Domestic Violence in New Jersey - 2C:25-19

New Jersey Statutes – Title 2C The New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice – 2C:25-19 Definitions discusses domestic violence. Domestic violence means the occurrence of one or more of the following acts inflicted upon a person protected under New Jersey Statutes by an adult or an emancipated minor:

1. Homicide N.J.S.2C:11-1 et seq.
2. Assault N.J.S.2C:12-1
3. Terroristic threats N.J.S.2C:12-3
4. Kidnapping N.J.S.2C:13-1
5. Criminal restraint N.J.S.2C:13-2
6. False imprisonment N.J.S.2C:13-3
7. Sexual assault N.J.S.2C:14-2
8. Criminal sexual contact N.J.S.2C:14-3
9. Lewdness N.J.S.2C:14-4
10. Criminal mischief N.J.S.2C:17-3
11. Burglary N.J.S.2C:18-2
12. Criminal trespass N.J.S.2C:18-3
13. Harassment N.J.S.2C:33-4
14. Stalking P.L.1992, c.209 (C.2C:12-10)

A victim of domestic violence includes any person who is 18 years of age or older or who is an emancipated minor and who has been subjected to domestic violence by a spouse, former spouse, or any other person who is a present or former household member. A victim of domestic violence also includes any person, regardless of age, who has been subjected to domestic violence by a person with whom the victim has a child in common, or with whom the victim anticipates having a child in common, if one of the parties is pregnant; and any person subjected to domestic violence by a person with whom the victim has had a dating relationship.

Perhaps there would be less domestic violence if people knew more about forgiveness. In his book Forgive for Good, Dr. Frederic Luskin, a Co-Director of the Stanford-Northern Ireland HOPE Project, provides guidance to forgiveness which are applicable to domestic violence. Many times prosecutors are paid to win, but even when they win, victims of domestic violence may still suffer. Sometimes a lying boyfriend is invited wherever a person goes preventing the person from enjoying life. The unhappiness turns into anger and eventually violence.

Engaging an experienced defense attorney when charged with domestic violence can help in not putting one’s comfort in someone else’s hand. Everyone makes mistakes. An experienced attorney can defend by asking for forgiveness. People who do not forgive do not have a defendant’s well being in mind.

Violence can happen to anyone who does not know that everything in life is a data point that passes and changes. Holding on to hurts from the past, and then striking out leads to criminal liability. People who get violent should be given a chance to realize that what happens in the past does not make a difference in the present and a chance to live life today along with its pains. People will only stay violent when they continue to be defined by bad situations.

Dr. Luskin writes that forgiveness is for the self, to take back power. When charged with domestic violence, do not waste energy trapped in anger over things that one cannot do anything about. Let an experienced New Jersey criminal defense attorney explain how mentally replaying hurtful experiences can cause anyone to ruin so many days for a juror to relate. Only with reduced sentencing or penalties can someone suffering from hurt take away the power from discomfort.

When faced with allegations of domestic violence, engage a New Jersey criminal defense attorney who knows how to interpret criminal statutes to reduce prison time and penalties.