Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence in New Jersey

Domestic violence is taken very seriously by law enforcement, prosecutors and the court system.  If the police are called in on a domestic violence matter-and there is ANY evidence that domestic violence occurred, someone is getting arrested.

If you are a victim of domestic violence, don’t go to court alone. You may think getting a final restraining is easy, however, it may not be. The abuser might show up in court with a criminal defense attorney. And you could find yourself facing an uphill battle to get the protection you deserve. Call me for a strictly confidential free consultation at (856) 881-9600. I have years of experience with domestic violence and criminal charges.

If you are charged with domestic violence, you need legal help NOW. A conviction comes with a Lifetime Final Restraining Order (FRO) which  can ruin your life. You could lose a professional license and your job, Or, you could be prevented from obtaining a professional license in your chosen field (Doctor-Lawyer-Nurse-Teacher, Day Care Provider etc.). You will not be allowed to own or possess a firearm. As a result, if you are employed in any type of law enforcement you will likely lose your job.  Any present or future employer that runs a criminal background check on you will pick up the Final Restraining Order.  The list of bad consequences goes on and on. Call me for a strictly confidential free consultation at (856) 881-9600. I have years of experience defending domestic violence and criminal charges. Domestic violence is serious. Do not make the BIG mistake of retaining a lawyer who is not a criminal defense attorney such as myself or even worse, trying to defend yourself.

What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic Violence is a pattern of physical, emotional, verbal, and sexual abuse, which includes, but is not limited to, threats, intimidation, isolation, and/or financial control. Domestic Violence can continue over a long period of time and becomes more frequent and more severe over time.

Domestic violence can happen to anyone regardless of race, age, sexual orientation, religion, or gender. Domestic violence affects people of all socioeconomic backgrounds and education levels. Domestic violence occurs in both opposite-sex and same-sex relationships and can happen to intimate partners who are married, living together, or dating.

Who Can Be a Victim of Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence acts are established by the relationship between the offender and the victim. A person protected by the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act is 18 years of age or older, or who is an emancipated minor, and who has been subjected to domestic violence by a spouse, former spouse, or any other person who is a present or former household member. Any person, regardless of age, sex, or physical/psychological condition, who has been subjected to domestic violence by one of the following actors:

• A spouse/husband/wife/ domestic partner
• A former spouse or domestic partner
• A current or former household member, family member, or roommate
• A spouse or domestic partner
• A person with whom the victim has a child in common
• A person with whom the victim anticipates having a child in common, if one of the parties is pregnant.
• A person with whom the victim has had a dating relationship

What Crimes Constitute Domestic Violence?

If the alleged victim is in the protected class under the domestic violence act,  the following crimes will be prosecuted as domestic violence cases:

• Assault (N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1)
• Burglary (N.J.S.A. 2C:18-2)
• Criminal Restraint (N.J.S.A. 2C:13-2)
• Criminal mischief (N.J.S.A. 2C:17-3)
• Criminal sexual contact (N.J.S.A. 2C:14-3)
• Criminal trespass (N.J.S.A. 2C:18-3)
• False Imprisonment (N.J.S.A. 2C:13-3)
• Homicide (N.J.S.A. 2C:11-1)
• Kidnapping (N.J.S.A. 2C:13-1)
• Lewdness (N.J.S.A. 2C:14-4)
• Sexual assault N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2
• Stalking (N.J.S.A. 2C:12-10)
• Terroristic threats (N.J.S.A. 2C:12-3)
• Harassment (N.J.S.A. 2C:33-4)
• Restraining Order Violations
• Domestic Violence Penalties

Someone charged with domestic violence may acquire additional underlying criminal charges, along with their accompanying consequences. Call me for a strictly confidential free consultation at (856) 881-9600. I have years of experience defending domestic violence and criminal charges. Domestic violence is serious. Do not make the BIG mistake of retaining a lawyer who is not a criminal defense attorney such as myself or even worse, trying to defend yourself in court.

Vigorous Prosecution of Domestic Violence

After an arrest for charges related to domestic violence, domestic violence cases are prosecuted by a dedicated domestic violence prosecutor. These cases are often more vigorously and aggressively pursued then if the same crime was not categorized as a domestic violence, given the public perception and profile of these kinds of cases. Domestic Violence Prosecutors are smart and tough. They start with the proposition that you are GUILTY not innocent.

Call me for a strictly confidential free consultation at (856) 881-9600 in my Glassboro Office or at (609) 886-5700 in my Cape May Office. I have years of experience defending domestic violence and criminal charges. Domestic Violence is serious. Unfortunately, many individuals are not aware of the severe consequences of a Lifetime Domestic Violence Final Restraining Order (FRO). Do not make the BIG mistake of retaining a lawyer who is not a criminal defense attorney such as myself or even worse, trying to defend yourself in court.  After a conviction for Domestic Violence, it is a monumental undertaking to attempt to undue the damage of a FRO by way of motion for reconsideration or appeal.