Family & Relationships Conflict

New Jersey Domestic Violence: What to Do If You’re Accused

First things first, let's define New Jersey domestic violence [http://www.weinbergerlawgroup.com/Domestic-Violence.html]. All too often, people suffer legal headaches because they don't have a clear understanding of the law. If you're accused of domestic violence in New Jersey, shouldn't you know if you did in fact break the law? So, with that said, let's clear things up.

In 1991, New Jersey legislature found and declared that domestic violence is a serious crime against society. But what does that mean? New Jersey domestic violence involves one of the following offenses listed under the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act:

• Homicide N.J.S.A. 2C:11-1
• Assault N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1
• Terroristic threats N.J.S.A. 2C:12-3
• Kidnapping N.J.S.A. 2C:13-1
• Criminal restraint N.J.S.A. 2C:13-2
• False imprisonment N.J.S.A. 2C:13-3
• Sexual assault N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2
• Criminal sexual contact N.J.S.A. 2C:14-3
• Lewdness N.J.S.A. 2C:14-4
• Criminal mischief N.J.S.A. 2C:17-3
• Burglary N.J.S.A. 2C:18-2
• Criminal trespass N.J.S.A. 2C:18-3
• Harassment N.J.S.A. 2C:33-4
• Stalking N.J.S.A. 2C:12-10

Often times, an accusation of New Jersey domestic violenceis tied to a divorce in New Jersey [http://www.weinbergerlawgroup.com/Domestic-Violence/Defending-Against-False-Accusations.html]. In some cases, a spouse will try to leverage their position by accusing their partner of domestic violence. Whether it's money or child custody they're after, your conviction of domestic violence may swing things in their favor. If you're accused and found guilty, domestic violence won't just cripple your marriage. It can cripple your life.

Domestic violence accusations can hurt you emotionally and financially. They're an accusation that you need to confront aggressively. If you're accused, you need to get your arms around the situation. And, especially if it's tied to divorce, you need a New Jersey divorce lawyer to review the allegations and defend your rights.

When you're accused of New Jersey domestic violence, you need to prepare yourself on two fronts. You need to educate yourself. And you need to prepare yourself financially. The former will help the latter. If there is a Temporary Restraining Order, you need to adhere to the conditions, regardless of your innocence. By focusing on research and sitting down with your attorney, you'll know exactly what it will take to prove your innocence. Ironically, the best way to combat New Jersey domestic violence is to aggressively confront it with the help of an experienced New Jersey divorce lawyer [http://www.weinbergerlawgroup.com/Attorney-Profiles.html].

Leave a reply