Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Massachusetts
Work Harrasement
A former employee is harrassing me at work and home (phone). What can I do to stop this?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Work Harrasement
You will need to consider several alternatives: a civil suit seeking an order preventing contact, and a request that the District Court issue a criminal complaint for misdemeanor harrassment. The civil order may be necessary in the longer term, though it is more costly (filing fees and, if necessary, attorneys' fees).
The district court remedy is less costly, but a Clerk-Magistrate must agree that you have presented "probable cause" to merit prosecution. If you do so, the matter will be turned over to the District Court, a criminal summons issued, and the District Attorney will prosecute the complaint. A defense lawyer may then try to open up anything it can about you in defense, as the criminal context requires vigorous defense.
I would be happy to consult further.