What are the penalties for a false accusation of domestic violence in New Jersey?

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In New Jersey, domestic violence accusations are taken extremely seriously. In most cases, claims of domestic violence are legitimate and genuine. However, there are times when individuals report a false accusation of domestic violence to obtain advantages in divorce or child custody proceedings and even out of spite. Sadly, those wrongfully accused of domestic violence will face significant legal consequences and irreversible reputational damage. If you have been falsely accused of domestic violence, it is in your best interest to retain the legal services of our talented Camden County Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys, who will aggressively fight these charges to protect your interests. Please continue reading to learn about the long-term consequences of domestic violence accusations.

What are the potential consequences of false accusations of domestic violence in New Jersey?

Unfortunately, in some situations, individuals make accusations of domestic violence only to cause significant harm to the falsely accused. When falsely accused, you will face harsh penalties and other negative repercussions for a crime you did not commit. If you are charged with domestic violence, the accusation itself can lead to the following consequences:

  • Loss of employment
  • Loss of personal property (vehicles and even your house)
  • Hefty legal fees and fines
  • Loss of child custody privileges
  • Restricted or supervised visitation with children
  • Increased child support payment requirements
  • Criminal penalties
  • Potential jail time
  • Restriction of civil liberties
  • Permanent criminal record

Alongside these costs, the accuser may request a temporary restraining order (TRO) to bar the accused from contacting the individual who has accused them of domestic violence. As a result of the Domestic Violence Act, you must vacate your home regardless of whether you can afford to pay for separate housing when a TRO is issued. After a TRO has been given, you must retain the legal services of an experienced attorney who can defend you against false accusations of domestic violence. To successfully fight these charges and avoid the significant consequences of this crime, you must gather pertinent evidence proving you are not guilty. This may include providing the court with security footage from a public place that shows you could not have committed the crime or having someone you were with testify that they were with you at the time of the alleged offense.

Being falsely accused of domestic violence can significantly disrupt your life and result in long-term consequences. That said, it is of the utmost importance to retain the legal services of a skilled Camden County domestic violence defense attorney from Thomas DeMarco & Associates, LLC, today to discuss your situation. Our firm is prepared to defend your interests to prevent harsh penalties aggressively. You can count on our legal team to prove that you have been falsely accused of domestic violence.

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