The realm of domestic abuse, be it physical or emotional, is expansive and getting even broader. In January 2024, New Jersey’s Governor Phil Murphy added coercive control to the definition of domestic abuse, prompting citizens to question what it means and what is involved. Coercive control is a form of abuse that aims to destabilize…
Receiving notice of a temporary restraining order when you have no clue why can be terrifying. Facing false domestic violence accusations in New Jersey can be a distressing and challenging ordeal, with significant legal and personal consequences. Unfortunately, false domestic violence accusations occur, and if you don’t know how to handle it, you may end…
The State of New Jersey takes domestic violence seriously. When certain crimes against protected persons are committed, charges of domestic violence can be made against an individual. For those who have been charged with domestic violence, additional penalities may be applied to you. When people say that a domestic violence charge impacts every facet of…
In New Jersey, cases involving children are not judged lightly, particularly when custody is involved. The courts consider the child’s safety and well-being, first and foremost. Therefore, when domestic violence is present, the court does not overlook that. If you are currently involved in a domestic violence case, it is important to understand how custody…
New Jersey does not take claims of domestic violence lightly. Home to the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act (PDVA), New Jersey has a list of acts that can be considered domestic violence and also result in criminal charges and a restraining order against the accused. If you are a victim of domestic violence, it is…
It’s generally advisable to document interactions in any legal situation, including domestic violence cases. Keeping a record of relevant information can be important for your defense or to support your case. Here are some general tips: Record Details: Note dates, times, locations, and a detailed description of each interaction or incident. Witness Information: If there…
While the alleged victim’s desire to drop charges may have an impact on a case, the decision to pursue or drop charges ultimately lies with the prosecuting attorney and the State, not the victim directly. In New Jersey, criminal cases are typically prosecuted by the State, not the individual victim. If an alleged victim expresses…
In cases of alleged domestic violence, it’s generally not advisable to reach out to the alleged victim directly without the guidance of legal counsel. In fact, if there is a temporary or final restraining order in place, it is prohibited to reach out to the alleged victim. Doing so could potentially complicate matters, and it…
What Evidence is Needed to Defend Against Domestic Violence Allegations in New Jersey? If you are facing such allegations, it is crucial to consult with an attorney who specializes in family law or domestic violence cases in New Jersey. At Ziegler Law, we can provide you with legal advice tailored to your specific situation. While…
Domestic violence law is set to change at the beginning of 2024. On July 24, 2023, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed the Victim’s Assistance and Survivor Protection Act, or VASPA, into effect after the law passed unanimously through State Legislature. VASPA will expand protections to those who were previously unprotected by the Prevention of…