Chelmsford Police Responding To Domestic Incident Shoot Woman In The Leg
According to The Lowell Sun, police responded to a report of domestic violence and encountered a "possibly suicidal woman" threatening to use a weapon against them. Apparently, concerned for their safety, a Chelmsford Police Officer shot her in the leg after she "demonstrated actions" that caused the officer to believe that he was in peril. The Sun reports that the police repeatedly asked her to come out of the woods with her hands up and she allegedly responded that she had a gun and was going to shoot the officers.
In Massachsuetts, initial repsonse to domestic violence calls often result in an arrest of one party that is often charged with assault, assault and battery and threats to commit a crime. The complaining party is also usually informed of his or her right to apply for a temporary restraining order. In order for a judge to approve a temporary restraining order the complaining party must present facts that demonstrte that he or she is in reasonable fear of imminent physical harm. Usually, only the side of the person requesting the order is presented to the judge.
However, after the defendant is served with a copy of the order, there is a hearing relative to the extension of the order that generally takes place within a week or so. At this time, the defendant can appear in court and fight the extension of the order. It is important to have an experienced Massachusetts defense attorney on your side to argue against the extension of this order. Although a restraining order itself is civil, if you are accused of violationg a restraining order you could face the possibibility of spending time in jail.
Attorney Kathleen M. McCarthy routinely appears in courthouses opposing the extension of civil restraining orders. If you have been serve with an order and want experience on your side call Attorney McCarthy at 978-975-8060 or contact her online and she will get to work on your case immediately.
