Accused of Domestic Violence in New Jersey? Five Mistakes You Need to Avoid
Posted April 12th, 2024 by Anthony Carbone.
Categories: Domestic Violence.
Domestic violence is a serious matter. The New Jersey State Police defines domestic violence as a “pattern of physical, emotional, verbal, and sexual abuse, which includes, but is not limited to, threats, intimidation, isolation, and/or financial control.” Any person accused of domestic abuse has the right to defend themselves. The reality is that false allegations do happen. If you are facing an allegation, it is imperative that you know how to protect yourself and your legal rights. Here, our Jersey City domestic violence defense attorney highlights the top five mistakes that you need to avoid if you have been accused of abuse in New Jersey.
Mistake #1: Angrily Confronting the Accuser
If you are facing an outright false allegation of domestic violence, it is normal to feel upset, even outraged. With that being said, reacting in anger or attempting to confront your accuser can exacerbate the situation. It could even lead to more serious charges. Emotions run high in domestic violence cases. Always maintain your composure. Once an allegation is made, you need to handle it as a legal matter through the proper channels.
Mistake #2: Not Preserving Evidence of Innocence
Evidence matters. It can help prove your innocence. Neglecting to preserve relevant evidence—from texts to emails to voicemails to witness details—is a big mistake. Start gathering and organizing any relevant evidence immediately. A New Jersey defense attorney can help.
Mistake #3: Sharing Details About the Incident on Social Media
Social media platforms are not the place to discuss or share details about your case. Domestic violence—even a wholly false allegation—is a sensitive matter. Publicly expressing your thoughts or feelings about the incident can backfire. Remember, anything you post can be used against you in court. It is possible to inadvertently share information that could compromise your defense.
Mistake #4: Violating a Protective Order (Even a Temporary One)
This is one of the worst mistakes that a person could make. Violating a protective order—even a temporary protective order that was obtained without your prior knowledge—is a criminal offense in New Jersey. Not only could it hurt your domestic violence defense, but it is, by itself, an additional criminal charge. Violations can include direct contact and indirect contact.
Mistake #5: Failing to Seek Professional Representation
You do not have to take on prosecutors alone. A skilled New Jersey criminal defense attorney can provide crucial advice, investigate the matter, assess defense strategies, represent you in court, and help you avoid common pitfalls. The sooner you have a top-tier domestic violence defense attorney on your side, the better position you will be in to get justice and secure your future.
Contact Our Jersey City Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer for Immediate Help
At The Law Offices of Anthony Carbone, our New Jersey domestic violence defense lawyer is an experienced, reliable advocate for clients. If you are facing a domestic violence charge, please do not hesitate to contact us today for a confidential case review. From our office in Jersey City, we defend domestic violence charges in Hudson County and throughout all of North Jersey.
