Being served with a restraining order can be a shocking experience for anyone, but knowing what to do next can feel even more overwhelming. If you are served with a restraining order in Cape May County, you will need to visit the Cape May Courthouse to have it adjudicated. Hiring an experienced attorney to act on your behalf is vital. Skilled attorneys work tirelessly to create strategic defenses to ensure the best possible outcome.
Types of Restraining Orders
In Cape May County, there are two types of restraining orders you, or someone you love, might be served with: temporary or final restraining orders.
Temporary Restraining Orders
After a domestic violence incident, law enforcement officials will serve a temporary restraining order (TRO). The victim of domestic violence is offered the option to file for a TRO after reporting the incident. TROs usually have an expiration date and will state the date of a final hearing, usually within ten days of its issuance. This first step in the restraining order process is a short-term attempt to keep the victim of domestic violence separate from the defendant until a judge can determine the next steps.
Final Restraining Orders
A final restraining order (FRO) is issued at a final hearing if the court determines that the victim needs continued protection. A FRO is usually a permanent order, but a judge will only decide it is necessary if: (1) the parties were in a domestic relationship, (2) the defendant was found to have committed a predicate act of domestic violence, and (3) the judge has found there is an immediate need for a restraining order so that it can prevent future incidents of domestic violence.
What Are the Potential Consequences of a Restraining Order?
Both TRO and FRO have drastic consequences. While the TRO ones may be temporary, they can still leave a stain on your reputation and your pride if anyone were to discover it. On the other hand, a FRO will have mostly permanent consequences, like deciding how much support a defendant owes an alleged victim, child custody determinations, and the removal of the defendant from areas he shared with the other person. Of course, these determinations depend on the domestic relationship that is at the heart of the issue. One thing is for sure – if the court adjudicates you of a FRO, you will be photographed, fingerprinted, placed in a police database, and owe certain fines to the court.
Restraining Order Hearing in Cape May
For individuals served with a restraining order in Cape May County, you will need to visit the Cape May Court House at 9 North Main Street, Cape May Court House, NJ 08201. Plan to arrive early so you have time to find your courtroom. Attending a restraining order hearing is already a stressful experience; you do not want to be worrying about timing or arriving late.
Experienced Cape May Restraining Order Attorney
At the Lento Law Firm, Attorney Joseph D. Lento and his team of skilled attorneys know how scary it can be to be served with a restraining order. That's why they work diligently to strategically plan defenses for their clients that will not only protect their current rights from infringement but their future rights as well. Call 888.535.3686 today to schedule your consultation. Don't try to traverse these rocky roads alone. You deserve quality and effective representation. The Lento Law Firm can help.
