A conviction for a domestic violence-related crime can have long-term effects on your life. From losing contact with your children to potentially impacting future employment opportunities, there are many things at stake if you have been charged with a domestic violence offense. Seeking a domestic violence lawyer near me should be a priority to navigate these challenges effectively.
The State of New Jersey takes allegations of domestic violence extremely seriously. In addition to potential criminal charges, a domestic violence allegation could also result in restraining orders that limit your freedom and your access to your home. It is crucial to seek skilled legal counsel right away if you have been accused of a domestic violence offense. A domestic violence lawyer near me can provide the necessary legal assistance in such situations.
In New Jersey, domestic violence is defined as a pattern of physical, emotional, sexual, financial or verbal abuse committed by one person against another who is in a qualifying relationship with them. There are nineteen crimes that qualify as domestic violence offenses in New Jersey, including common assault charges (including simple assault and aggravated assault), harassment, stalking, terroristic threats, criminal coercion, criminal restraint, and false imprisonment. If you are facing any of these charges, searching for a domestic violence lawyer near me can help you find the right representation.
Domestic violence charges can be either disorderly persons or indictable crimes, depending on the severity of the crime and the nature of the relationship between the accused and victim. Generally speaking, disorderly persons offenses and petty disorderly persons offenses are less severe and carry lighter penalties than indictable crimes. However, even indictable crimes such as the first degree, second degree, and third degree domestic violence offenses can lead to prison sentences, heavy fines, and other consequences. In such cases, consulting a domestic violence lawyer near me can be crucial in defending your case.
As mentioned, in some cases, a victim will file a restraining order instead of a criminal complaint against you. Regardless of whether police are called and an arrest is made, once you have been accused of domestic violence, the long-term effects will begin to take hold. These consequences include restraining orders, limitations on your custody rights and gun ownership, loss of employment and much more. It's essential to search for a domestic violence lawyer near me to protect your rights and interests.
While there is no doubt that the State of New Jersey takes domestic violence offenses very seriously, the reality is that many people are wrongfully accused of these crimes. If you are arrested for a domestic violence related crime and believe that you were not guilty, it is vital to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately.
A lawyer can help you develop an effective strategy for fighting the charges, which may include arguing that your actions were not intentional and that the victim has exaggerated or misinterpreted the incident. Moreover, an attorney can help you challenge any evidence that was obtained improperly and ensure that your rights are protected throughout the process. Having an aggressive and thorough criminal defense attorney on your side will significantly increase the chances of achieving a positive outcome.
The New Jersey Criminal Justice System takes allegations of domestic violence seriously. Even though they can be made by any person, police officers and prosecutors must take the side of an apparent victim in cases where they have probable cause to believe that an assault or other act of abuse occurred. As a result, a single domestic violence accusation can drastically impact your life, emphasizing the need for a domestic violence lawyer near me to navigate these accusations.
A qualified criminal defense lawyer can help you get your charges reduced or dismissed, avoid a restraining order, and minimize the effects of an alleged conviction on your family, career, and freedom. A skilled attorney can also help you overcome the collateral consequences that often come with a DV conviction, such as loss of parenting time or difficulty in maintaining professional licenses. Consulting a domestic violence lawyer near me can be a pivotal step in securing your rights.
What Counts as Domestic Abuse?
In New Jersey, the law defines domestic violence as any type of physical, sexual, emotional, or economic abuse and also includes threats. A DV conviction can lead to serious penalties, including mandatory professional counseling, a fine, the forfeiture of firearms, and even a restraining order that impacts your rights to visit or contact your children. In such cases, finding a domestic violence lawyer near me is essential for legal guidance and defense.
When you are charged with a DV offense, your lawyer will work to prove that you did not commit the crime or that it was justified self-defense. He or she will also discredit false accusations from an irrational, jealous, or angry alleged victim. Other defenses include intoxication – voluntary or accidental – which can negate intent for specific intent crimes such as burglary, and mental illness, such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, which could make you unfit to stand trial. The expertise of a domestic violence lawyer near me becomes critical in presenting these defenses effectively.
Domestic violence accusations are the ultimate he-said, she-said situation. It is always possible that a witness may misinterpret your words or misread body language, or simply lie. Your lawyer will fight to expose shoddy or incomplete police investigations and evidence, and may challenge the credibility of key prosecution witnesses. Here, the role of a domestic violence lawyer near me in constructing a strong defense cannot be overstated.
If a restraining order has been issued against you, your lawyer will also work to get that reversed so you can see your children and maintain your relationship with them, or protect the validity of any custody and visitation orders that have been imposed against you. A convicted domestic violence charge can affect child custody and visitation, and stay on your record permanently unless it is expunged. The guidance and support of a domestic violence lawyer near me are invaluable in these scenarios.
The sooner your NJ Domestic Violence Legal Defense attorney becomes involved in your case, the better your chances of avoiding harsh punishments and minimizing the impact on your family. Our firm is here to provide holistic legal advice, so call us today for a consultation and strong, dedicated legal representation. We can also help you avoid pre-trial detention, and help you navigate the legal system by communicating with police, prosecutors, and courts on your behalf. We can even secure bail so you don’t have to spend your time in jail awaiting your case.
The New Jersey Domestic Violence Act considers several elements and variables to classify an offense as a misdemeanor, disorderly person’s offense, felony, or indictable crime. Regardless of which classification an allegation falls under, a conviction can result in significant consequences for both the victim and defendant. This is why finding a domestic violence lawyer near me is crucial for anyone involved in such cases. Domestic violence cases involve alleged acts of physical or emotional abuse, harassment, and stalking committed by current and former intimate partners, roommates, relatives, or other individuals with whom a defendant shares a close relationship.
Whether the violence is a petty disorderly persons offense or a serious indictable crime, victims of domestic violence often have their lives turned upside down. They are placed in danger of losing their homes, financial security, and the safety of their children. At the same time, the defendant is faced with jail or prison time, extensive fines, and other potential sentencing penalties. In addition, a conviction will impact the defendant’s career, professional licenses, and immigration status. Seeking a domestic violence lawyer near me can provide crucial assistance in navigating these challenges.
A restraining order can have a profound effect on the accused’s life, including being prohibited from having contact with their accuser, being banned from their home and workplace, and being restricted from owning or possessing firearms. The restraining order can also impact employment opportunities, travel in and out of the United States, and a defendant’s child custody rights. To mitigate these impacts, consulting with a domestic violence lawyer near me is often a necessary step.
Defending against a domestic violence allegation is a complicated matter that requires the help of a knowledgeable lawyer. A lawyer who specializes in NJ Domestic Abuse Defense will have the knowledge and experience to construct a strong defense for their client. The sooner an attorney is retained to handle the case, the better. This is where the expertise of a domestic violence lawyer near me becomes invaluable.
Lustberg Law Offices, LLC has years of experience defending clients against domestic violence allegations. We understand the urgency and delicacy of these situations, which is why reaching out to a domestic violence lawyer near me can be a significant move towards achieving a favorable outcome in your case.
It is crucial to hire an experienced attorney early on in a domestic violence case because the longer a defendant waits to retain counsel, the more challenging it will be to build a strong defense and prevent a wrongful arrest. A skilled attorney can also ensure that all possible defenses are explored. Contact our firm today to schedule your consultation with a New Jersey Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer. We are dedicated to helping our clients navigate the complexities of domestic violence cases and are ready to provide the legal support you need.
Lustberg Law Offices, LLC
One University Plaza Dr Suite 210, Hackensack, NJ 07601, United States
(201) 880-5311