Domestic violence can have a significant effect on every member of a family. Because of the intimate nature of the offense, New Jersey takes these allegations very seriously.
Anyone accused of domestic violence in Somerset County is facing a threat to their reputation and family life as well as the legal consequences. Because the consequences can be great, it is important to speak with a Somerset County domestic violence lawyer who can help protect your rights. Contact a skilled criminal attorney as soon as possible.
Understanding Domestic Violence OffensesMost people understand domestic violence to be a physical altercation between spouses. However, domestic violence also includes abuse that occurs between current or former members of a household, such as between a parent and an adult child and current or former dating partners, including former spouses.
Domestic violence can include more than the traditional notion of physical abuse, too. In fact, domestic violence can include any of the following:
Just about any type of physical abuse can qualify as domestic violence depending on the circumstances of the incident. Emotional and mental abuse may also be considered a form of domestic violence.
New Jersey Statutes Annotated 2C:25-17 was also recently changed to include cyber-harassment as a form of domestic violence, which means that domestic violence can even occur through mobile texts or computers.
Following an Arrest for Domestic ViolenceTypically, domestic violence results in an arrest followed by time in jail until bail is posted if it has been offered. The next step with many incidents of domestic violence involves a restraining order.
Restraining orders can significantly impact every member of the family, and understanding how they work as well as the restrictions they put in place is crucial in dealing with domestic violence.
Restraining orders can impact child custody, and domestic violence charges themselves can stay on a person’s permanent criminal record. If an individual violates a restraining order, they may face additional legal repercussions.
The charges a person will specifically face will depend on what allegedly happened. Someone facing these allegations may face charges ranging from homicide to criminal mischief. If someone violates a restraining order, they may face additional penalties as well.
Possible Defenses Against Family Violence ChargesAs a Somerset County domestic violence lawyer knows, there are several defenses against domestic violence, the first being mistaken identity. A law enforcement official may arrest and charge the wrong individual. Because many of these cases rest on circumstantial evidence it can be difficult to know what actually happened.
The person accused of domestic violence may have been acting in self-defense or in defense of others. When this happens, they could not have been seeking to harm the other individual which would mean it was not an act of domestic violence.
Discussing Family Violence Offenses with a LawyerCharges of domestic violence can have far-reaching consequences. Beyond the legal repercussions that may result, they can threaten a person’s home and family life.
Therefore, it is important to take these charges seriously. An experienced attorney who understands how to take a thorough approach to dealing with domestic violence can help guide you through the legal process.
If you have questions or concerns surrounding domestic violence charges, contact a dedicated Somerset County domestic violence lawyer to see how they can help you face these charges.