A 41-year-old man will likely spend the rest of his life in jail for the murder of his ex-girlfriend, who was also the mother of his child. Eric Seddens was found guilty of killing Ashley Allen, then fleeing for Clearwater, Florida, where he hid out for a couple of weeks before U.S. Marshals finally arrested him.

This tragic case illustrates the value of restraining orders, which have been shown to be effective in reducing homicides in domestic violence cases. While there's no guarantee orders of protection will deescalate a volatile situation, it's a tool that can be useful in deterring violence.

The Lento Law Firm Team regularly works with domestic violence victims seeking restraining orders. If you're dealing with a potentially violent person, we can advise you on the next steps, whether you decide to go with a restraining order or you choose another route. Contact us at 888-535-3686 or complete our online form to schedule a call with a member of our legal team.

Aggravated Murder in New Jersey

The murder happened in September 2020, when Seddens shot his ex-girlfriend and left her on the street in Camden. Seddens was sentenced under New Jersey's No Early Release Act, which means he'll have to serve at least 85 percent of his 70-year sentence before being eligible for parole.

This wasn't Seddens' first conviction, though. In fact, he'd been jailed for assaulting Allen in 2018 and had only been released a couple of months before her murder. When Seddens shot Allen, he was still on parole for her assault.

In cases like this, restraining orders can introduce an element of protection. New Jersey restraining orders restrict a person's movements and access to weaponry. In New Jersey, these orders include a warrant for police to search and seize any weapons the named party might have.

Restraining Orders in New Jersey

Restraining orders are available in each state and vary based on local laws. New Jersey restraining orders are issued by the court in the jurisdiction where previous incidents occurred. If you're a domestic violence victim, the process of requesting a restraining order is fairly simple. You'll go to your courthouse, and an employee will help you complete the paperwork.

One downside to restraining orders is that New Jersey requires you to appear alongside the abuser in court. That's where a good family attorney can help. Our team works with New Jersey domestic violence victims, guiding them throughout the process of securing a restraining order. When it's time to state your case in court, we'll help you gather evidence and present it. Not only does this help increase your chances of having the order granted, but it can also be comforting when you're standing near your abuser.

The Lento Law Firm Team regularly helps with restraining orders in domestic violence cases. If you're in a dangerous situation, there are plenty of resources available, one of which is a restraining order. Get in touch with us as soon as possible at 888-535-3686 or complete our confidential online form with some details of your situation.