Final Restraining Orders
Domestic violence accusations can cause serious problems in your life. If a New Jersey court imposes a final restraining order (FRO) against you, your movements and your freedom could be restricted going forward because you will be legally barred from making contact with the person who filed for the restraining order. You will also be fingerprinted and your personal information will be put in a database for domestic violence offenders. This could have adverse implications for your housing situation, your employment opportunities, your immigration status, your marital rights, and your child custody rights. Beyond that, you could find yourself behind bars if you ever violate the FRO because NJ prosecutors take contempt charges very seriously and will often seek maximum penalties when a defendant violates the terms of a restraining order.
Do not jeopardize your future. If you are scheduled to appear at an FRO hearing in Camden County, Gloucester County, Atlantic County, or anywhere else in New Jersey, you need to speak with an experienced NJ domestic violence lawyer as soon as possible. Jill Cohen is a highly respected criminal defense attorney who handles domestic violence cases throughout South Jersey. Contact her today to discuss your case.
The restraining order process in NJ begins with the alleged victim obtaining a temporary restraining order (TRO). Once a TRO is in place, a final restraining order (FRO) hearing will be scheduled within 10 days at the Superior Court, Family Division in the county in which either you reside or the alleged victim resides. This is the hearing at which a judge will determine whether a permanent restraining order should be put in effect. You will be required to show up for the FRO hearing and you will want qualified legal representation on your side.
Since you are only going to have a few days to prepare for the FRO hearing, it is crucial that you speak with an experienced attorney immediately. There are several complicated legal issues and case facts that will need to be examined in advance of your FRO hearing. For instance, the alleged victim will have to prove that an act of domestic violence occurred in order to obtain an FRO against you. Under the New Jersey Prevention of Domestic Violence Act, there are a total of 18 predicate acts of domestic violence that qualify for protection: homicide, assault, terroristic threats, kidnapping, criminal restraint, false imprisonment, sexual assault, criminal sexual contact, lewdness, criminal mischief, burglary, criminal trespass, harassment, stalking, criminal coercion, robbery, contempt of a domestic violence order, and any crime involving risk of death or serious bodily injury. If there was no predicate act of domestic violence, then the judge in your case should not issue a final restraining order.
If you are set to appear at a final restraining order hearing in the coming days, you need to act quickly. You should speak with an experienced criminal defense & domestic violence attorney who understands the nuances of NJ restraining order law and who is prepared to represent you at your FRO hearing. Contact Camden criminal defense lawyer Jill Cohen today to start building your defense against a final restraining order in Camden, Cherry Hill, Voorhees, Washington Township, Glassboro, or elsewhere in South Jersey.
As an assistant prosecutor Ms. Cohen litigated complex motions for the State, was an acting Camden City Municipal Prosecutor, and indicted over 800 cases before the Camden County Grand Jury. Ms. Cohen handled hundreds of indictable/felony and juvenile cases and tried numerous jury trials, in areas such as drug possession and distribution, school zone violations, domestic violence, aggravated assault, fraud, burglary, robbery, child sexual assault, child physical abuse, homicides, attempted murder and other crimes of magnitude.
Former Assistant Prosecutor in Camden County, New Jersey 
With over 30 years in the criminal justice system, Ms. Cohen has developed a great working relationship with members of the local justice system. Ms. Cohen uses her vast experience to get her clients the best possible results.
Over 30 Years of Experience
Ms. Cohen leaves no stones unturned when she builds aggressive defense strategies designed to obtain the best possible outcome for her clients.
Aggressive Defense for Serious Crimiinal Charges
The New Jersey Supreme Court’s Attorney Certification Program is designed to help the public make sound and informed choices when deciding to hire an attorney. While there are over 60,000 practicing attorneys in the state of New Jersey, fewer than 250 New Jersey lawyers have been recognized by the NJ Supreme Court as Certified Criminal Trial Attorneys. Camden County criminal lawyer Jill Cohen has been recognized as an NJ Supreme Court Certified Criminal Trial Attorney every year since 2008. To become a Certified Criminal Trial Attorney, Ms. Cohen received recommendations from her peers and judges throughout South Jersey.
New Jersey Certified Criminal Trial Attorney
Regardless of the incidents that led up to your arrest, every resident of New Jersey has the constitutional right to a fair trial. If you have been arrested or are being investigated, you need sound legal advice. Contact me today.