With its beaches and parks, Monmouth County is a beautiful place to live and work, attracting families looking for a safe place to raise kids. But as with many counties across the U.S., Monmouth County regularly deals with domestic violence (DV) complaints. To help keep residents safe, the county has implemented measures to address the issue, including a specialized domestic violence unit.
If you're dealing with domestic violence in Monmouth County, it's important to be aware of your options. The Lento Law Firm Family Law Team specializes in domestic violence issues and can help answer any questions you have. Give us a call at 888-535-3686 or complete our confidential online form, and we'll reach out as soon as possible.
Monmouth County Domestic Violence Definition
In New Jersey, domestic violence is defined as a pattern of abuse that includes, but is not limited to:
- Threats
- Intimidation
- Isolation
- Financial control
- Criminal trespass
- Harassing
- Stalking
- Assault
- Sexual assault
- Criminal sexual contact
- Kidnapping
- Criminal restraint
- False imprisonment
- Homicide
To fall under the domestic violence definition, the behavior will need to be between spouses, ex-spouses, co-parents, those who have a dating relationship, or anyone else who is a household member. Those who are 18 years of age or older and emancipated minors also qualify for protection under the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act.
Domestic Violence Resources in Monmouth County
DV victims in Monmouth County can get immediate help from 180 Turning Lives Around. This nonprofit offers an emergency safe house, 24/7 hotlines, counseling, legal advocacy, and more. One hundred eighty offers family housing for 30 to 60 days and also offers assistance with finding housing for those who need it.
If you're in immediate danger, you should call 911 or seek shelter through 180 Turning Lives Around. You can also contact 180 if you're heading to a police department or while you're in the hospital for a domestic violence-related event. They will send a victim advocate to support you and provide resources.
Filing a Domestic Violence Complaint in Monmouth County
Domestic violence complaints in Monmouth County sometimes start when an officer is called to your location. The officer will take the information and file the complaint on your behalf. You can also go to the police station in the jurisdiction where the DV took place and let them know you'd like to file a complaint.
For the complaint, it's important to provide as many details as possible. This includes:
- The date and location where the incident took place
- The type of abuse
- Any documentation you have, such as photos, videos, and messages
- The names and contact information of any witnesses
Once you've filed a DV complaint, you'll typically take an important next step: filing a restraining order. If the courts are open, you'll do this through the Monmouth Superior Court in Freehold. Otherwise, you should go to the police department in the jurisdiction where the DV took place.
Restraining Orders in Monmouth County
When you request a restraining order, either through the police department or the court system, the order will be temporary. This is designed to provide protection until you can get in front of a judge for an official hearing. At this hearing, which is usually held within 10 days, you'll appear along with the other party, who may bring an attorney. You have the right to hire a lawyer as well.
After the judge has heard both sides, a decision will be rendered. If that decision is to issue a permanent order, that order will require the other party to avoid contact and stay a certain distance away. Unless otherwise specified, the permanent restraining order remains in effect indefinitely.
A Monmouth County restraining order may include specific instructions relating to:
- Child custody
- Child support
- Visitation
- Other issues
Restraining Order Violations in Monmouth County
In New Jersey, a restraining order is a civil matter, which means it won't go on the defendant's criminal record. However, violating a restraining order could lead to criminal charges, and those criminal charges will go on that person's permanent record.
As for penalties, restraining order violations in Monmouth County can lead to charges of contempt of court. A person convicted of contempt of court in New Jersey can face one or more of the following penalties:
- Jail term of up to 180 days
- Fine of up to $1,000
- $50 Victims of Crime Compensation Office assessment
- $75 Safe Neighborhood Fund fine
- Probation term
- $100 domestic violence surcharge
If the defendant violates the restraining order a second time, punishment comes with a minimum of 30 days in jail.
It's important to note that a restraining order violation doesn't have to involve a criminal offense like assault. The defendant could simply send a text message or make a phone call to the plaintiff and violate the order.
How Our Team Can Help
Monmouth County takes domestic violence seriously, but it can still help to have legal support as you navigate the court system. The Lento Law Firm Team can help you in the following ways:
- Offering legal advice: Domestic violence laws in New Jersey can be complicated. Our team can help explain your rights and advise you on what you can expect.
- Filing for a restraining order: We can take care of requesting a temporary restraining order.
- Preparing for the hearing: Our team can help you prepare for the hearing where the judge will decide whether to issue a permanent restraining order.
- Advise you on options: If minor children are involved, we can help you understand your options.
- Ensuring compliance with orders: Once a restraining order is in place, we can help monitor and take action if the defendant violates the order.
- Securing your information: We can advise you on ways you can conceal your location and personal information, including filing for address confidentiality.
If you're dealing with domestic violence in Monmouth County, you don't have to go through the process alone. The Lento Law Firm Family Law Team can help you file for a restraining order and ensure it's followed for the duration. Call us today at 888-535-3686 or fill out our confidential online form with some basic details, and someone from our Team will be in touch.
