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New Jersey Domestic Violence Lawyers

New Jersey Domestic Violence LawyerNew Jersey Domestic Violence Lawyer

Whether you are a victim of domestic violence in need of a restraining order or defending against the threat of a restraining order, there are serious consequences to consider. If you are in fear for your safety, a restraining order can offer protection from the person who you fear and offer a swift police response if the order is violated. On the other hand, if someone successfully seeks a restraining order against you, there are significant consequences —including criminal prosecution— for contacting not only the person who got the restraining order, but potentially also their friends and family members. If you are seeking a restraining order or need to defend against a restraining order, competent representation from an experienced New Jersey domestic violence lawyer is often critical to a successful outcome.

The skilled attorneys at Attorneys Hartman, Chartered will advocate vigorously to ensure that you present the best possible case to meet your goals. If you would like to schedule a confidential consultation to discuss our legal services, call or contact our offices today.

What Constitutes Domestic Violence in New Jersey?

There are times when domestic violence charges are justified and others when they are the result of a jealous, angry, or vengeful partner. In either circumstance, New Jersey does not take allegations of domestic violence lightly.

To constitute domestic violence, an individual must have been the victim of actual or threatened physical, sexual, emotional, or economic abuse by someone with whom they have an intimate relationship. Assault, terroristic threat, stalking, sexual assault, and harassment are common crimes that result in a charge of domestic violence.

If you are seeking a restraining order for domestic violence or need to defend yourself against such allegations, it is imperative that you seek professional legal representation with an experienced New Jersey domestic violence lawyer without delay.

Obtaining a Restraining Order for Acts of Domestic Violence

To obtain a restraining order, a person must show that it is more likely than not that they have the requisite relationship with their abuser, that 1 of 19 predicate acts of domestic violence occurred, and that there is a “need” for a restraining order. The “need” factor focuses heavily on, among other things, the nature of the predicate act and the history of abuse between the parties. The facts and circumstances relevant to each prong of this analysis are absolutely critical and not always obvious. For this reason, it is crucial to have a trusted New Jersey domestic violence lawyer advocating on your behalf every step of the way through the entire legal process.

At Attorneys Hartman, Chartered, our legal team will do everything they can to stop the domestic abuse from continuing in your household and to protect your family’s future. Our lawyers can:

  • Explain whether a restraining order is appropriate for your situation
  • Help you with the application for a restraining order
  • Explain the repercussions of domestic abuse on family law matters
  • Provide you with resources that can help you and your family stay safe
  • Develop a secure plan to prevent future abuse from happening
  • Help you respond to any situations where your spouse or partner may be stalking you or making threats

If you or a member of your family have experienced domestic violence, it is important to get help from a trustworthy and experienced lawyer. Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation to discuss how we can help protect your family and your future.

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Issuance of Restraining Orders If You Are Charged with Domestic Violence

If you are charged with domestic violence, one of the first things that will happen is the issuance of a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO). This is usually served within 24 hours. The TRO provides a list of restrictions that you must adhere to until the final hearing. The final hearing usually occurs within 10 days of the issuance of a TRO. These restrictions can be extensive, with some of the most common being:

  • Prohibiting you from returning home
  • Prohibiting you from returning to the plaintiff’s residence or place of employment
  • Prohibiting you from having any contact with the plaintiff, whether oral, written, or electronic
  • Prohibiting you from possessing any type of firearm or weapon
  • Prohibiting visitation with your children

A skilled and knowledgeable New Jersey domestic violence lawyer can be very successful in getting these restrictions minimized at the final hearing, even eliminating the issuance of a Final Restraining Order (FRO). The FRO does not expire and may include additional stipulations, such as assistance with rent or mortgage payments, reimbursement for losses, and attendance at support groups. If the FRO is breached at any time, the violator will be in contempt of court. This is a crime and is punishable with jail time and fines. For subsequent violations against the FRO, 30 days is the minimum jail time.

Consequences for Conviction of Domestic Violence or Violation of a Restraining Order in NJ

New Jersey is hard on domestic violence defendants. If convicted, you can face many years in prison. It goes without saying that having a criminal record of any kind is a permanent black mark on your future. This is especially true with domestic violence cases, which tend to have a very damaging stigma attached to them. Unfortunately, there are a number of other significant consequences if you are convicted of domestic violence, including:

  • Your name is put on a registry;
  • You are no longer permitted to own a firearm;
  • You may lose your home;
  • You may have your parenting time suspended or restricted;
  • You may be required to provide monetary compensation to the victim;
  • You may have counseling and/or monitoring, at your expense, mandated by the court;
  • You may lose certain items of personal property and/or pets; and
  • You may face adverse consequences for your job depending on your employment.

The consequences of domestic violence charges are extremely serious. If you have been charged with domestic violence or violating a restraining order, you need legal representation immediately. There is no substitute for experience when dealing with crimes of domestic violence. Even if you believe the charges to be completely unfounded, the courts won’t necessarily agree. It is important to have an advocate on your side throughout the entire legal process. A criminal defense attorney experienced in domestic violence cases will know how to paint the best picture for your unique situation.

The legal team at Attorneys Hartman, Chartered have over 40 years of experience successfully defending clients against charges of domestic violence in Burlington County, Camden County, and throughout New Jersey. Contact us today so we can help you understand your legal rights and options and to build a strategic defense in your case.

Protect Your Future by Contacting A Qualified New Jersey Domestic Violence Lawyer From Attorneys Hartman, Chartered Today

You can rely on the experienced and successful criminal defense attorneys at our firm to advocate on your behalf. Attorneys Hartman, Chartered are ready and willing to take on your case and fight to protect your rights, security, freedom, and future. Contact a dedicated New Jersey domestic violence lawyer at our Moorestown Office for a confidential consultation about your case today at 856-393-6073. We advocate for victims and defendants of domestic violence in Burlington County, Camden County, or throughout New Jersey.

Meet Your Team

Katherine D. HartmanKatherine D. Hartman
Katherine D. Hartman SignatureKatherine D. Hartman Signature
Michael C. MormandoMichael C. Mormando
Michael C. MormandoMichael C. Mormando
Mark A. GulbransonMark A. Gulbranson
Mark A. GulbransonMark A. Gulbranson

Katherine D. Hartman, Esquire

Katherine D. Hartman is the Managing Partner in the Moorestown, New Jersey law office of Attorneys Hartman, Chartered, which has been named one of America’s Best Law Firms by U.S. News and World Report. She concentrates her practice in employment discrimination, criminal defense, police disciplinary matters, and other employment law issues. Katie has been practicing law for over thirty years. She was admitted to the New Jersey and Pennsylvania Bars in 1991, the Eastern District of Pennsylvania in November of 1993, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals in November of 2002, and the Supreme Court of the United States in October of 2002.

Katie has been awarded the highest (AV) rating for professional ability and high ethical standards, by Martindale Hubbell. Additionally, Katie has consistently been voted a Super Lawyer by New Jersey Magazine. Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The selection process is multi-phased and includes independent research, peer nominations, and peer evaluations. She was named one of the Top Forty Lawyers under Forty by the New Jersey Law Journal in 2002.

Michael C. Mormando, Esquire

Michael C. Mormando has been practicing law for over twenty years, and is a Partner at Attorneys Hartman, Chartered. Mike is an active member in the Burlington County Bar Association, he is a former Chair of the Bar Associations’ Criminal Practice Committee, and he currently serves as a member of the Supreme Court of New Jersey District Ethics Committee for Burlington County, District III-B. Mike also served two years as Councilman for Ward 3 in Delran Township, having been elected to the post in the November 2018 general election, and he currently serves as the Chair of the Delran Township Zoning Board.

Mike’s areas of practice include criminal defense, DUI defense, traffic violation defense, employment law, discrimination and whistleblower cases, unemployment compensation appeals, labor representation for collective bargaining units, employment contract review and negotiations, and defense in police disciplinary matters. Mike is approved by the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) as a lawyer who can represent law enforcement officers who face disciplinary or criminal charges. Mike also represents small business owners concerning employment issues.

Mark A. Gulbranson, Esquire

Mark A. Gulbranson, Jr., an attorney with Attorneys Hartman, Chartered, has been practicing law for nine years. Prior to joining Attorneys Hartman, Mark was a corporate associate in the gaming practice group of Fox Rothschild, where he represented clients in a range of corporate, regulatory, and real estate matters. Mark served as a judicial clerk for Justice Lee Solomon of the New Jersey Supreme Court, and for Judge George Leone, J.A.D., of the New Jersey Appellate Division.

Mark’s areas of practice include real estate transactions and related litigation, small business counseling and regulatory compliance, domestic violence matters, appellate advocacy, municipal court defense, employment law, discrimination and whistleblower cases, unemployment compensation appeals, employment contract review and negotiations, and defense in police disciplinary matters. Mark handles cases in the New Jersey Superior Court – Law and Appellate Divisions, the New Jersey Supreme Court, the United States District Courts for the Districts of New Jersey and the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, the Office of Administrative Law, the New Jersey Department of Labor, the New Jersey Division of Civil Rights, the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and various municipal courts throughout New Jersey.

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Moorestown Office68 E. Main StreetMoorestown, NJ 08057
Fax: 856.273.8617
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Moorestown Office68 E. Main StreetMoorestown, NJ 08057
Fax: 856.273.8617
Map + Directions