Barnstable: Restraining Order Violation: Complaint Denied

Summary of Facts: While subject to a restraining order against a former partner, our client was accused of sending indecent e-mails to his ex-partner. Once the police were notified, the officers filed for a criminal complaint against our client. At this time, our client lived in a different state and needed local counsel. He hired Attorney Coughlin.

Action: Recognizing the lack of proof that showed our client was the person who sent the e-mails, Attorney Coughlin persuasively argued to the magistrate that there was insufficient evidence to establish probable cause.

Outcome: The Court found there was no probable cause to issue a criminal complaint against our client. The case was dropped and our client was not arraigned, which meant the matter would not appear on his criminal record.