Tough Domestic Violence Law on Their Way to New Jersey

If New Jersey lawmakers get their way, new legislation will give alleged domestic violence victims justification to use force to protect themselves in an altercation. The proposed bill would allow evidence involving temporary or permanent restraining orders, which can be granted on even the most flimsy evidence, to be admissible when determining if the use of force was acceptable. Any former acts of domestic violence will be taken into consideration in these cases.

While you would be hard pressed to find anyone who condones family violence, one of the chief concerns about domestic abuse is the high rate of false accusations. All too often, a defendant is wrongly accused. Sometimes the motivation is to get the upper hand in a divorce or custody battle. Other times, the accuser simply wants to damage the accused aggressor's reputation. Either way, false domestic violence allegations can lead to serious and lasting consequences.

A domestic violence complaint against you can prevent you from entering your home or contacting your spouse or children. It can also result in excessive fines and monetary damages. Further, it can negatively impact your ability to obtain child custody or visitation. Conviction can even result in time behind bars.

Because domestic violence charges are so serious, it is important that defendants do not simply wait for the problem to go away. Ignoring the charges can result in even more unpleasantness. In this situation, a criminal defense attorney can build a strong defense based on the facts of your specific case.

If the proposed justified use of force bill passes, it will be even more essential that defendants consult legal counsel as soon as possible. This legislation would make it even easier for an accuser to make a domestic violence complaint and hold you responsible. The bill in question is currently in the Senate, where it has been sent to the Judiciary Committee. The committee has not yet scheduled a hearing on the proposal.

Please contact the Ibrahim Law Group to arrange for a consultation at 201-781-7800.