Bergen County Restraining Order Lawyers
Restraining Orders In Bergen County
Restraining orders are often used to protect an alleged victim from further instances of abuse. Law enforcement and the courts take these orders seriously and sternly penalize violations. If you’ve been accused of violating a restraining order, our Bergen Countyrestraining order attorneys at Sutnick & Sutnick Attorneys at Law can help.
Violating a restraining order, in Bergen County, is a criminal offense. Even though the restraining order itself is not a crime or an offense, violating one is. The police will arrest you and charge you on a criminal complaint. It is important to start defending the case immediately while evidence is still fresh and available.
Do you need help fighting a restraining order in Bergen County, our Hackensack certified trial attorneys have helped many satisfied clients, and we will help you achieve the best possible results in your restraining order matter. Call anytime, day or night, for a FREE legal consultation. Our Hackensack restraining order lawyers serve all of New Jersey.
Temporary & Final Restraining Orders
A Bergen County judge may issue a restraining order following allegations of domestic violence or harassment. A restraining order prevents you from contacting the alleged victim in any way, including in person, by phone or through social media.
In domestic abuse matters, it is important to contact an attorney immediately because the hearings for temporary restraining orders (TRO) and final restraining orders happen quickly. These cases are normally expedited by the courts and require prompt attention. Evidence needs to be gathered and potential witnesses must be contacted. It may be important to obtain cellphone records or email messages. Photographs might also be necessary before evidence of physical violence fades.
Generally, a judge issues a temporary restraining order (TRO) after the complaint. A TRO remains in effect until a hearing, typically scheduled within 10 days. At the hearing, the judge will either remove or extend a TRO or replace it with a final restraining order (FRO). In New Jersey, FROs do not have time limits and remain in effect until removed by the court.
Temporary Restraining Orders (TROs) In Bergen County
An individual seeking to apply for a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) in Bergen County can either apply for one at the Bergen County Superior Court or at any local municipal court.
All Temporary Restraining Orders (TROs) that are granted in Bergen County will be scheduled for a Final Hearing before a Bergen County Superior Court Judge in the Bergen County Superior Court, Family Division, located at 10 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601.
So, for example, if you file for or are served with a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) in the municipality of Hackensack, Paramus, Fort Lee, or any other Bergen County town, your case will be heard at the Bergen County courthouse.
Every year, there are thousands of new domestic violence complaints filed in Bergen County. Of these cases, the majority are filed in a local Bergen County municipal court. The others are application in Bergen County Superior Court.
Temporary Extreme Risk Protective Order (TERPO) in Bergen County
An individual seeking to apply for a Temporary Extreme Risk Protective Order (TERPO) in Bergen County can either apply for one at the Bergen County Superior Court or at any local municipal court.
All TERPOs that are granted in Bergen County will be scheduled for a Final Hearing before a Bergen County Superior Court Judge in the Bergen County Superior Court, Criminal Division, located at 10 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601.
So, for example, if you file for or are served with a TERPO in the municipality of Hackensack, Paramus, Fort Lee, or any other Bergen County town, your case will be heard at the Bergen County courthouse.
Every year, there are many new petitions for TERPOs filed in Bergen County.
Consequences Of A Restraining Order
The consequences of a restraining order can be severe. They affect your ability to see your children and enter your home. They are sometimes in effect forever. Our attorneys can represent your interests throughout all phases of the restraining order process.
Restraining orders aren’t the only penalty for domestic violence; criminal charges are often the result of the very same conduct. It is normally the county or municipal prosecutor who prosecutes these charges, and jail time and fines are at stake. Anyone charged with a crime should consult an attorney immediately to protect his or her rights and aggressively defend all charges.
Restraining Order Violations
Violating a TRO or FRO is a criminal offense and a mandatory arrest. After a first restraining order violation, the court could sentence you to jail time, fines or probation. A second or subsequent violation carries a mandatory jail sentence of 30-days or longer and additional fines.
Have Additional Restraining Order Questions?
Our Bergen County restraining order attorneys understand the frustration and confusion many individuals feel when facing these restraining order charges. Contact us to get help fighting a restraining order in Hackensack or visit our NJ restraining order FAQ page for answers to some frequently asked questions about restraining orders.
Need Help Fighting A Restraining Order?
These cases are often based on your word against the alleged victim’s version of events. You need a strong legal advocate to protect your rights.
Schedule a free consultation with a Bergen County restraining order lawyer at our offices in Hackensack, Wayne or the Bronx to discuss your options. To arrange your free consultation, email our firm or call us at 201-212-4532. We represent clients in Bergen County, Passaic County and New York.