For more than 30 years, Hackensack domestic violence lawyer Anthony Carbone has aggressively and successfully fought for domestic abuse victims in and out of the courtroom. Attorney Carbone understands how sensitive these types of cases can be, along with how complex the details can get. Because of this, he treats every case with the compassion and understanding it deserves.
With the help of Hackensack domestic violence lawyer Attorney Carbone, you will be able to speak up so your abuser – the person who caused you the pain you will have to endure forever – will never be able to hurt you, your loved ones, or another person ever again.
Domestic Violence in Hackensack
According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, domestic violence is a pattern of behavior(s) used by one partner, male or female, to maintain power or control over the other partner in an intimate relationship. This behavior is also known as intimate partner violence (IPV), domestic abuse, or relationship abuse.
Domestic violence is one of the more heinous crimes that is committed across our country daily. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have been victims of some form of physical violence by an intimate partner within their lifetime. According to the most recent reports from the New Jersey State Police (NJSP), an act of domestic violence occurs every 8 minutes and 52 seconds in New Jersey.
Victims who suffer from the brutal effects of domestic violence are mainly those who are married, closely followed by those who are in a dating relationship. According to the New Jersey Prevention of Domestic Violence Act, domestic violence is either one of the following offenses:
- Homicide
- Assault
- Terroristic Threats
- Kidnapping
- Criminal restraints
- False imprisonment
- Sexual assault
- Criminal sexual contact
- Lewdness
- Criminal Mischief
- Burglary
- Criminal Trespass
- Harassment
- Stalking
- Criminal Coercion
- Robbery
- Contempt of Domestic Violence Order
- Cyber Harassment
- Crimes involving risk of death or serious bodily injury
If your partner or abuser is found guilty to have committed one of the above acts in Hackensack or any town in Bergen County, punishment can be harsh. Dependent upon if the act committed is simple assault or aggravated assault, the abuser can face fines and time in prison.
Before being found guilty, Hackensack law enforcement and NJSP are required to arrest a suspect for domestic violence if the victim either shows or claims an injury occurred. This also holds true if there is probable cause of a domestic violence incident. Police even have the ability to grant a temporary restraining order if the situation is that dire.
Stages of Domestic Violence
If you are in a relationship with someone who is domestically abusing you, getting out can be extremely difficult. Victims are made to believe that if they call the police, their abuser will cause them more harm. If you are in a relationship in which you both have children together, the abuser may threaten to take the children away from you through a potentially messy custody battle. If you happen to be financially dependent on your abusers, things could get even trickier.
Living in an abusive relationship has been termed the cycle of violence. This cycle is described as having three stages which continuously rotate:
- Tension building – phase one starts off rather innocently. The aggressor may start to exhibit signs of abuse such as denigration, isolation, and constant criticism.
- The acute explosion – As phase one evolves, a triggering event sets off the battery. The victim should look for certain characteristics of an aggressor, such as verbal abuse and threats.
- The honeymoon period – Following the explosion comes the conciliation period. The aggressor acknowledges his actions, expresses sorrow and ask for forgiveness. Your abuser wants to make up and becomes loving and nurturing. But soon enough, the cycle begins again.
Your Legal Options in Bergen County
After getting away from your abuser, there are a handful of legal options available to you. You can file a restraining order against your abuser. In Hackensack and throughout New Jersey, three types of restraining orders can be issued:
- Temporary restraining order (TRO): Prohibits contact for up to 10 days
- Emergency order: Like a TRO but issued when victims believe they’re in direct danger and seek intervention from the court outside of normal business hours
- Final restraining order (FRO): After hearing from both parties, a judge will decide whether the terms of the original TRO should be extended, modified, and/or made permanent
Aside from restraining orders, criminal charges against your abuser can result in jail time, large fines, and other penalties. Also, if your abuser violates his or her restraining order, the penalties can be worse.
Our Hackensack Domestic Violence Lawyer Can Help
Hackensack domestic violence lawyer Anthony Carbone understands the full extent of the New Jersey legal system. There is no need to suffer from domestic violence any longer. He will ensure your restraining order keeps your abuser away, and your children belong in your custody.
If you are a domestic violence victim in Hackensack, Bergen County or anywhere in New Jersey, now is the time to act. Contact the Law Offices of Anthony Carbone for a free initial consultation. Remember, you are not alone in this.
