Too often, those falsely accused of domestic abuse think along these lines: I know I'm innocent, so I don't really need to worry about the allegations of my crazy ex.

False. This line of thinking, though understandable, is naive.

Unfortunately, untrue allegations can be just as damaging as credible ones. If you fail to defend yourself from allegations of violence towards a former partner, you could find yourself facing imprisonment, fines, and a life forever changed by some else's single falsehood.

New Jersey Lists 19 Offenses That Qualify as Domestic Violence

An unstable ex who has you in their crosshairs has many options at hand. New Jersey's Prevention of Domestic Violence Act lists 19 offenses that can qualify as domestic violence (p.2-5). A vengeful former partner might accuse you of one or more of these DV offenses, including:

• Assault
• False imprisonment
• Criminal restraint
• Criminal sexual contact
• Harassment
• Stalking
• Cyber harassment

These are just a few of the many allegations that can be, and have been, levied against innocent people. We have personally represented clients accused falsely of these offenses—trust us, false allegations of domestic mistreatment do happen.

Legal Consequences That an Unstable Ex May Bring Upon You

The relative danger of a false allegation depends on its nature. Depending on what your ex-partner has alleged, you may be facing legal consequences, including:

• For a misdemeanor-level domestic violence offense: Up to six months in jail, probation, anger management classes, and fines of up to $500
• For a fourth-degree felony: Up to 18 months in jail and monetary fines
• For a third-degree felony: Between three and five years in prison and monetary fines
• For a second-degree felony: Between five and ten years in prison and monetary fines
• For a first-degree felony: Up to 20 years in prison and monetary fines

In addition to legal consequences, your day-to-day life may be forever changed by a conviction for domestic violence charges. You may lose custody of children, be unable to get certain jobs, and face the immense stigma that comes from being branded a domestic abuser.

Don't assume that an ex who has falsely accused you will suddenly discover their conscience. It's up to you, and you alone, to ensure a proper defense.

The Only Certainty With an Unpredictable Relationship Is Uncertainty—Hire an Attorney If You Fear False Allegations from Your Ex

Once you've become the target of false accusations, you can take nothing for granted. You truly do not know what a scorned ex will accuse you of next. You need to hire an attorney who knows the law and will go to the mat for you.

Joseph D. Lento is that attorney. He and the Lento Law Firm team will compile evidence, gather witness accounts, and form a comprehensive defense.

New Jersey's legal system, and society in general, often sides with an accuser as a default response. Don't let false accusations cause irreparable harm to your reputation and quality of life. Call the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 or submit your case details online.