Los Angeles police arrested the husband of Christine Quinn, a former regular on the Netflix real estate docudrama Selling Sunset, twice last month. The first arrest came after Christian Richard was involved in a domestic dispute for alleging throwing a bag containing a glass bottle at his wife and their toddler son. The bag missed Christine but injured their son. Richard, whose last name is Dumontet, was charged with assault with a deadly weapon. The second arrest came the next day after Richard allegedly violated an emergency protective order. Protective orders, commonly called restraining orders, are designed to protect victims of domestic violence. Violating a New Jersey restraining order is a criminal offense and is considered criminal contempt of court. New Jersey law requires anyone accused of violating a restraining order to be arrested. Don't let a false accusation land you behind bars. Contact the Lento Law Firm Criminal Defense Team at 888.535.3686 or through our online form to ensure the best possible outcome in your case.  

Repercussions of Violating a New Jersey Restraining Order 

Restraining orders are court orders that prohibit contact between the defendant and the alleged victim. They are commonly issued in cases involving domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. A permanent restraining order will prohibit any form of contact, whether in person, by phone/text, by mail, or through a third party. It may also order the defendant to stay away from the victim's home, workplace, and other places they frequent. Violating any of these terms constitutes contempt of court. 

In New Jersey, contempt of a restraining order is punishable by up to 18 months in prison. Each time the order is violated, there is the potential of a longer sentence and a fine of up to $10,000. The defendant will also have a permanent criminal record. Furthermore, violating a restraining order can seriously damage the defendant's case if there are underlying criminal charges, like in a domestic violence case. 

The repercussions of a criminal record can affect all aspects of your life, making it difficult to keep or find a job, especially in fields that require licenses, certifications, or security clearances. Having a record can lead to denied rental applications or even evictions from current housing. It can even affect admission to colleges and universities, as well as eligibility for financial aid, scholarships, and certain educational programs. A criminal conviction can also put a strain on personal relationships, lead to social stigma and discrimination, and may affect child visitation rights or custody arrangements.  

Accused of Violating a Restraining Order? The Lento Law Firm Can Help. 

If you have been accused of violating a restraining order in New Jersey, it is essential that you call an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. You may have viable defenses, such as lack of notice, lack of intent, or that you were falsely accused. The skilled lawyers at the Lento Law Firm have helped many clients fight false or exaggerated allegations of violating protective orders. We will investigate the circumstances and build the strongest possible defense in your case. Contact the Lento Law Firm Criminal Defense Team at 888.535.3686 or through our online form to schedule a consultation with a Lento Law Firm's criminal defense team member.