Domestic Violence
Defending Clients Against Domestic Violence Criminal Charges and Restraining Orders in Mercer County
If you have been charged with assault or harassment in a “domestic” context or served with a domestic violence restraining order, you could be facing serious consequences. Besides potential jail time and a permanent criminal record, under New Jersey’s Prevention of Domestic Violence Act, you could be barred from returning to your own home, prevented from seeing your children and have your firearms seized and possibly permanently forfeited.
At the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall, our Mercer County attorneys defend clients who have been accused of committing acts of domestic violence against spouses, partners, ex-boyfriends, ex-girlfriends, parents, children, roommates and others, who meet the definition of a “victim of domestic violence.” Our attorneys understand that given the nature of the relationship between the parties involved, defending against allegations of domestic violence can be very complicated, especially in the context of a divorce. Our experienced criminal defense attorneys include former county prosecutors who have seen unfair allegations of domestic violence from both sides and who can specifically help with the following:
- Simple Assault
- Harassment
- Terroristic Threats
- Temporary Restraining Order (TRO)
- Final Restraining Order (FRO)
- Violation of a Restraining Order
- Dismissing a Final Restraining Order (FRO)
- Setting Bail in a Domestic Violence Case
- Weapons/Firearm Forfeiture
Fighting to Avoid Criminal Penalties and Long-Term Consequences
In New Jersey, there are two ways a Court can get involved when an allegation of domestic violence is made against you. First, your accuser can apply for the issuance of a restraining order against you, which will be heard in the Family Part of the Mercer County Superior Court. Second, the local law enforcement agency or your accuser can file a criminal complaint against you. Depending on the severity of the allegation, this complaint will either be handled in the municipal court of the town where the alleged conduct took place or it will be transferred to the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, which will determine whether it should remain at the Superior Court level. Whether you find yourself as a defendant in one of these types of proceedings or find yourself defending against both, the legal ramifications and collateral consequences that may result if not handled properly can be life-altering
Our firm defends clients against both criminal charges and restraining orders. Our attorneys will explain your options, investigate your case and fight for the best possible outcome.
It is important to note that if your accuser is successful in getting a restraining order against you, and you are served with and subsequently violate that order, you can also be charged with a separate criminal charge called a “contempt.” Multiple contempt convictions result in mandatory jail time.
Princeton, East Windsor and West Windsor Restraining Order Attorneys · (609) 683-8102
Whether you are facing restraining order or criminal charges, it is worth seeking legal advice from competent counsel. For a free consultation with one of our experienced domestic violence attorneys, contact us today at (609) 683-8102 or by e-mail.