On the 5th of October, Patriots safety, Jabrill Peppers, was arrested for domestic violence involving battery, assault, and cocaine possession at his apartment. The victim, who was his girlfriend, claimed that he strangled her several times, pushed her down the stairs, and slammed her against the wall multiple times.

The 29-year-old New Jersey native was arraigned on Monday, 7th of October, at Quincy District Court on a four-count charge of assault and battery of an intimate partner, strangulation, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and possession of a class B substance suspected to be cocaine. He pleaded not guilty to all the charges, was granted bail of $2,500, and ordered to avoid contact with the victim.

Anyone can be accused of domestic violence by an intimate partner or members of the same household. If you're in a similar situation where you have been accused of domestic violence in New Jersey, it is crucial to speak to the experienced domestic violence defense attorneys at the Lento Law Firm Criminal Defense Team to discuss your options. We know these cases and can fight for your right to a fair hearing and possible exoneration.

Call us today at 888-535-3686 or fill out this contact form to discuss your case.

The Dangers of a Domestic Violence Charge

The consequences of domestic violence allegations are severe. It can upend your life and affect you adversely for years, even when you're not guilty. The reputational damage can lead to financial devastation, destroy your career, and ruin personal and business relationships.

And if you're indicted on domestic violence charges, penalties may include a prison sentence of up to 20 years. Worse, it can make you a social pariah as people tend to look at you with the suspicion that there must be some truth to the allegations, even when that's not the case.

For instance, in Pepper's case, while he's denied the allegations and claims that the victim wants to ruin his life and destroy his career, he's already been placed on the commissioner's exempt list, an NFL term for being suspended from active playing rotation. Additionally, his team's spokesperson has said that if he's found guilty, he will be off the team.

What Constitutes Domestic Violence?

When people hear of domestic violence, they assume it involves one party inflicting physical harm on a victim. That's not always the case. Domestic violence can include non-contact incidents such as:

• Stalking
• Psychological aggression
• Terroristic threats
• Lewdness
• False imprisonment
• Financial abuse e.g., orchestrating someone's job loss
• Criminal trespass
• Criminal coercion
• Assault

All these do not involve any form of physical contact. Yet, they qualify as domestic violence if they are carried out against others.

Get Legal Help from New Jersey Domestic Violence Defense Attorney

It is essential to exercise some restraint and refrain from engaging in activities that may be deemed domestic violence against an intimate partner or household member. However, if you've already been accused, you need experienced legal representation to fight these accusations.

Don't let a momentary lapse in judgment or mistake ruin your life and wreck your future. Let our skilled DV defense lawyers in New Jersey help you navigate this difficult period, fight for your rights, and work hard to get a fair outcome.

Contact the Lento Law Firm Criminal Defense Team today at 888-535-3686 or fill out this contact form to speak to an attorney.