Massachusetts G.L. c. 258E · Suffolk County
Preparing to respond to — or file — a G.L. c. 258E harassment prevention order at Boston Municipal Court — East Boston in East Boston, Massachusetts. Serving East Boston, Winthrop. Attorney-reviewed preparation built for this court.
Boston Municipal Court — East Boston hears Massachusetts G.L. c. 258E harassment prevention order cases for East Boston and Winthrop. Whether you were served with a temporary order and have a 10-day hearing approaching, or you are the person seeking protection, the judge decides the case on specific dates, incidents, and evidence — not general impressions. The preparation you do before you reach the courthouse at 37 Meridian Street in East Boston is what shapes the outcome.
A 258E harassment prevention order is generally filed in the district court that covers the city or town where the harassment occurred — or where you or the other party live. Boston Municipal Court — East Boston hears 258E cases from:
If your case is in one of these communities, it is likely heard here. If you received a summons, the court is listed on it — always follow the summons.
A G.L. c. 258E extension hearing at Boston Municipal Court — East Boston typically lasts 10–30 minutes. The plaintiff speaks first, then the defendant. The judge applies the 258E standard: whether the defendant committed three or more acts of willful and malicious conduct aimed at a specific person that caused fear, intimidation, abuse, or damage to property — or one qualifying single act. Your preparation packet should directly address each allegation.
Check in at the clerk's office
Tell the clerk you are here for a 258E extension hearing. Bring your summons or order. The clerk's number is (617) 569-7550.
Go through courthouse security
Arrive 30 minutes early. You will go through a metal detector. No weapons, no pepper spray. Phones must be silenced once inside the courtroom.
Wait in the designated area
The clerk will tell you where to wait. 258E hearings are typically held in a general session courtroom. Listen for your name.
Present your case to the judge
You will each get a chance to speak. Address the judge as 'Your Honor.' Refer to your preparation packet. Speak slowly and directly to the judge — not to the opposing party.
The judge issues a ruling
The judge will either extend the order, modify it, or vacate it. If the order is extended, you have the right to appeal to the Superior Court within 30 days.
Under G.L. c. 258E, the plaintiff must prove — by a preponderance of the evidence — that you committed three or more willful and malicious acts directed at a specific person that caused fear, intimidation, abuse, or property damage, or committed one act of violence or forced sexual relations. A defense at East Boston works by undercutting one or more of those elements:
Key defense arguments
If you are seeking a 258E order through Boston Municipal Court — East Boston, you file the complaint, your affidavit, and the confidential information form with the clerk. For the order to issue or be extended, the affidavit must show three or more willful, malicious acts directed at you (or one qualifying act of force or a threat) — laid out incident by incident, with dates. A disorganized narrative is the fastest route to a continuance.
258E courts & official forms →258E harassment prevention order hearings are held at Boston Municipal Court — East Boston, 37 Meridian Street, East Boston, MA 02128. Check in at the clerk's office and tell them you are there for a 258E hearing. Street parking. MBTA: Maverick (Blue Line).
Boston Municipal Court — East Boston covers harassment prevention order cases for East Boston and Winthrop. A 258E is generally filed where the harassment occurred or where a party lives, so if your situation is in one of these communities, the case is likely heard here. If you received a summons, follow the court listed on it.
No — a lawyer is not required at a 258E hearing. But because the order can affect your firearms rights, housing, employment, and any related criminal exposure, going in prepared is essential. Harassment Order .com delivers an attorney-reviewed preparation packet built for your East Boston hearing as a lower-cost alternative to full representation.
A 209A abuse prevention order applies to family, household members, and dating partners. A 258E harassment prevention order covers harassment by anyone else — neighbors, coworkers, acquaintances, or strangers — where there is no qualifying relationship. Boston Municipal Court — East Boston hears both, but this service covers 258E matters only.
37 Meridian Street
East Boston, MA 02128
Street parking. MBTA: Maverick (Blue Line).
Arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled hearing time. Security lines can be slow, especially on busy court days. Clerk's office is typically open 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday–Friday.
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Court contact
Clerk's office
(617) 569-7550Address
37 Meridian Street, East Boston, MA 02128
County
Suffolk County
Official listing
mass.gov →Nearby 258E courts
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Greater Boston Legal Services provides free civil legal help, including restraining and harassment orders, to income-eligible residents of Boston and the surrounding Greater Boston communities.