Restraining Orders Morristown NJ
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Are you involved in a case where there is domestic violence involved? Cases involving domestic violence and restraining orders are highly emotional. Fernandez Garcia Law can assist you through these difficult times. In New Jersey, victims of domestic violence can seek protection through protective orders, often referred to as a “Restraining Order.” Depending on the circumstances, this protects parties from contacting each other and could impact your employment or relationship with other family members.
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The two most common restraining orders in New Jersey are Temporary Restraining Orders (“TRO”) and Final Restraining Orders (“FRO”). Restraining orders Morristown NJ residents can file will restrict one person from coming within a particular distance of another individual. The victim must have some relationship with the defendant (i.e., dating, married, family, etc.).
The order ensures that the defendant will not contact the victim, friends, or family. The defendant is also not able to go to the home or workplace of the individual victim or the victim’s family.
It is important to note that if the victim and the abuser reconcile, the court-ordered restraining order will not automatically expire. If the victim willingly reconnects with the defendant, the defendant may still face criminal charges.
TRO or Temporary Restraining Order
A TRO is the most common form of restraining order provided in New Jersey. It is ordered to ensure that the domestic abuse victim receives the protection they need. If the police respond to a domestic violence call and observe physical marks on the victim, they will arrest the defendant, and a TRO may be issued.
A TRO can be requested with the Domestic Violence Unit of the Family Division located at the County Courthouse. Alternatively, it is possible to request a TRO at the local police department. If you are filing locally, it is essential to ensure that you make your complaint at the police department in the area you reside.
Once a complaint has been filed, the police will contact a Judge. The Judge will hear the request and may issue a TRO over the phone or in person. Criminal charges may also be filed against the defendant.
Law enforcement officers will then serve the defendant with the TRO. This will include details on the final hearing, which will occur 10 days after the TRO is issued. Any firearms the defendant has in his/her possession will also be seized at this time.
If the defendant and victim live together, the defendant must leave while the TRO is in effect. This is true regardless of whether the defendant owns the property or was the first person to live there.
A Judge can extend, remove, or replace the TRO with a final restraining order.
Final Restraining Order
The FRO is a more detailed restraining order. It can be put in place at the final hearing. During the hearing, both the defendant and the victim will provide testimony to the Judge.
For a FRO to be put in place, the two parties must qualify as a domestic relationship, and the defendant needs to have committed a predicate act of violence. There must also be an immediate requirement to avoid further acts of domestic violence. A FRO in New Jersey is permanent and will only be vacated when one of the parties makes a motion to do so.
Who Can File A Restraining Order?
This form of protection can be provided to individuals who are over the age of eighteen or an emancipated minor. The individual could have suffered domestic violence from:
- A household member
- A person with whom the victim was involved in a relationship
- A person with whom the victim shares a child
- A former or current spouse
Obtaining A Restraining Order
Obtaining a FRO can be a long and complex process. Ideally, the defendant and the plaintiff should ensure they have legal counsel in this situation.
Do you need a restraining order, or would you like more information about restraining orders in Morristown, NJ? Do you need to defend yourself from a restraining order?