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Stephanie’s Law: Holding Domestic Abusers Accountable and Protecting Future Victims

Posted by Joseph D. Lento | Jan 27, 2025 | 0 Comments

New Jersey is set to create a publicly accessible database of individuals with a history of domestic violence, including those convicted of a DV offense, those with a final DV restraining order issued against them, or those who violated a restraining order related to domestic violence. The public registry would feature the offender's name, picture, and the reason for their inclusion.

This law is designed to tackle the problem of domestic abusers who often manipulate their victims, making it hard for them to escape. Fortunately, The Lento Law Firm Family Law Team is here to assist victims of domestic violence by guiding them through the legal process to obtain restraining orders and other vital protections from these types of abusers.

Our team provides compassionate support, ensuring victims understand their rights and access resources such as safety planning and legal assistance for enhanced protection. If you or someone you care about is dealing with abuse, get in touch with us now at 888-535-3686 or fill out our online form.

Stephanie Parze: The Life Behind the Bill

Stephanie Parze, a 25-year-old woman who went missing, was discovered dead in January 2020. Her boyfriend, John Ozbilgen, had faced charges twice for assaulting a woman. The Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office stated that Ozbilgen was accountable for her death, especially since he took his own life at 29 after being released from jail due to a child pornography charge.

Stephanie's father, Ed Parze, advocates for a public domestic violence registry to help protect potential victims. Before moving forward with the bill, committee members listened to concerns about possible "unintended consequences" for those listed on the registry. Despite this, Ed's unwavering commitment to prevent further tragedies led to continued support for the law.

Stephanie's tragic death highlighted the dangers of domestic violence and the importance of taking action to protect victims from abusive relationships. The proposed legislation mandates that law enforcement check the state's domestic violence registries when making arrests, ensuring that individuals with a history of abuse are closely monitored and held accountable.

Protecting You with a Restraining Order: Legal Assistance You Can Trust

Our Family Law Team can help individuals facing domestic violence or sexual crimes to preserve their emotional and physical safety. We will navigate the legal system to protect you and your family from abuse. As experienced attorneys, we understand the sensitive issues involved in domestic violence situations and are focused on getting you out of a dangerous situation safely — with a restraining order, if appropriate.

Our team handles all paperwork and logistics, allowing you to prioritize your physical and emotional recovery. We'll dedicate the necessary time it takes to know the ins and outs of your case to present strong evidence to secure a restraining order. With extensive experience working in New Jersey courts, we know the judges and the system, preparing for all scenarios. Reach out to The Lento Family Law Team now at 888-535-3686, or fill out our online form.

About the Author

Joseph D. Lento

"I pride myself on having heart and driving hard to get results!" Attorney Joseph D. Lento is a veteran of one of the nation's busiest family courts with nearly 20 years' experience passionately helping families. By day, he worked in the trenches of family court, and at night, he studied the law. He helped countless families while working at family court, and he went on to become an attorney, dedicating his law practice to continuing the work he started years earlier. Mr. Lento's experience both behind the scenes and on the front lines allows him to understand a client's family law matter from all angles, and allows him to find and employ the most effective strategies to get favorable outcomes for any client. Joseph D. Lento is licensed in New Jersey and New York, and is admitted pro hac vice as needed nationwide. In the courtroom and in life, attorney Joseph D. Lento stands up when the bell rings! He does not settle for the easiest outcome, and instead prioritizes his clients' needs and protects their interests.

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Attorney Joseph D. Lento has more than a decade of experience practicing Family Law in New Jersey. If you are having any uncertainties about what the future may hold for you and your family, contact our offices today. Family Law Attorney Joseph Lento will go above and beyond the needs for any client and fight for what is fair.

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