What is Considered Domestic Violence Under New Jersey Law?

The prevalence of domestic violence in New Jersey cannot be denied, with various acts qualifying. As part of a pattern of abuse, 19 criminal offenses are considered to fit the definition of domestic violence under New Jersey law. Although serious, at LACE Law, we believe that your side of the story should be heard. In this blog, our domestic violence lawyer discusses what types of behaviors fall under domestic abuse and why you should work tirelessly to fight a permanent restraining order.

Behaviors That Constitute Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is defined as any pattern of abuse that may involve threats, stalking, intimidation, humiliation, and financial control. Domestic violence can show up as physical, verbal, emotional, sexual, or financial abuse, or any combination of these.

• Physical abuse may include slapping, punching, shoving, or pushing.
• Verbal and emotional abuse may involve calling the victim names, using profanities, or texting or e-mailing the person when the individual has asked you to stop.
• Sexual abuse is often referred to as intimate partner violence. It involves non-consensual sexual contact, often using force or coercion. Criminal charges carry potential jail time, steep fines, and restitution (court-ordered compensation to the victim).
• While not as widely discussed, financial abuse occurs in most domestic violence cases. Financial abuse can take many forms, such as the aggressor preventing a person from having access to joint money, refusing to pay their fair share of household expenses, or prohibiting the victim from getting a job.

Domestic Violence Crimes in Hammonton, NJ

Domestic violence may unfold as a result of a dispute between spouses, household members, dating partners, former dating partners, or individuals who share a child. According to New Jersey law, the following are considered domestic violence crimes:

• Homicide
• Assault
• Terroristic threats
• Kidnapping
• Criminal restraint
• False imprisonment
• Sexual assault
• Criminal sexual contact
• Lewdness
• Criminal mischief
• Burglary
• Criminal trespass
• Harassment
• Stalking
• Cyber-harassment
• Criminal coercion
• Robbery
• Contempt of a domestic violence order
• Any other crimes involving risk of bodily injury or death to a person (as protected under the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act of 1991)

Why You Should Fight a Restraining Order

A Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) may be filed against you without you even being present in court. Within 10 days of a TRO being issued, the court will schedule a hearing for a final restraining order (FRO). Thankfully, our Hammonton domestic violence lawyer is equipped to advocate for your rights. This is done by gathering the necessary information, cross-examining witnesses, and poking holes in available evidence.

Contact Our Hammonton Domestic Violence Attorney Today

If you are facing domestic violence allegations, you should seek representation immediately. At LACE Law, our Hammonton domestic violence lawyer is ready to investigate your case, collect evidence, and prepare an argument that negates your liability. Even if the evidence seems to be in the victim’s favor, our legal team is motivated to identify any details that may have been overlooked. To arrange a free consultation with our domestic violence attorney, contact us online or by calling (609) 225-4065.