New Jersey Domestic Violence Attorneys
The New Jersey Prevention of Domestic Violence Act was enacted to protect people from abusive spouses, partners and other household members. Generally, the domestic violence laws serve that very important purpose. All too often, however, false or meritless domestic violence allegations are made by one party in a divorce or custody action in an attempt to gain a legal or tactical advantage. While the stereotype in domestic violence or spousal abuse is of the "wife-beating husband," we find in our law practice today that the accused are just as likely to be female as male.
In the heat of an argument, one party may say or do something that the other misinterprets or embellishes to fit within the definition of domestic violence. Once a domestic violence complaint is made, a private dispute becomes a police matter. The police are very likely to arrest the accused offender, who will be barred from the family home by a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) until the matter is reviewed by a family court judge. If the judge finds that domestic violence occurred, the court will enter Final Restraining Order (FRO), which may permanently bar the offender from the home and prohibit or limit contact with the children.
Additionally, domestic violence offenders are placed in a central statewide database and may be denied certain employment, including teaching and childcare positions. Moreover, in addition to the Family Court case, the domestic violence complaint can result in the filing of a criminal charge against the accused that must be resolved in either state or municipal court. As such, a domestic violence arrest creates an urgent legal crisis.
Contact domestic violence defense lawyer Jeffrey Plaza at (973)643-0040 Ext. 119 or by email at jplaza@lep-lawyers.com at the law offices of Levy, Ehrlich & Petriello, A Professional Corporation, to schedule a prompt consultation if you have been charged with domestic violence, because the potential consequences to your rights and freedom are too important. You may believe that the accusations are exaggerated or meritless. But even if you have no criminal record, your relationship with your children may be at stake along with your right to live in your own home.
Levy, Ehrlich & Petriello, A Professional Corporation, is a criminal defense law firm with a track record of successful outcomes on behalf of many people accused of domestic violence and other criminal charges.
Family Law Services
Our law firm handles family law matters as well as criminal defense. We assist people who need a restraining order to stop the harassment of an estranged former boyfriend, girlfriend, husband, wife or partner.
