Restraining Order Attorneys in Morristown, New Jersey
Attorney Needed – Restraining Order Hearing in Morris County Court
Domestic violence
Need a lawyer for a domestic violence restraining order trial in Morris County? Contact us now for immediate assistance and a free initial consultation.
The Morristown restraining order lawyers at our law office represent both plaintiffs and defendants involved in restraining order matters at the Morris County Superior Court located in Morristown, New Jersey. Our attorneys have literally handled hundreds of restraining order cases and practically appear on a restraining order in Morris County every week (sometimes multiple times a week). With our offices conveniently located down the street from the courthouse in Morristown, we are available to assist you immediately at 908-336-5008.
Restraining orders are civil in nature so they are handled by the family division in the Superior Court in which the restraining order was issued. The trial will be before a judge (not a jury) and the standards of proof are lower than a criminal case because it is civil in nature. The standard of proof in a criminal case is “beyond a reasonable doubt”, while the standard of proof in a civil case is called “by a preponderance of the evidence”: this basically means “more likely than not” or a “51%” proof requirement to satisfy the civil standard of proof. If a final restraining order is issued, this can have serious, long-lasting implications for a defendant.
If a final restraining order is issued in New Jersey, the following collateral consequences can be an issue:
- Fingerprinted, placed in a statewide database for domestic violence offenders
- Forced to complete domestic violence counseling
- Forced to pay plaintiff’s attorneys fees
- Pay a fine
- Can not own firearms
- Could effect immigration status
- Could effect professional licenses
- Restraining order is permanent and never expires
- If restraining order is violated, arrested and charged with contempt
- Could effect traveling in and out of the country
As a result, it is imperative that, if you are a defendant in a Morristown restraining order matter, you need to do everything you can to avoid having this final restraining order issued against you. Although you can represent yourself, you need an experienced Morris County NJ trial attorney who knows the rules of court and rules of evidence to properly defend you. In addition, it is a lot to risk if you represent yourself and then the final restraining order (FRO) is issued by the Judge: It is permanent and never expires.
Local Restraining Order Attorneys in Morristown NJ
Usually a final restraining order (FRO) hearing is scheduled within 10 days of the temporary restraining order being issued. Also, the Judge will typically allow you one adjournment (postponement) to speak to and hire legal counsel to represent you at this final hearing. For more information, contact the Morris County NJ restraining order attorneys at our Morristown office at 908-336-5008.
