
Boston College's Response to Restraining Orders
Boston College treats restraining orders as serious conduct violations, which may lead to:
📋 Opening a Student Conduct case
📤 Interim suspension
🏠 Housing reassignment or access restrictions
👀 Monitoring compliance with the order
Even if the court dismisses the order, BC may impose penalties. Our attorneys are experienced in both court and university procedures to minimize academic fallout.
Reference: Boston College Student Conduct Policies
What Parents Need to Know
As a parent, you play a critical role. You should:
🤝 Secure legal representation for your student
📅 Prepare them for the court hearing
🏫 Coordinate with academic and housing advisors
🚫 Avoid contact with the accuser to prevent escalation
We keep you informed and guide you in supporting your child.
Can a Restraining Order Be Removed?
Yes. At the hearing, your student can:
📜 Present evidence of no abuse or harassment
🛡️ Show lack of intent or threat
🔍 Demonstrate the request was exaggerated or retaliatory
👥 Bring witnesses or character references
Judges are often open to dismissing or modifying orders for students with clean records and bright futures.
Why Choose Marin, Barrett, and Murphy Law Firm?
🎯 Extensive experience defending restraining orders
📍 Regular representation in Newton District Court
🎓 Proven success protecting BC students' education and reputation
🤝 Compassionate, aggressive advocacy in high-stakes cases
Contact Us for Immediate Help
Marin, Barrett, and Murphy Law Firm
📍 572 Washington Street, Suite 21, Wellesley, MA 02482
📞 (857) 229-2442
If your Boston College student faces a restraining order, act now. Our defense team is available 24/7 to provide strategic, compassionate representation.
🚨 URGENT: Served with a restraining order? Call now for a free consultation to protect your future.
