Although a restraining order in Woodbury, NJ, is a civil matter, the reality is it can quickly devolve into a criminal one if you violate the conditions. Even when the allegations are spurious or ill-conceived, the reputational or professional damage can be extensive if employers and members of your community hear of it.
Therefore, if someone files a restraining order against you, you need to take swift action to fight it. The most effective way to do that is by having an experienced Woodbury restraining order defense lawyer handle your legal representation, support, and guidance.
Our Criminal Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm provides skilled and aggressive legal representation for restraining order defense cases in the Gloucester County Seat of Woodbury.
Call 888-535-3686 or fill out this online form to speak to an attorney today.
Types of Restraining Orders in Woodbury, NJ
In the county seat of Woodbury, there are two types of protection orders available to petitioners who claim they're victims of domestic violence:
- Temporary Restraining Order (TRO)
- Final Restraining Order (FRO)
The first one is usually granted when a plaintiff either calls the police and requests immediate legal protection from the defendant or petitions a motion at the Family Division of the Superior Court.
In most cases, a TRO is an “ex parte” restraining order, meaning the court will grant the request without any defense from the accused. However, TROs are only valid for a max of 10 days.
This is why once a TRO is issued and the defendant is served the notice, both parties are required to appear before the court for the Final Restraining Order hearing.
In Woodbury, these hearings are held at the Family Division of the Superior Court in the Gloucester County Justice Complex, located at 70 Hunter Street, Woodbury, NJ 08096.
Steps to Take If You've Received a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO)
Notice of a TRO can be shocking and destabilizing. Depending on the circumstances, the petitioner is likely counting on it and hopes you make a mistake or violate the order. For example, you may feel like you could go see them to talk things over. Resist that urge.
Instead, take the following crucial steps:
- Read the TRO notice thoroughly and comply with the order immediately.
- Don't attempt to smooth things over by contacting the petitioner -- that could be a violation.
- Contact an experienced restraining order lawyer in the county seat of Woodbury and discuss the case exhaustively.
- Follow all legal recommendations, guidance, and counsel -- this can make or mar your case.
- Show up in court for the FRO hearing on the stated date.
Seek Legal Help from a Woodbury Restraining Order Defense Attorney
The outcomes of restraining order cases in the Gloucester County seat of Woodbury are largely predicated on the “preponderance of evidence.”
At the Lento Law Firm, our Criminal Defense Team knows how to gather significant evidence and will work to build an airtight case so the FRO is either dismissed or the charges modified to a more favorable outcome. Call us at 888-535-3686 or fill out this confidential form to discuss your case.
