New Jersey Domestic Violence Attorney

Domestic violence describes a special class and category of crimes, where the penalties and procedures are more extensive and sever. It applies if the relationship between the alleged perpetrator and the victim fits into the selected categories set out in New Jersey’s Prevention of Domestic Violence Act of 1991.

If you have been accused of or charged with domestic violence, you could be facing life-changing penalties. Domestic violence charges come with the prospect of jail time, fines and a permanent criminal record, as well as the potential for extremely serious consequences for your personal life. Under the Domestic Violence Act, a court can prohibit you from contacting the alleged victim, entering your own home, owning firearms or even being near your children! Because so much is at risk, it is critical to seek legal representation experienced in handling domestic violence cases.

Who Qualifies as a Domestic Violence Victim?

The statute applies when the victim is:

What Crimes Fall Under the Domestic Violence Statute?

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

Domestic Violence Penalties

Some additional penalties in, addition to the underlying criminal charges, that can be added in domestic violence cases may include:  

• Issuance of restraining orders and prohibition of contact orders
• Fines, Victims support program fees and punitive damages
• Granting exclusive use of residence
• Child custody decisions or limitations on child visitation
• Firearms ownership restrictions. You can be denied a license to buy or carry a gun after a conviction for domestic violence in New Jersey
• Psychiatric evaluation or other domestic violence treatment programs, alcohol & drug addiction treatment, anger management, etc.

How to Defend a NJ Domestic Violence Charge

Because of the way domestic cases are seen, the police may be inclined (and in-fact legally required) to arrest on fairly flimsy evidence of violence, abuse or assault. That is more the reason why your defense attorney must be aggressive in these matter. One must study the evidence contained in the police reports and analyze both what alleged evidence is in the report, and also what evidence is not in the report, when working toward the best defense strategy.

Since the underlying criminal statutes involved are so varied, the defense strategies employed greatly depend on the specifics of the charges and circumstances.

Here at the Cifrodello Law Office, we understand the complexities of domestic violence charges. When couples are divorcing or dealing with a difficult situation, it is not uncommon for tempers to flare. Many times, one spouse is upset enough to falsely accuse the other of spousal abuse. If you have been falsely accused of domestic violence, contact us online or call us at 732-667-3764 right away. We will stand by your side and provide you with solid, aggressive and compassionate domestic violence defense. Before anything, we will take the time to listen and understand your side of the story.