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New Jersey Domestic Violence Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for New Jersey on
Q: How long does a temporary refrain from order lasts?

My ex girlfriend (children's mother) assaulted me and was given a temporary refrain from order by criminal city court. We have two children together.

She was just served 4 days ago. Honestly, I want her off that order, its divided her from our children.

I forgive her for her... View More

H. Scott Aalsberg
H. Scott Aalsberg
answered on Jul 13, 2020

It lasts until either the court issues a final order or dismisses the case. Thus you will have to wait until your day in court. I suggest she hires a lawyer to give her the best chance of a dismissal.

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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Immigration Law, Civil Litigation and Domestic Violence for New Jersey on
Q: How do I find an attorney in New Jersey when I'm not sure which type to look for as my issue overlaps specialties?

I have an issue that involves divorce with domestic violence and abuse. I would like to file a civil suit against my spouse for the abuse and for emotional distress and the therapy that I will need due to the abuse. An immigration issue is involved as well. How do I figure out the best attorney and... View More

H. Scott Aalsberg
H. Scott Aalsberg
answered on Jul 8, 2020

A lawyer would really need to hear all your issues to determine the answer to your question. Second you may need more than one attorney, but its best again that the attorney recommend someone he knows so that they can work well together. It all starts with a phone call so start calling around.

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2 Answers | Asked in Domestic Violence for New Jersey on
Q: My ex girlfriend keeps filling temporary restraining orders against me I have no contact with her and haven't seen her.

She lives in NYC I live in NJ. I haven't seen her in 9 months.

Leonard R. Boyer
Leonard R. Boyer pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 2, 2020

You are going to need to retain a NY matrimonial attorney, with extensive domestic violence trial experience, if these complaints are filed in NY, but if they are being filed in NJ, then you need a NJ attorney. Your question has omitted a significant amount of facts, which would be necessary to... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Domestic Violence for New Jersey on
Q: I currently have a dv restraining order against me by default from 2015. Missed court. Can this be vacated?

I currently work with the public.. Can my job let me go because of this?

Richard Diamond
Richard Diamond
answered on Jun 26, 2020

A domestic violence final restraining order was entered against you 5 years ago by default since you failed to appear at the hearing and you want to know if you can now move before the court to set it aside and have a trial on the merits of the claims. The answer is that it is possible, but it will... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Domestic Violence for New Jersey on
Q: How do I know if I’ve been charged with a crime during Covid

My boyfriend and I had an incident last week where the police were called. I received a victim notification form but did not ask for a restraining order, we do not want anything to come from this incident. He did not receive any paperwork himself was not detained or arrested, does this mean he was... View More

H. Scott Aalsberg
H. Scott Aalsberg
answered on May 5, 2020

Generally most people are charged at the scene. However more and more many people are receiving a criminal complaint by mail and this can take 1 to 5 years before the statute of limitations would run. If you get a complaint in the mail immediately hire a good criminal lawyer

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2 Answers | Asked in Domestic Violence and Landlord - Tenant for New Jersey on
Q: How can I legally get my ex to move out of my apartment if he's been here for 5 months?

He is refusing to leave and it's getting pretty violent and it's not a peaceful household. He's been living here since November 1st, paying half of the rent. He did not pay for the month of May yet.

James A. Abate
James A. Abate
answered on Apr 22, 2020

While there is a moratorium on evictions, it sounds like there is domestic violence potentially at play. You may be able to obtain a temporary restraining order which would require his removal at least temporarily.

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2 Answers | Asked in Domestic Violence, Family Law and Federal Crimes for New Jersey on
Q: If a minor being verbally abused by a parent goes kinda insane and physically attacks them, what are the charges?

Details: The parent constantly emotionally/verbally abuses not only their mother but the child themselves and then one day has had enough , goes a little insane and then physically attacks the parent with an item that could be considered a weapon. If this were to happen, what are the consequences... View More

Richard Diamond
Richard Diamond
answered on Apr 6, 2020

The answer is that it is time to get counseling for yourself so that you can help deal more constructively with the stress of a parent doing or saying things that upset you to the point of wanting to react with violence. Every parent says / does things that can piss off their children but I dont... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody, Family Law and Domestic Violence for New Jersey on
Q: I have a question concerning harassment from non-custodial parent

He has contacted DCPP 34 times making false allegations. He continues to contact my son son's therapist saying he forbid him from seeing her for the reasons of it being a "conflict of interest" where there is none. The real reason is shes Hispanic and he's a racist. He continues... View More

James A. Abate
James A. Abate
answered on Apr 4, 2020

It can constitute harassment and a retraining order if well documented. It is difficult to make such a case, but there is case law permitting it. It is not favored by police for obvious reasons (we want people to report crimes). To have any reasonable chance you would be wise to consult with an... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Domestic Violence, Divorce and Immigration Law for New Jersey on
Q: I am a foreigner who married to a US Citizen,a 2 yr conditional GC holder. Domestic violence victim,what are my rights?

I have already a protection order against him and He filed already a divorce and we have pre-nuptial agreement. As a 2 years greencard holder(he took my greencard)what will be the best way to do?he said that he return the card to USCIS,is that possible? What is my right as his wife? Is he still... View More

Stephen Arnold Black
Stephen Arnold Black
answered on Mar 21, 2020

Retain a legal aid free attorney to file a VAWA petition. Inquire at the women’s shelter.

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1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence for New Jersey on
Q: I filed a tro against my boyfriend but I still calls him over and now he wanted for a warrant violation of restraining
James A. Abate
James A. Abate
answered on Mar 18, 2020

I am assuming you are saying that you have a TRO and he still calls and now is wanted for a violation. I am not sure what your question is.

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for New Jersey on
Q: how could i get arrested for simple assault when there is no evidence of any violence

how could i get arrested for simple assault and a case versus the state when there is no physical evidence of any violence committed or potential threatening violence/harm, and the “victim” specifically says they aren't a victim of anything to the cop repeatedly. Also, the cops proceeded... View More

H. Scott Aalsberg
H. Scott Aalsberg
answered on Mar 2, 2020

It doesn't sound like it was proper however we would need to see the police report in regards to this matter to tell you whether it was proper or not

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2 Answers | Asked in Domestic Violence for New Jersey on
Q: What should i look forward to for violating my restraining order fir the first time? What are the penalties?

I wasn’t arrested on the spot. A sheriff called and told me I had a summons for a date in April. Could I get arrested or let off with a warning?

James A. Abate
James A. Abate
answered on Mar 1, 2020

If a charge has been issued then you have been “arrested”. Fortunately you are being processed on summons and not warrant which would require processing at the jail. You are facing a matter which on first offense could possibly lead to probation but the criminal record is a problem plus it... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence for New Jersey on
Q: I violated my restraining order

This is the first time I violated. I was messaged from an account that didn’t identify him as himself. Once I realized it was him we argued and then he called the cops. I have a summons for court on April. Should I expect jail time?

H. Scott Aalsberg
H. Scott Aalsberg
answered on Mar 1, 2020

You could certainly get jail up to 18 months in general, but a good lawyer should be able to help you stay out of jail, especially if this is a first offense. Set up one of the free in office consultations that most of us criminal lawyers offer.

2 Answers | Asked in Domestic Violence for New Jersey on
Q: My son just got a Arrested for Domestic violence 1st charge for his son mom he in the camden county jail as i speak

He go to court tomorrow what can i do will he come home in a OR i need answer i need a lawyer

H. Scott Aalsberg
H. Scott Aalsberg
answered on Feb 17, 2020

A lawyer can definitely help him, but you need to take the first step and hire one of us to defend him. If you cannot afford a lawyer a public defender will be appointed for him, but don't expect them to give any priority to his case as most are snowed in with cases.

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1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence and Divorce for New Jersey on
Q: I moved out over a year ago, kids are with me, I have a restraining order against him. Is he entitled to any of my money

I have supported myself and our kids the past year. Is any money I make and get back from tax returns considered marital assets?

Leonard R. Boyer
Leonard R. Boyer pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Feb 14, 2020

You are asking for an answer to a question, that is in effect in a vacuum. You really need to retain an experienced matrimonial attorney and file for divorce. NJ has no such thing as legal separation.

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law and Domestic Violence for New Jersey on
Q: I was hired by center for family Services in Glassboro NJ and fired for a disqualifying conviction, why?

Aggravated Assault first degree Felony.

Leonard R. Boyer
Leonard R. Boyer pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jan 13, 2020

You committed a very serious violent crime. No employer is going to want to take the risks associated with your employment. You really need to take actions to prove that you have or are in the process of rehabilitating yourself.

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for New Jersey on
Q: I'm facing felony charges for aggravated assult for an altercation I my was in with my current partner. He told the

Police, emt's, prosecutor that it was an accident and they still want to press charges. Lowest charge from a level 3 to level 2 felony. I have no arrest history or traffic violation, nor domestic violence charges. In the midst of all of this chaos, I lost my mom on Nov. 18th of last year right... View More

James A. Abate
James A. Abate
answered on Jan 3, 2020

You need to retain a private criminal defense lawyer, particularly one who is experienced with domestic violence matters. Prosecutors are very reluctant to dismiss a DV case due to fear of being accused as soft on DV. A second degree charge involves a presumption of incarceration for 5+ years.... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Domestic Violence for New Jersey on
Q: I have a TRO court hearing in attempts to finalize it tomorrow, Jan 2, 2020 in Sussex county. What happens in court

I have tried for 10 days to find pro bono representation, no success. The judge will be angry if I dont have a lawyer. Will I lose bc of this?

Leonard R. Boyer
Leonard R. Boyer pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jan 1, 2020

If you are facing having a Final Restraining Order entered against you, realistically (especially if the other party has an attorney) trying to represent yourself will be a grave mistake! (Figuratively speaking). Since you obviously did not qualify for a Pro Bono attorney, you really need to ask... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Domestic Violence and Criminal Law for New Jersey on
Q: Should I speak up and ask for help at court or should I stay quiet & wait until he tries to hurt my daughter again?

I went to court to press charges against my daughter’s(5 months old) father because I found him molesting her. At court my sister told me that they will give my daughter to him, so I decided to leave but the court took my information and sent DCF to my house. DCF spoke to me and I told them what... View More

James A. Abate
James A. Abate
answered on Dec 27, 2019

You should immediately contact the police.

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1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence for New Jersey on
Q: My son has been arrested for domestic violence “Crime Mischief” and he’s a lawful permanent resident his first offense?

He’s been there on the county jail since oct 2nd, how long will case take ?

H. Scott Aalsberg
H. Scott Aalsberg
answered on Dec 16, 2019

Much more information would need to be known to answer your question.

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