Domestic Violence in New Jersey
Being Charged with Domestic Violence in New Jersey
Remember how popular and famous the singer Chris Brown was? The rising star had everything going for him up until he got into a physical altercation with his girlfriend at the time, Rhianna. Ultimately, Brown ended up pleading guilty to domestic violence and lost the support of most of his music fans.
That’s because domestic violence is taken very seriously in all 50 states. Depending on the particular circumstances, you could get charged with either a misdemeanor or a felony. The penalties are steep, and the social stigma surrounding domestic violence is brutal. Learn more about what it means to be charged with domestic violence in New Jersey below.
Domestic Violence Crimes in New Jersey
In New Jersey, domestic violence crimes happen when there’s some form of:
- Physical violence
- Verbal abuse
- Emotional coercion or abuse
- Sexual violence
- Financial abuse
This violence or abuse must have occurred between two people who share an intimate relationship. This relationship could be in the form of a romantic relationship, relative or roommate. It could also be someone with whom you had an intimate relationship with in the past but are no longer close to. Harassment, stalking and lewdness can all be forms of domestic violence, as well.
What Are the Penalties for Domestic Violence in NJ?
Domestic violence may be considered either a felony or misdemeanor depending on several factors. Courts will look at your prior charges, your exact crime and any history of domestic violence to determine how severe your penalties will be. Here are a few things that could happen after a conviction:
- Prison time
- Fines
- Probation
- Lifetime protective orders against you
- Seizure of any firearms
The only way to avoid these penalties is to prevent a conviction.
Strategies to Avoid a Conviction
If you’ve been charged with domestic violence, then you need to start protecting yourself and coming up with a defense strategy right away. Here are some common defense strategies that may apply in your situation:
- Argue that the prosecution doesn’t have sufficient evidence against you
- The accusations are false
- The incident was an accident
- The incident was in self-defense
What’s your best legal option? It hinges on the circumstances of your case and the evidence the prosecution has against you. Contact a criminal defense attorney near you for more information on how to proceed with your case.
Contact an Experienced Cherry Hill Criminal Defense Lawyer About Your Domestic Violence Charges in New Jersey
Were you arrested or charged with domestic violence in New Jersey? The consequences of a conviction could be severe, leaving you with a permanent criminal record and possibly even sending you to jail. That is why you need to speak with a qualified criminal defense attorney as soon as possible about your case. The attorneys at Gelman Law have successfully represented clients charged with domestic violence in Camden and Burlington counties and throughout New Jersey. Call 856-861-4236 or fill out the online contact form to schedule a consultation with a member of our legal team. We have an office conveniently located at 1940 Rt. 70 East, Suite 4, Cherry Hill, NJ, 08003.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
