Protecting both victims and those wrongfully accused with experienced and compassionate domestic violence legal services
Domestic violence has a much broader definition under New Jersey law than many would expect. According to the New Jersey Revised Statutes, it can include the following:
Domestic violence can happen to anyone. For an act to be considered domestic violence, however, the offender must be a spouse, former spouse, romantic partner, parent, or household member of the victim(s).
Moving forward from domestic violence is not easy. Many individuals who experience domestic violence care for and trust their abuser and find it difficult to ask for help. We can stand up to your abuser so that you do not have to do it alone.
While our focus is on helping victims find legal solutions for protecting their families and themselves, you should contact 911 immediately for help if you are in danger. Working with a law enforcement officer to file a police report is an important part of the process of documenting abuse for your legal case.
Contacting our domestic violence legal team can help protect you before the violence continues or intensifies.
Accusations of domestic violence can have far-reaching consequences. You may be worried about potential jail time, fines and legal fees, and loss of your job, reputation, and friends and family. It can be a frightening situation to navigate.
Obtaining legal support immediately is essential for reaching the best outcome possible for your case. Our experienced domestic violence attorneys will work with you to:
We can aggressively defend you in Court and seek the dismissal of the domestic violence matter. We can also negotiate a settlement on your behalf ultimately resulting in the dismissal of the domestic violence matter.
Contacting our domestic violence legal team can help protect you before the violence continues or intensifies.
It may seem like there is no way forward, but there are legal tools and resources that will help free you from domestic violence and start a new life. Legal counsel from an experienced domestic violence attorney is essential.
Your attorney will help you identify your abuser, create a safety plan for your family, file a restraining order if necessary, seek temporary financial support or an ultimate divorce, and set up custody rights for your children.
Protect yourself from harm and take care of your family’s legal needs with Dughi, Hewit & Domalewski by scheduling a consultation with one of our experienced domestic violence attorneys today.
Restraining orders, also known as protection orders, are one way to protect yourself from domestic violence. A restraining order is a court-ordered document that prevents the abuser from contacting or seeing the victim, their families, and other individuals like friends and roommates. It can also prevent the abuser from going to the victim’s home or work.
Applying for a restraining order may be necessary in domestic violence situations to create enforceable protection for you against your abuser.
While the process may seem intimidating, there is plenty of support along the way. Both courthouse and law enforcement professionals are trained in assisting individuals who need to file restraining orders. Your legal team can also help you determine if a restraining order is appropriate for your situation and assist you in making a plan for your and your family’s ongoing safety.
Victims of domestic violence do not have to suffer alone. You can stop the cycle of violence and protect yourself and your family with a domestic violence attorney. Schedule your consultation with our team today. We serve clients across Essex County, Hudson County, Hunterdon County, Middlesex County, Bergen County, Passaic County, Mercer County, Sussex County, Morris County, Somerset County, Monmouth County or Ocean County in New Jersey.
A restraining order is a court-ordered document. As such, there are serious consequences for violating it. These include being held in contempt and criminal charges including domestic violence charges, jail time, and even loss of custody in some cases.
New Jersey has two types of restraining orders: a temporary restraining order and a final restraining order.
A temporary restraining order is enacted immediately and expires after the final restraining order hearing (usually ten days after the temporary order is issued). At the hearing, the court will decide whether a final restraining order should be granted. If so, the order of protection lasts indefinitely.
The actions that are prohibited under a restraining order vary and can include prohibitions against:
They can also include provisions that are special to your case.
No. Restraining orders can be filed by anyone eighteen years or older (or emancipated minors) who have suffered domestic violence by:
No. A protection order can be used in a variety of cases. For example, restraining orders can be issued in response to harassment, cyber harassment, criminal trespass, and stalking.
Your New Jersey restraining order will still be enforceable even if you relocate outside of New Jersey.
Yes. Even if you are just visiting New Jersey, your restraining order is still enforceable.
For out-of-state restraining orders, police officers use the National Crime Information Center Protection Order File to access restraining orders throughout the nation. However, not all protection orders get entered into the registry, so it is a good idea to keep a hard copy of the restraining order with you when you travel. If you do not have a hard copy, contact the court to have one made available to you. You can also choose to alert the local police station where you are staying to let them know you have an active restraining order.
