Domestic Violence

For a Domestic Violence Charge, Your Best Defense Begins with a Criminal Defense Lawyer Who Knows How to Fight to Win Domestic Violence Cases.

If you are here today reading this, chances are you or someone you know has been charged with a crime involving domestic violence. A difficult and unsettling series of event may lie ahead. But let me assure you this: If you are seeking legal counsel, take comfort; you are in the right place when you are asking questions about what you are facing.

I have significant legal experience defending domestic violence charges. And my experience has something important many other domestic violence lawyers may not have: I once prosecuted domestic violence cases in Essex County, NJ. That means I am familiar with strategies deployed against defendants, and I know methods and strategies that confront the charges and arguments head on. As in many aspects of life, experience matters, and an inexperienced lawyer defending their domestic violence clients may do more harm than good. Don’t become a victim of an untried or unsophisticated legal defense; you have too much at stake. Seek a criminal defense lawyer with domestic violence experience who is a tactician and knows strategies for both outside and inside the courtroom to aid in your defense.

Being accused of domestic violence is a tough accusation, and could stigmatize you at home, work, and other aspects of your life. In New Jersey, like many other states, our criminal courts are extremely tough on domestic violence charges because the law is set up to protect DV victims. Law enforcement is taught to arrest, and to sort out the details and facts through later investigation. Once they have ‘probable cause’, you can be arrested. When that happens with these types of charges, your name could be dragged through mud for lengthy periods, unless you get experienced legal counsel as soon as possible to deflect what might be wrongful or unjust once the full investigation is completed.

I am pretty certain I know what you are going through: I’ve represented all forms of domestic violence accusations and can tell you that without a robust and aggressive legal defense you will put plenty at risk, including perhaps your freedom. Given the facts of your case, I may, right out of the chute, argue for dismissing criminal charges in return for counseling or other forms of anger management classes.

To be clear, domestic violence does not have to occur between spouses. The term “domestic” applies to any of the following relationships, and “violence” could be physical or threats of physical, or verbal assault as well, in situations involving a:

Spouse
Roommate
Someone with whom you share a child
A family member
Former spouse
Parent or child
Live in significant other
Relatives by marriage

I encourage you to call me for a discussion by phone as to your domestic violence charge. The phone consult is free. Please do not call the police, or try to contact the victim or anyone representing them to try to “work things out”, as anything you say can be interpreted and used against you. What your attorney says defending you cannot be used against you.

Additionally, chances are a temporary retraining order (TRO) or a ‘no-contact order’ is in place to ensure you have zero contact with the accuser. Take this TRO or Order seriously or risk compounding your charges with ‘Contempt of Court’ or domestic violence sanctions. If you own a weapon, you may face restrictions as well.

For more information call my office, the Law Offices of Howard W. Bailey, any time, day or night, but right now is preferred, at 973-982-1200