Accusations of domestic violence place your freedom and reputation in jeopardy. Therefore, if you have been arrested or charged with a domestic violence offense arising out of Livingston, New Jersey, it is important to consult with an experienced domestic violence lawyer as soon as possible. Even if the other party in the alleged abuse decides not to file charges against you, the State of New Jersey may choose do so.
Domestic violence offenses arising out of Livingston may be handled in Essex County Superior Court or Livingston Municipal Court. Many acts of domestic violence are considered disorderly persons or petty disorderly person offenses, which are generally handing in municipal court. These types of offenses will most likely be charged under a summons. A summons is a document ordering an individual to appear in court.
In New Jersey, common disorderly person violations in domestic violence incidents include: Harassment (N.J.S.A. 2C:33-4), Criminal Mischief (N.J.S.A. 2C:17-3), and violations of restraining orders (Contempt N.J.S.A. 2C:29-9) when the individual has not also committed either a disorderly person or indictable offense. Generally, these domestic violence offenses are handled in municipal court. If an individual, however, commits a disorderly person offense or an indictable offense along with being in violation of a restraining order, a contempt charge pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2C:29-9 will become a 4th degree indictable offense. Indictable offenses are handled in Essex County Superior Court
In New Jersey, indictable offenses are the most serious of charges. An individual may be arrested for an indictable offense stemming from a domestic violence incident and charged using a warrant. A warrant is a document ordering an individual to be arrested and detained. Indictable offenses are charged in degrees. Common indictable offenses that are charged as a result of incidents of domestic violence are: Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5), Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose (N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4), Terroristic Threats (N.J.S.A. 2C:12-3), and Aggravated Assault (N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1(b)).
If you have been charged with an indictable offense, your case will be handled in Essex County Superior Court. Essex County Superior Court is located in Newark, New Jersey.
The law firm of Bramnick, Rodriguez, Mitterhoff, Grabas & Woodruff, LLC has many years of experience handling domestic violence cases and will focus on aggressively defending your case. The experienced trial attorneys at Bramnick, Rodriguez, Mitterhoff, Grabas & Woodruff include: Jon M. Bramnick, a Certified Civil Trial Lawyer with over 30 years of trial experience and attorneys Gary Grabas, Casey Woodruff, and Robert Rowbotham, II who are all former prosecutors.
Free Consultations Available - Livingston Domestic Violence Lawyer
If you would like to schedule a free consultation to discuss a domestic violence offense with one of our attorneys, you can call us at (732) 651-9999. We are available 24 hours a day.
