In Cape May County and throughout New Jersey, it can be devastating to have an application for a restraining order (RO) filed against you. A RO, also called a protective order, is a civil court order that restricts or prohibits one individual from contacting or approaching another. If a request for an RO has been filed against you, you are the defendant in the case and must take quick action to challenge the allegations made against you. The person who applies for a RO based on alleged abuse is called the plaintiff.
Whether you live in Cape May County's larger cities, such as Dennis, Lower Township, Middle Township, Ocean City, Upper Township, and Wildwood, or in its smaller communities, a RO restricting your conduct can significantly undermine your personal and professional life.
At the Lento Law Firm, we defend individuals in restraining order hearings in Cape May County, New Jersey. If someone has applied for an RO against you, we can help. Call the Lento Law Firm offices today at 888-535-3686 or complete our online form to discuss your case.
Restraining Orders in Cape May County, New Jersey
Victims of domestic violence can apply for a restraining order for criminal trespass in the New Jersey Superior Courts. In Cape May County, the Superior Court is located in Cape May Courthouse.
A domestic violence RO may be filed against a current or former spouse, someone they are dating, a member of their shared household, or someone with whom they share or are expecting a child. To be eligible for the RO, the plaintiff must allege that the defendant has committed predicate acts of violence. Examples of predictive acts of violence are threats, stalking, harassment, kidnapping, burglary, or robbery.
Under the New Jersey Sexual Assault Survivor Protection Act (SASPA), a restraining order may also be issued to a victim of sexual violence who does not have any domestic relationship with their alleged abuser.
Whether seeking domestic violence or SASPA protection order in New Jersey, there are two steps in the RO process:
A Temporary Restraining Order (TRO)
- A TRO is granted on an emergency basis for up to 10 days until a final hearing can be held. A TRO may be granted ex parte, meaning the alleged abuser is not present at the hearing. The TRO will be served on the defendant, along with information on the final hearing date.
- If you have received notice that a TRO has been issued against you and a final hearing scheduled, contact the Lento Law Firm immediately. The RO process is time-sensitive, and the experienced defense attorneys at the Lento Law Firm can get to work immediately to challenge the allegations against you and oppose the issuance of a final restraining order.
A Final Restraining Order (FRO)
A judge may grant a FRO after conducting a final hearing that includes both you and your accuser. The Lento Law Firm and its Criminal Defense Team can help you prepare for a final hearing, including identifying witnesses and evidence to contest the allegations against you. We can advocate on your behalf and against the issuance of a FRO.
The Impact of the Issuance of a Restraining Order
If a judge issues an RO against you, the consequences can impact every aspect of your life.
In domestic violence cases, you can expect to be fined, included in New Jersey's Domestic Violence Registry, and lose your ability to own or possess firearms. Furthermore, the judge has the authority to set the terms, which may include:
- Prohibiting you from approaching the plaintiff.
- Prohibiting you from contacting the plaintiff, their family members, or employers.
- Prohibiting you from residing in your family's home, while requiring you to continue to pay the mortgage.
- Requiring that you pay spousal and/or child support.
- Awarding custody of your children to the plaintiff.
For SASPA restraining orders, judges may include terms to prevent the defendant from contacting the plaintiff or entering places where the plaintiff might be, such as work, school, or home. The SASPA order may prohibit stalking, in-person or online harassment, or future acts of sexual violence.
Having a restraining order issued against you may have a collateral impact on your employment, your ability to serve in the military, your eligibility for a professional license, your relationships, and your mental health. It can be difficult to navigate the stress and isolation that often follows an accusation of abuse and the issuance of a restraining order.
Importantly, violating the terms of a restraining order is a crime. You must understand the terms of any RO against you and adhere to its restrictions, prohibitions, and directives. If you violate the terms of the RO, you risk escalating the situation into a criminal arrest and prosecution.
To challenge the issuance of an RO against you, contact the Lento Law Firm's experienced defense attorneys. We can represent you in a FRO hearing and contest the accusations against you.
Let the Lento Law Firm Criminal Defense Team Help
If you've been served with a temporary RO and notice for a final hearing, you don't have to navigate the New Jersey legal system alone. Let the Lento Law Firm advocate on your behalf by:
- Collecting and analyzing evidence, such as emails, voice or text messages, hospital or medical records, and police reports, for submission to the court.
- Preparing you and any other witnesses to provide testimony during a final order hearing.
- Representing you and your best interests in all court conferences, hearings, and proceedings.
- Serving as your trusted legal advisor before, during, and after any final order hearing.
At the Lento Law Firm, we know the New Jersey court system and can defend you against any allegation of abuse in a restraining order final hearing at Cape May Courthouse. To partner with our experienced defense attorneys, contact the Lento Law Firm at 888-535-3686 or complete a confidential online form.
Meta Title: Cape May County Restraining Order Defense | Lento Law Firm
Meta Description: If you're facing a restraining order hearing in Cape May County, call the Lento Law Firm for help.
Cape May Courthouse Restraining Order Defense
In Cape May County, New Jersey, an application for a restraining order (RO) is filed at the Family Division Office of the New Jersey Superior Court in Cape May Courthouse. A RO is a civil court order that restricts or prohibits one individual from contacting or approaching another.
At the Lento Law Firm, we defend individuals in restraining order hearings in Cape May Courthouse. If someone has applied for an RO against you, call the Lento Law Firm offices at 888-535-3686 or contact us through our online form.
Restraining Orders in Cape May Courthouse, New Jersey
Cape May Courthouse is the county seat and the location of the New Jersey Superior Court in Cape May County. In the Superior Court's Family Division, individuals can apply for a domestic violence RO against a current or former spouse, someone they are dating, a member of their shared household, or someone with whom they share or are expecting a child.
Under the New Jersey Sexual Assault Survivor Protection Act (SASPA), a victim of sexual violence, otherwise not eligible for a domestic violence RO, may still apply for an RO in Cape May Courthouse.
Whether seeking domestic violence or SASPA protection order in Cape May Courthouse, there are two steps in the RO process:
A Temporary Restraining Order (TRO)
- A TRO is granted on an emergency basis for up to 10 days until a final hearing can be held. A TRO may be granted ex parte without the alleged abuser at the hearing. The TRO will be served on the accused abuser, along with information on the final hearing date.
- If you have received notice of a TRO and a final hearing scheduled, contact the Lento Law Firm to prepare your defense.
A Final Restraining Order (FRO)
A judge may grant a FRO after conducting a final hearing that includes both you and your accuser. The Lento Law Firm Criminal Defense Team can help you prepare for a final hearing and contest the allegations against you.
Common Terms in New Jersey Restraining Orders
If a judge issues an RO against you, the terms of the order will likely prohibit you from approaching or contacting your accuser. Judges often include requirements for the payment of spousal or child support and may create or alter custody arrangements.
For SASPA restraining orders, a judge may include terms to prevent the accused abuser from contacting the alleged victim or entering their home, work, or school.
To defend yourself from the issuance of an RO, contact the Lento Law Firm. We can represent you in an FRO hearing at the Superior Court in Cape May Courthouse.
Let the Lento Law Firm Defend You in Cape May Courthouse, New Jersey
If you've been served with a TRO and notice for a final hearing at Cape May Courthouse, the Lento Law Firm Criminal Defense Team can help contest the allegations against you. To discuss your case, contact the Lento Law Firm at 888-535-3686 or complete a confidential online form.
Meta Title: Cape May Courthouse Restraining Order Defense | Lento Law Firm
Meta Description: If you're facing a restraining order hearing in Cape May Courthouse, the Lento Law Firm can help.
