Prominent and Experienced Domestic Violence Attorney

What is Domestic Violence?

In the State of New Jersey, according to the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act, Domestic Violence includes the occurrence of one or more criminal offenses including, but not limited to: 

• Assault
• Stalking
• Kidnapping
• Cyber-Harassment
• Sexual Assault

In order for any of these acts to be considered Domestic Violence, they must involve either a spouse or former spouse, a current or former household member, someone you have or have had a romantic relationship with, or someone you are having or with whom you have had a child.

A victim of domestic violence has the right to seek the protection of a Temporary Restraining Order or “TRO”.  If a TRO is entered by a Judge, it means that the alleged victim has provided enough evidence for the Court to put temporary restraints in place.  Once a TRO is entered, a hearing will be scheduled within 10 days.  During this hearing both the alleged victim and alleged defendant will have the opportunity to testify, and a Judge will make a determination as to whether or not to dismiss the Temporary Restraining Order or grant the victim a Final Restraining Order or “FRO”.

What do I do if I am served with a Temporary Restraining Order?  

Navigating a Domestic Violence accusation can be very confusing and have serious consequences if you are not properly represented.  Many Temporary Restraining Orders are also accompanied by the filing of a criminal complaint which can lead to your arrest.  In this case, the Temporary Restraining Order will be heard before a Family Court Judge in the Superior Court while the criminal complaint will be pursued by the Prosecutor’s Office.  Even if a Superior Court Judge dismisses a Temporary Restraining Order, the Prosecutor’s Office still has the ability to pursue you criminally. 

Domestic Violence is not taken lightly in the State of New Jersey.  Without the proper representation from an experienced domestic violence attorney, you put yourself at great risk of having a Final Restraining Order entered against you.  Final Restraining Orders do not expire and could potentially follow you for the rest of your life.  A Final Restraining Order may impact your ability to have custody of your children.  It may also affect the amount of parenting time you are allowed with your children. It can impact your immigration status. You will no longer be permitted to own a firearm. It may show also up in background checks done by future employers, colleges, landlords, etc.  If you violate a Temporary or Final Restraining Order, even unknowingly, you will be arrested. If criminal charges are filed against you, you could potentially face a jail sentence.

If you are served with a Temporary Restraining Order, under no circumstances can you or should you contact the alleged victim, this can and will result in your arrest.

I Want to Obtain a Restraining Order Against my Significant Other. What’s My Next Step?

You wil need to do one of two things. Visit the Family Division of the Superior Court in your county during court hours or go to the local police station where you may need to file a criminal domestic violence complaint. However, it’s highly recommended to have a lawyer present when seeking a restraining order, especially in Superior Court.  Once you’ve gathered evidence (text messages, photographs, etc), we can help build and present a strong case to the Judge. As important, as an experienced domestic violence attorney, our firm can also guide you through the complexities and ramifications of serving a restraining order, and can represent you if issues escalate between parties. What’s more, a restraining order lawyer can ensure that your rights are protected throughout proceedings, and that the restraining order is devised specifically for your unique situation.

Having legal representation can significantly increase your chances of success and provide you with peace of mind. If you’re considering seeking a restraining order, it’s a good idea to consult with a restraining order lawyer as soon as possible. Call our offices today.

What are the Impacts of a Final Restraining Order?

If you are arrested, as with any criminal charge, do not answer any questions the police may have without the presence of an attorney. Do not try to talk your way out or minimize what you have or have not done. The authorities will listen, take notes and then turn their notes over to the prosecutor’s office to be used against you!

The Law Offices of John Paragano will work diligently to defend your Constitutionally protected rights and provide you with the best legal advice, as defendant or plaintiff. For over thirty years, I have successfully represented clients in numerous domestic violence cases, both in Family Court and Criminal Court, and I have achieved countless successes for them. If you need an experienced and powerful domestic violence attorney to help you navigate through domestic violence issues including restraining order entanglements, call my office today.

The Law Offices of John Paragano for Domestic Violence, Sexual Harassment or other Spousal Abuse Issues
·       30+ Years Family Law Experience, including Divorce
·       Former Municipal Court Judge, Union Township 1999-2005
·       Extensive Trial Experience
·       Free Initial Consultation
·       24/7/365 Call Center and Availability
·       Evening Hours for Personal Meetings

For a prominent and experienced Domestic Violence lawyer serving Union County, Monmouth County and all of New Jersey, contact John Paragano at The Law Offices of John Paragano, for a free consultation. Telephone 908.687.5999 or click to send an email. All consultations and written correspondences will be kept strictly confidential.