Camden is a bustling city with a picturesque waterfront and plenty of shops and businesses. But as with many heavily populated areas, the city has faced its fair share of criminal activity in recent years. 

Among that activity is domestic violence, which rose 17 percent between 2016 and 2020. For households impacted by domestic violence, though, the issue goes beyond numbers. 

The Criminal Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm believes everyone has a right to a good defense. Those who have been accused of domestic violence should contact our Team at 888-535-3686 or via our online form for a consultation. 

Increase in Domestic Violence Cases 

What's driving the increase in domestic violence reports? Talking to TAPinto Camden, Camden County Deputy First Assistant Prosecutor Tracy Cogan mentioned that financial troubles and substance abuse can be exacerbating factors. But she also mentioned the prevalence of social media and cell phone use, which can lead to suspicion and distrust. 

During the pandemic, domestic violence cases increased globally as stay-at-home orders put additional stress on households. Camden was no exception. Cases jumped from 2,582 in 2019 to 2,871 in 2020. As the pandemic waned, though, the numbers in Camden continued to increase, according to Cogan. 

Domestic Violence Charges in New Jersey 

The penalties for domestic violence in New Jersey depend on the severity of the charges. The state divides its domestic violence offenses into two categories: 

Disorderly Persons Offense  

A disorderly persons offense, simply put, is New Jersey's version of a misdemeanor. If the accusations leveled against a domestic violence defendant are deemed a disorderly persons offense, the penalties will be lower than if the case was labeled a felony. 

The maximum penalty for a disorderly persons offense in New Jersey is six months in jail and a fine of $1,000. You may also be ordered to take anger management training or serve probation. 

Indictable Offense  

New Jersey also has its own terminology for a felony: indictable offense. When a domestic violence charge is more serious, it falls under the indictable offense label. Indictable offenses come in four degrees of severity: 

• Fourth-degree offenses: This category is the mildest of indictable offenses. Defendants face up to 18 months in jail and a fine as high as $10,000. 
• Third-degree offenses: With a third-degree indictable offense, a defendant may be accused of aggravated assault or burglary. The maximum penalty at this level is $15,000 and three to five years in prison. 
• Second-degree offenses: If crimes like sexual assault or robbery are involved, the domestic violence charge could be upgraded to second degree. Penalties max out at $150,000 with jail time of five to ten years. 
• First-degree offenses: The most serious domestic violence charge, first-degree offenses include homicide, rape, and kidnapping. Maximum penalties for first-degree domestic violence charges are $200,000 or 10 to 20 years in prison. Homicide charges can extend jail time to a life sentence. 

For those accused of domestic violence in New Jersey, a skilled criminal attorney is essential. The Criminal Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm can help with your domestic violence case. Call 888-535-3686 or tell us about your case using our online form.