If the police respond to calls of domestic violence and arrive at your home, they may arrest and charge you. This is the case if the alleged victim has signs of injuries. Also, you may face other violent crime charges that can increase the possibility of penalties.
Law enforcement may seek a protective order against you. This order can restrict your movement and result in you losing access to your house and contact with your kids. If there’s an existing restraining order against you, this means you have violated this order. Thus, you will be put in jail for this. So, if you have been charged with domestic violence in Jersey City, you should seek legal representation from a Jersey City domestic violence lawyer as soon as possible. This way, a defense attorney can start building a solid defense strategy for you. An experienced attorney understands what state law permits in this type of case. They can use the relationships they have established in local courts to help you get a fair hearing.
When Can You Be Charged of Domestic Violence in Jersey City?
Domestic violence is any criminal offense or physical violence that results in a risk of severe bodily injury or death to an individual who has protection under the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act of 1991 in New Jersey. Crimes such as homicide, kidnapping, assault, terroristic threats, sexual assault, lewdness, and criminal restraint constitute domestic violence when committed against a protected person. A protected person can be any adult subjected to domestic violence by a spouse, an ex-spouse, a household member, a person the alleged victim dated, and a person the victim expects to have a child with.
What to Do After Being Accused of Domestic Violence
After your arrest, stay calm and do not make any statement to the police officer who arrested you or even the alleged victim until your defense lawyer comes to you. You can end up saying something that can ruin your case.
During the police arrest or while still communicating with the alleged victim, you could escalate the conflict, making your situation worse. When this happens, the police or the court will have a reason to file more criminal charges against you.
If police start to question you regarding the alleged incident, tell them calmly that while you want to cooperate with them, you must speak with a lawyer. Reach out to a defense attorney and follow their advice.
