New Jersey Domestic Violence Lawyers

Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys in Clark, NJ Dedicated to Protecting Your Rights in Essex County, Hudson County, Middlesex County, Union County, and Throughout NJ

When you’ve been charged with domestic violence in any form, your freedom and your future are at risk. You need exceptional legal representation from skilled New Jersey domestic violence lawyers to fight these serious charges, craft a compelling defense, and pursue a favorable outcome. 

Trust your case to Team Law’s seasoned domestic violence defense attorneys in Clark, NJ. Our firm has defended the accused throughout New Jersey for more than 60 years, and we bring the benefits of this extensive experience to every case we handle. For a free, confidential initial phone consultation, contact us today. 

Domestic Violence Charges in New Jersey 

Domestic violence can encompass a number of actions and offenses committed by one person in a family or household against another person in the family or household. In NJ, the New Jersey Prevention of Domestic Violence Act, established under statute N.J.S.A. 2C:25-17 of state law, addresses matters of domestic violence. 

Crimes That Can Constitute Domestic Violence in New Jersey 

State law in NJ specifically establishes numerous offenses that are treated as domestic violence offenses when perpetrated against another person with whom the accused shares a domestic, family, or household relationship. 

Examples of the types of crimes that can give rise to a domestic violence case are:

• Homicide
• Assault
• Sexual assault
• Kidnapping
• Terroristic threats
• Harassment
• Stalking
• Criminal trespassing
• Criminal mischief
• Cyber harassment
• Criminal restraint
• Criminal sexual contact
• Burglary
• Robbery
• False imprisonment
• Lewdness
• Criminal coercion 
• Contempt (violations) of a D.V. restraining order
• Any other crime that risks death or serious injury to a protected person

If you are facing charges for domestic violence offenses of any kind, you need the advantages that skillful legal representation can offer you. The state takes D.V. cases extremely seriously, and you need knowledgeable New Jersey domestic violence lawyers on your side to begin identifying all evidence in your favor and constructing a robust defense on your behalf. 

Relationships in Which Offenses Can Constitute Domestic Violence Under NJ Law 

Conduct that constitutes domestic violence is generally illegal, no matter who the victim is. However, a major reason the state legislature in New Jersey enacted the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act is that such offenses have historically been treated differently, and often less seriously, when they occur in the context of a domestic relationship rather than than between strangers or non-domestic acquaintances. 

Whether a criminal offense can constitute domestic violence depends on the relationship between the person accused and the alleged victim. 

Victims of domestic violence generally encompass adults at least 18 years old and emancipated minors (with some exceptions) whose relationship to the alleged perpetrator is characterized as one of the following: 

• A spouse 
• A former spouse
• A live-in partner
• A current or former household member, such as a roommate or an adult child
• A current dating or romantic partner
• A former dating or romantic partner 
• The parent, or prospective parent, of a shared child, whether biological or adopted

Being accused of domestic violence is often emotionally difficult as well as legally concerning. Throughout it all, you can count on our New Jersey domestic violence lawyers to provide the skilled legal services and compassionate support you need to get through this challenging situation. 

Consequences of Domestic Violence Charges 

The penalty for domestic violence convictions varies depending on numerous factors, including:

• The offense you have been charged with
• The grade or degree of the offense 
• The specifics of the crime, including any aggravating or mitigating factors 
• Whether you have a history of prior violent or criminal offenses 

Generally, being convicted of a domestic violence charge can leave you facing penalties such as jail time and fines. You might also be sentenced to probation, court-ordered anger management courses, or other penalties. Additionally, the alleged victim could file a restraining order that can restrict your activities, including where you can go and who you can contact in your personal and professional life. 

Jail Time for Domestic Violence Charges 

Jail time for a domestic violence conviction may differ drastically from one case to another. If charged with a disorderly persons offense, or a misdemeanor, the maximum amount of time you could be imprisoned is six months, and it’s possible that you won’t be sentenced to prison at all. 

On the other hand, for serious indictable offenses, also known as felonies, you could go to jail for several years. The most serious domestic violence offenses, typically those in which someone is severely injured or killed, could send the accused to prison for 10 years, 20 years, or potentially even the rest of their life. 

Domestic Violence Fines

Fines for D.V. crimes range from the relatively low maximum of $500 to $1,000 for disorderly persons offenses to six-figure fines imposed for second-degree felony convictions. Fines for domestic violence charges can often pose a financial hardship, but in some cases, they are high enough to constitute life-altering debts. 

The Impact of a Domestic Violence Charge on Your Criminal Record 

Even after you have served your sentence, the permanent mark this conviction can leave on your criminal record means the domestic violence charge may never truly go away. As long as your offense remains on your criminal record, it may affect your employment prospects, your ability to rent or buy a place to live, and other aspects of your life. 

In some cases, individuals convicted of a domestic violence charge can undertake the expungement process to remove the charge from their record after a certain waiting period has elapsed. 

How Team Law Can Help With Domestic Violence Defense Cases

When you’re facing charges as serious as crimes of domestic violence, it might feel like the legal system is stacked against you. Having our experienced domestic violence defense attorneys in Clark, NJ, can help you fight back against these criminal charges. 

How to Fight Domestic Violence Charges

Your best hope for beating D.V. charges is a strong domestic violence defense strategy backed by considerable evidence and developed with thorough knowledge of NJ state law. At Team Law, we explore every avenue toward a favorable resolution for you. Depending on the charges against you and the specific facts of your case, we may seek outcomes such as: 

• Getting domestic violence charges dropped 
• Getting your charges reduced to less serious charges 
• Suppressing evidence on the grounds that it was obtained through improper procedures 
• Negotiating for less severe charges or sentences in a plea deal 
• Securing a not-guilty verdict at trial 
• Advocating for lesser sentences if convicted 

Each case is unique, which is why we take a personalized approach to developing a defense strategy that best fits the facts of your circumstances. 

Common Defenses to Domestic Violence Charges

It’s up to the prosecution to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed the offense with which you are charged. In many instances, doing so may also require the prosecution to prove your intent as well as your actions. As your domestic violence defense attorneys in Clark, NJ, our role is to build you a robust defense that establishes the facts in your favor and highlights weaknesses and inconsistencies in the case against you. 

Some of the possible arguments we might explore as we craft a defense strategy for you include: 

• False or exaggerated allegations 
• Mistaken identity, often established by an alibi 
• Accidental harm rather than intentional violence 
• Consent given by the alleged victim for the act in question 
• Self-defense or defense of others from imminent harm 
• Insufficient evidence to prove the case against you 
• Constitutional violations and other procedural errors that render certain evidence inadmissible in court 

The skilled New Jersey domestic violence lawyers at Team Law will form a comprehensive defense plan strategically designed for your unique situation.

Why Choose Team Law as Your New Jersey Domestic Violence Lawyers? 

Your chances of winning a domestic violence case can increase dramatically when you entrust your legal matter to seasoned New Jersey domestic violence lawyers like Team Law. 

Experience Spanning Criminal Offenses of All Kinds 

For more than 60 years, Team Law has made an impact on the legal landscape of New Jersey, assisting individuals with the legal matters that trouble them and pursuing outcomes in our clients’ best interests. We represent clients charged with all varieties of criminal offenses, so whatever the specific circumstances of your domestic violence charges, we have the experience to vigorously defend you. 

Compassionate Approach to D.V. Defense

Because of the close relationships inherent in a D.V. case, situations involving domestic violence are almost always complex and emotionally charged. You need domestic violence defense attorneys in Clark, NJ, on your side who are as compassionate toward what you’re going through as they are tough in their defense of clients’ rights. 

At Team Law, we know that there are often multiple sides to stories that involve D.V. and that exaggerated and downright false domestic violence charges occur right here in New Jersey. Our goal is to handle the legal aspects and seek a favorable outcome that allows you to put this difficult time behind you. 

Contact the New Jersey Domestic Violence Lawyers at Team Law Today for a Free Initial Phone Consultation

The legal situation you’re facing is serious. With our proven team by your side, you can rest assured that we will do everything possible to get the best outcome in your case. 

For help from experienced domestic violence defense attorneys in Clark, NJ, contact Team Law online or call us today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Domestic Violence Charges in New Jersey