New Jersey Restraining Orders

Overview

Restraining orders are issued countless times a day in New Jersey. Whether you’re the victim or the abuser in a Domestic Violence, then you’ve heard about restraining orders.

At the beginning of a case, a temporary restraining order is put in place to create a “safe distance” between the parties. Domestic violence cases use restraining orders the most but they are also issued in criminal cases.
For example, if you’ve been charged with assault, harassment, stalking, terroristic threats, endangering the welfare of a child, or any sex crime, then a temporary restraining will most likely be issued.

Restraining orders are intended to provide a “cooling off” period between everyone involved until the case can be heard before a judge. The first type of restraining order that gets issued in both criminal and domestic violence cases is called a temporary restraining order.

A Final Restraining Order is entered at the end of your case. If the judge determines that you are in danger from your abuser, then a final restraining order provides long-term protection for you.

At your trial, the judge hear all of the evidence in a  case and has made the determination that a final restraining order is necessary to protect the victim from further harm.

- What Is A Temporary restraining order?

A Temporary Restraining Order is commonly referred to as a TRO (tee-are-oh)

In the Domestic Violence context, this is a legal way to protect you if you are a victim of domestic violence. It’s a judicial order that limits contact between a victim and their abuser. It attempts to control the abuser’s behavior. For example, your abuser may be forbidden from contacting you in any way. This means that your abuser cannot text, email, call, or communicate through another person.

The restrictions contained in this type of court order are based on circumstances that vary from case to case.

For example, one of our Bergen County clients suffered from drug & alcohol addiction. He would often drink & drug and become abusive towards his wife. To make matters worse, their children would witness domestic violence. 

One night his wife feared for her life and called 911. The Saddle River police arrived, arrested our client, and charged him with marijuana possession, terroristic threats, assault, and endangering the welfare of a child. The police removed our client from his home & a temporary restraining order was issued.

This restraining order stayed in place for months. As a result, our client had to move out of his home and had limited contact with his children and could not have any contact with his wife. To make matters worse, DYFS opened an investigation in our client.

Our lawyers successfully got his criminal charges dismissed and DYFS closed their investigation. We’re happy to say that our client got the addiction treatment he desperately needed and eventually reconciled with his wife. They saved their marriage & the children enjoy a peaceful home.

How Long does a Temporary Restraining Order Last?

A TRO will continue in effect until:

  1. A judge removes it; OR
  2. After your Final Restraining Order hearing.

If you go to trial and win your case, the order will be removed.

How Long does a final Restraining Order Last?

If an FRO was entered against you in New Jersey, it will never expire unless one of the following occurs:

  1. The person whom once feared you (Domestic Violence victim) changes his/her mind and asks the court to remove or lift the Final Restraining Order; or
  2. You appeal the decision of the court that issued the FRO and win; or
  3. After plenty of time has passed, you file a motion asking the court to “vacate” or “undo” the original order.

 

Since Final Restraining Orders Never Expire in New Jersey, you really need to be prepared for your hearing.

What are the consequences of a final restraining order?

If the Court has entered a FRO against you, this means that you cannot contact the victim in any way, shape or form. This includes contact through a 3rd-party. 

A 3rd-party means using your friends or family to contact the other person.

Other consequences of a FRO may include:

  • You may not possess a firearm.
  • If you do possess firearms, you will lose them
  • Your name enters the Domestic Violence Central Registry.
  • You will be fingerprinted and a photo will be taken.
  • You will be assessed a fine between $50.00 – $500.00.
  • You will have to make new living arrangements.
  • You will be obligated to pay for the mortgage of the home you were ordered to vacate.

What Happens If I Violate A Final restraining order?

You never want to violate the terms of the final restraining order. A violation will result in further complications. For example, you may be re-arrested and charged with contempt of court.

Read more to learn about the consequences of violating a final restraining order.

Restraining Order Lawyers Near You

Restraining orders are used in domestic violence & criminal cases.

Don’t be surprised if you got charged with Simple Assault, Terroristic Threats, or Stalking on the same day that a restraining order was issued.

In conclusion, these types of cases are very complicated.

More often than not, if you have you get a TRO you, you’re probably facing criminal charges too.

You will need to appear in both criminal court and family court.

The consequences of getting a criminal conviction & a final restraining order are very serious.

Don’t risk getting a criminal record. 

Let us help you.

Our Experience

You or a loved one have been arrested. Understandably, you are terrified & have a lot of questions. You’ve heard about plea bargains & probation, but the process is overwhelming. You want a local attorney near you to represent you.

Mr. Peyrouton is from Ridgewood & handles all types of criminal matters in New Jersey complex as well as nearby cities. The New Jersey Law Journal recently published one of his articles on the subject of criminal law.

How We Can Help

Regardless of the criminal charges you are facing, we are here to defend & protect you. Whether you are facing a restraining order, drug charge, theft charge, or aggravated assault charge, we are here to help you. Even a DWI case can really complicate your life.

If we can’t get your charges dismissed, we can either get them downgraded or place you in a diversionary program. The point is, our criminal defense lawyers will fight tirelessly to get you the best result possible. Take advantage of our free consultation to see how we can help.

Our Practice Areas

Below, you will find a few of our practice areas.

Areas We Serve

Our Hackensack criminal lawyers represent clients in Bergen County & nearby counties & cities. 

Get Help With Your Case

How Do Your Free Consultations Work?

There are plenty of excellent Hackensack criminal lawyers in our area. Most, if not all of them, offer free, 20-minute, consultations. However, our free consultations do not have a time limit. You will never feel rushed.

The best way for us to help you is to patiently listen to your side of the story. Your version of events will serve as the basis for your legal defense. It is during these initial meetings that your memory of the event is fresh in your mind. Why we would rush you during such an important aspect of your case.

We understand that your choice of attorney could mean the difference between your freedom and spending years behind bars. 

When you hire an attorney, you are entering a long-term relationship. For this reason, it is important that you feel comfortable with the team of Hackensack criminal lawyers that will represent you.

What our clients say about us:

Peyrouton Law
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Nwe Tun
Nwe Tun
01:06 13 May 23
I didn't have to worry a thing abt my speeding ticket. Mr. Peyrouton took care of everything. He explained and answered my questions. I am happy with his service.
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J Bean
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Natalia K.
Natalia K.
02:17 20 Apr 23
Absolutely amazing!!! Great communication from him and was on top of everything from the court date to the timing. Answered any questions I had and was very professional, patient, and understanding. Couldn’t ask for anyone better! Definitely would recommend his services to everyone I know. Thank you for everything Peyrouton Law!
Danya C.
Danya C.
15:05 15 Apr 23
Alan does amazing work, very professional and very communicative with me. Highly recommend! He’s also familiar with the judges and prosecutors in the courtrooms so that’s a plus! I wanted to thank you Alan for your knowledge regarding my matter.
Ava Cabrera
Ava Cabrera
15:25 03 Apr 23
This my main man everything he say be factz when he step in court room lawyers and judge already know who he is he don't be thirsty for money he be genuinely trying help people out all good vibes ......and I had other lawyers and I can't say the same for them
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jemsley canela
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Lauren Serrano
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Extremely professional, on time, and responds immediately with any questions or concerns I had. Exceptional lawyer!
John B.
John B.
01:36 10 Feb 23
I met Alan and right off the bat I knew he was a straight shooter........I was facing alot of time and he didn't sugar coat my worst outcome and best outcome for hiring him to defend me.He was very reasonable priced and answered all my questions even if I repeated myself.All the way upto my court date he was responsive to all my calls and concerns. Other lawyers wanted outrageous fees and would tell me what i wanted to hear. Alan isn't like that at all. Not only was my case dismissed but he gave me great life advice. He is a true definition of a scholar and a gentleman!!!!!
Geselle Linares
Geselle Linares
21:31 22 Jan 23
I just wanted to get on here and say how amazing Alan is. He is very friendly and professional. He took care of everything and thankfully I did not stress one bit. Every time I had a question he was sure to answer within a reasonable time. If anyone is thinking about hiring him do not hesitate to contact him or his team!
Rosales Karen
Rosales Karen
03:24 18 Dec 22
Exelente abogado merece más de 5 estrellas una persona seria humilde el abogado alan es bien educado habla español trata de lo mejor A sus clientes exelente persona 😄 ✌
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