A 56-year-old Evesham resident, John G. Fox, has been charged with aggravated assault after a domestic violence report turned into a 6-hour standoff with police.

On June 17, 2024, at 2:30 am, Evesham police officers responded to a home on Brookfield Avenue. Neighbors reported hearing an argument from inside the house, which included claims that someone inside was armed with a gun. These claims were confirmed when Fox broke a window and began firing at police. He then barricaded himself inside the residence.

Officers surrounded the home and a shelter in place was ordered for the surrounding neighborhood. The standoff with police lasted six hours. Fox eventually surrendered voluntarily. He was taken into custody and charged with several offenses, including possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes and aggravated assault for domestic violence. Despite some property damage, no one was injured during the incident.

Domestic violence is a serious offense. If you've been charged with these crimes, the Criminal Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm can help. Call our offices today at (888) 535-3686 or contact us online for a free consultation, and let the Lento Law Firm help defend your rights during this important process.

Domestic Violence in New Jersey

New Jersey law defines domestic violence as a pattern of emotional, physical, verbal, or sexual behavior that threatens, intimidates, isolates, or asserts control over another person with whom you have a particular type of relationship. This classification includes some of the following behaviors:

• Homicide
• Assault
• Criminal restraint
• False imprisonment
• Sexual assault
• Harassment
• Stalking

In New Jersey, these actions do not qualify as domestic violence unless they are committed by someone who has an intimate relationship with you. Family members, married couples, romantic partners, sexual partners, roommates, close friends, and parents who share children all qualify under this definition.

Domestic Violence Charges Can Have Serious Consequences

Domestic violence charges can seriously impact your life. Depending on the circumstances, they may result in one or more of the following:

• Criminal Penalties—fines, probation, community service, and imprisonment.
• Civil Consequences—lawsuits for damages resulting from the domestic violence incident.
• Restraining Orders—this prohibits you from contacting or coming within a certain radius of certain people.
• Loss of Firearms—in New Jersey, you cannot own or possess a firearm if you have been convicted of domestic violence.
• Child Custody and Visitation—domestic violence charges can have a serious impact on family court proceedings and may prevent you from having contact with children.
• Employment Repercussions—a criminal conviction for domestic violence will show up on your permanent record and make it difficult to find certain employment.
• Reputation—even without a conviction, these charges can seriously erode family, friends, and other social relationships.

No matter the circumstances, you have a right to representation. And with so much on the line, it's important to have a quality attorney you trust.

Find An Experienced Domestic Violence Attorney Can Help

If you've been charged with domestic violence crimes, the Lento Law Firm can help defend your rights. Call the Student Defense Team (or Education Law Team) today at (888) 535-3686 or contact us online, and let us help you secure the best possible outcome for your situation.