New Jersey courts take allegations of domestic violence very seriously. A domestic violence conviction can result in jail time, fines, loss of child custody, and can have a serious impact on your personal and professional life. Contact New Jersey domestic violence defense lawyer Jason A. Volet today.
We understand how serious domestic violence allegations can be, and we are prepared to help you understand your rights and prepare a strong defense for the accusations you are facing.
Every individual has the right to defend himself or herself against criminal accusations, and domestic violence claims are no exception. If you have been charged with any of the crimes listed below, it is recommended that you speak with an experienced domestic violence lawyer about your case:
When you have been accused of a domestic violence offense, it is extremely important to reach out to our New Jersey criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. As a former criminal prosecutor, Jason A. Volet understands how serious domestic violence cases are in New Jersey. He also understands just how important it is for those accused of domestic violence crimes to have a dedicated advocate who can help to build a strong defense.
What Crimes are Considered Domestic Violence Offenses in New Jersey?
As the New Jersey State Police website explains, domestic violence usually is defined generally as “a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner.”
Domestic violence is not limited to physical violence. It can include allegations of “physical, sexual, emotional, economic, or psychological actions or threats of actions that influence another person.” Given that the definition of domestic violence-related behaviors tends to be broad, it is possible to be wrongly accused of a domestic violence offense. Review how to prove innocence in domestic violence cases for you.
New Jersey’s Prevention of Domestic Violence Act of 1991 clarifies that any of the following crimes can be considered domestic violence offenses under the law:
- Homicide (N.J.S.A. 2C:11-1)
- Assault (N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1)
- Terroristic threats (N.J.S.A. 2C:12-3)
- Stalking (N.J.S.A. 2C:12-10)
- Kidnapping (N.J.S.A. 2C:13-1)
- Criminal restraint (N.J.S.A. 2C:13-2)
- False imprisonment (N.J.S.A. 2C:13-3)
- Sexual assault (N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2)
- Criminal sexual contact (N.J.S.A. 2C:14-3)
- Lewdness (N.J.S.A. 2C:14-4)
- Criminal mischief (N.J.S.A. 2C:17-3)
- Burglary (N.J.S.A. 2C:18-2)
- Criminal trespass (N.J.S.A. 2C:18-3)
- Harassment (N.J.S.A. 2C:33-4)
These include extremely serious offenses. If you are being investigated for a domestic violence crime or have been charged with a domestic violence offense, you should discuss your defense with a New Jersey criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.