Dale Collinge of Pembroke, NH Charged in Shooting

Allegations of domestic violence are treated very seriously in NH. The case against Dale Collings in the shooting of a female friend in Pembroke NH as reported in the Concord Monitor today is but one example.

While NH Family and Superior judges can and will issue domestic violence (DVP) restraining orders if a credible threat of violence is made, our NH Supreme Court has recently held that the threat to be “credible” it must be immediate and serious.

Having a record of a DVP issued against you can have serious implications in future court hearings, or even employment and other areas as they become public records. On the other hand a judge not issuing one and then have the victim later harmed or killed by the abuser is tragic. There is no easy answer here.