Domestic Violence Defense Attorney in Princeton, NJ Standing Up for Your Legal Defense in Mercer County, Middlesex County, Somerset County, and Throughout Central Jersey
An argument can sometimes escalate, leading to unexpected accusations of domestic violence. Whether it was a misunderstanding or a single incident, facing a domestic violence charge in New Jersey is serious. The charges against you can lead to prison time, damage your reputation, and disrupt your entire family.
At Mark H. Jaffe Attorney at Law, we understand the complexity and sensitivity of domestic violence cases. With extensive experience, our New Jersey domestic violence lawyer can protect your rights, challenge accusations, and provide the defense you need during this difficult time.
If you’re dealing with a domestic violence charge, don’t face it alone. Contact us today for an initial consultation. Let’s work together to protect your future.
Understanding Domestic Violence in New Jersey
Domestic violence is a pattern of behavior between people who currently or previously shared a household, such as:
- Intimate partners
- Spouses
- Roommates
- Co-parents
- Family members
When these relationships are present, certain actions are classified as domestic violence.
What Constitutes Domestic Violence?
Committing a wide range of actions in the context of the above relationships can constitute domestic violence. Some of these actions include:
- Assault: Attempt to cause bodily injury or physical harm
- Homicide: Causing death
- Stalking: Repeatedly following a person against their will, causing fear
- Harassment: Communicating in a threatening or intimidating way
- Kidnapping or unlawful restraint: Holding or abducting a person against their will
If you’re facing domestic violence accusations, discuss your case with us today. Our domestic violence defense attorney in Princeton, NJ, can help reduce or dismiss these charges.
What to Expect When Your Partner Obtains a Restraining Order in New Jersey
If a partner or family member accuses you of domestic violence, they may seek a restraining order against you. There are two types of restraining orders:
- Temporary restraining order (TRO)
- Final restraining order (FRO)
Temporary Restraining Order
A judge can issue a TRO almost immediately if they believe the accused may harm the other person. A TRO restricts your contact with the accuser and often limits access to children and your home.
Permanent Restraining Order
If a TRO is issued, a court hearing is scheduled within a week to ten days. During this hearing, the court will decide whether to make the TRO permanent based on the evidence. FROs can permanently restrict your freedoms and impact your child custody rights.
If you’re notified that you have a final restraining order hearing scheduled, contact us as soon as possible. Our New Jersey domestic violence lawyer can work to prevent the restraining order from becoming permanent or help modify it to minimize its impact on your life.
Consequences You Can Face If Convicted of Domestic Violence in New Jersey
The consequences you can face depend on the types of domestic violence charges you are facing. Generally, the different penalties you could be subjected to if convicted of a crime of domestic violence include the following:
- Homicide or rape—first-degree felony: 10 to 20 years in prison, with fines up to $200,000
- Sexual assault or robbery—second-degree felony: 5 to 10 years in prison, with fines up to $150,000
- Aggravated assault or burglary—third-degree felony: 3 to 5 years in prison, with fines up to $15,000
- Lewdness or stalking—fourth-degree felony: Up to 18 months in jail, with fines up to $10,000
- Simple assault or harassment—disorderly persons offense: Up to 6 months in jail, with fines up to $1,000
In all cases involving domestic violence, you’re also subject to seizure of any firearms you may possess.
Beyond legal penalties, a domestic violence conviction can create challenges in securing housing, affect career opportunities, and complicate child custody.
Discuss your charges with us today. Our New Jersey domestic violence lawyer can work to get your charges dismissed or reduced, allowing you to move forward.
How Our New Jersey Domestic Violence Lawyer Can Help You Fight Domestic Violence Charges
Every domestic violence case is unique, and your defense should be, too. Depending on the details of your case, our domestic violence defense attorney in Princeton, NJ, can craft a defense strategy to maximize your chances of having charges dismissed or reduced.
Here are some defense strategies we can use:
- Unintentional behavior: If the incident was accidental, we can argue that there was no intent to harm.
- Inoffensive contact: Not all physical interactions are offensive or harmful. If the contact was accidental, we can clarify that it doesn’t qualify as violence.
- False accusation: We can investigate all allegations thoroughly to ensure false claims don’t stand up in court.
- Vague statement: If accusations are based on unclear or indirect statements, we can highlight this to weaken the prosecution’s case against you.
Contact us today. Our domestic violence defense attorney in Princeton, NJ, can build a defense that gives you the chance of dismissing or reducing your charges.
Why Choose Mark H. Jaffe Attorney at Law to Handle Your Domestic Violence Case
We’ve represented New Jersey residents in over 14,000 cases, leveraging years of criminal defense experience. Our domestic violence defense attorney in Princeton, NJ, understands the system thoroughly, having served as:
- Special Prosecutor in Newark
- Prosecutor for Princeton University Public Safety
- Prosecutor for Nordstrom (department store)
Mark H. Jaffe also served as a family court law clerk in Hudson County. With his background, he understands the complex and personal challenges you may be facing. He’s the one who shows up in court—he doesn’t send someone else.
Ready to fight for your future? Get in touch with us today to get started on your defense.
Contact a New Jersey Domestic Violence Lawyer at Mark H. Jaffe Attorney at Law Today for an Initial Consultation
Facing a domestic violence charge can be stressful. For help from a domestic violence lawyer in New Jersey, contact Mark H. Jaffe Attorney at Law online or call 866-930-1914 today.
