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Criminal Defense | Restraining Order / Domestic Violence
Domestic violence matters can result in serious consequences with both criminal prosecution and restraining orders, which are generally connected. These are serious issues with permanent consequences. In NJ a final restraining order can only be removed by consent from the victim and Court Order. Many of these cases include difficult proof issues as they often occur in private when the only persons present are the alleged victim and the alleged abuser. As a result of this fact, proving and disproving a case will often hinge upon the word of one person over the other.

Domestic violence charges and restraining orders are serious and require the same attention and diligence as representation in a criminal matter. Restraining orders, resulting from domestic violence instances, are complicated.

Villani and Deluca is involved in all aspects of representation in criminal and family law and have trial experience these cases on a regular basis.

To navigate the difficult and complex areas of domestic violence and restraining orders, contact Carmine R. Villani, Esq. or Vincent C. DeLuca Esq. 732.892.9050 for a free initial consultation.

For information regarding restraining orders, select from the following list to view the NJ Law:

Domestic violence matters result can result in serious consequences in both criminal prosecution for the act of domestic violence and the restraining orders which generally are connected with them. These are very serious issues with often permanent consequences. In NJ a final restraining order is permanent and can only be removed once entered by consent of the victim and by Court Order. Many of these cases include difficult proof issues as they often occur in private when the only persons present are the alleged victim and the alleged abuser. As a result of this fact, proving and disproving a case will often hinge upon the word of one person over the other. This creates obvious problems for those in this common situation.

A final restraining order hearing is a trial conducted in Superior Court before a Superior Court Judge and although not technically criminal if a final restraining order is entered the abuser will be fingerprinted, cannot own a firearm and will be listed on a domestic violence registry. Domestic violence charges are very serious and requires the same attention and diligence as representation in a criminal matter. If a temporary or final restraining order is violated, once entered, that violation is then a criminal offense which can, and in some instances must result in jail for the abuser. In New Jersey there are two types of Restraining Orders that can be issued by the Court:

Temporary Restraining Order: a temporary restraining order can be issued by a Judge in response to a domestic violence incident, wherein there is sufficient basis for the Judge to believe that an act of domestic violence has occurred. In order to determine wheatear an act of domestic violence has occurred the court will consider whether the actions of the alleged abuser continued any of the following criminal acts:

Select the any of the following items to view the NJ Law:

  • Harrassment 2C: 33-4
  • Assault 2C: 12-1
  • Criminal Mischief 2C: 17-3
  • Terroristic Threats 2C: 12-3
  • Sexual Assault2C: 14-2
  • Lewdness2C: 14-4
  • Stalking2C: 12-10
  • Criminal Trespass 2C: 18-3
  • Burglary 2C: 18-2
  • Kidnapping 2C: 13-1
  • Criminal Restraint 2C:13-2.
  • False Imprisonment 2C:13-3.
  • Criminal Sexual Contact 2C:14-3
A restraining order requires that some domestic relationship exist between the alleged victim and alleged defendant as a spouse, significant other or family member. A restraining order is a legal term used to refer to an order issued by a Municipal Court or Superior Court Judge which generally bars the offending party from contact or communication with the victim. A temporary restraining order can be issued as a temporary means of providing a victim with protection from domestic abuse pending a final restraining order hearing to determine whether the temporary restraining order shall become final and permanent.

Final Restraining Order: In New Jersey, unlike many other states, a final restraining order is permanent and remains in effect unless and until it is removed by a dismissal in court by the victim or by other court order. It is therefore a very powerful protection but is often abused. In order for a final restraining order to issue, a full trial is held wherein the victim must prove:

1) a domestic relationship exists;
2) that an incident or incidents of domestic violence has occurred.

A final restraining order hearing is conducted by a Superior Court Judge in the family division and although it is not a criminal hearing, the same elements necessary to prove the criminal act must be proven but the standard by which the court views the matter is much less stringent. In a criminal context, in order for an act to be found to be criminal it must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt, however, in a final restraining order hearing the standard is preponderance of the evidence. This means that a person can be held responsible for violation of the domestic violence act easier than by being found guilty of a criminal violation. It is not required that a criminal charge be filed in order for a restraining order to be issued but in many instances, a restraining order is issued in connection with the filing of criminal charges.

Villani & DeLuca, P.C.
703 Richmond Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742   Phone: (732) 892-9050 Fax: (732) 892-9053

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     Carmine R. Villani, Esq.   |   Vincent C. DeLuca, Esq.   |   Timothy L. Horn, Esq.   |   Gina J. Ravaschiere, Esq.   |   Jeffrey A. Warsh, Esq.
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