Newark Domestic Violence Lawyers

Defending Clients Accused of Domestic Abuse in New Jersey

In relationships, passions can run high and lead to situations that get out of control. Accusations of domestic assault disrupt people's lives and ruin reputations. In New Jersey and New York, police officers investigating domestic incidents are often required to arrest or at least remove one or more people from the home. A conviction can result in significant jail time and can prevent you from having contact with your children after serving your sentence. It is critical to hire an experienced lawyer if you are accused of these serious crimes.

At Bailey & Orozco, we vigorously represent clients charged with domestic violence in New Jersey. Led by Howard Bailey, a former prosecutor and police officer, our criminal defense practice is geared toward exonerating clients of all charges, or having charges reduced if dismissal is not possible.

ANY COURT. ANY CRIME. ANY TIME. E-mail us or call us at 866-919-6193 today. Free consultation.

What Acts Can Be Considered Domestic Violence?

The kinds of acts that constitute domestic violence in New Jersey are many and varied. They include:

• Assault and battery
• Sexual assault or rape
• Kidnapping
• Stalking
• Any other criminal act that results in the injury or death of a family member, a boyfriend or girlfriend or anyone living in the home

When domestic violence occurs, two distinct problems must often be addressed at the same time: civil restraining orders and criminal charges.

Restraining Orders

On the civil side, the case starts with the issuance of a protective order, known as a "temporary restraining order" or TRO, which restricts the alleged abuser from contacting the victim. A TRO can also force the accused to leave the house but continue to pay household bills. A hearing will be held after the TRO is issued to determine whether it should become permanent.

Criminal Charges

The incident may also result in criminal charges against the alleged abuser. If so, the accused may have to post bail; attend criminal court proceedings; and, with the assistance of a lawyer, attempt to avoid doing anything in the civil proceeding that can impact the criminal case.

Building a Defense to Domestic Violence Charges

Our thorough representation begins by examining the victim's credibility, the actions of responding officers, the police report and any eyewitness statements to help uncover the truth about what happened. We have successfully cleared clients of felony and misdemeanor domestic violence charges, preserving our clients' freedom and good names.

We often handle both the criminal and civil cases for our clients. This allows us to protect our clients' constitutional rights in the criminal case while minimizing the potential impact a restraining order can have on our client's life. We are often able to get the TRO dismissed, which sometimes results in the dismissal of the criminal charges.

Contact Our Elizabeth Spousal Abuse Attorneys

Protect your rights after an allegation of domestic violence is leveled against you. Set up a free consultation with the skilled criminal defense lawyers of Bailey & Orozco by calling 866-919-6193 or by contacting our Newark law office online.