Short Hills Roommate Violence Lawyer

Although it is relatively rare for roommates to physically hurt one another, it does occasionally happen. If you have been accused of roommate abuse, you could face criminal charges. If you face allegations like this, contact a Short Hills roommate violence lawyer to help.

These offenses are serious crimes, and one of our team’s skilled domestic violence attorneys could help protect your rights and lessen potential penalties against you.

How is Roommate Violence Charged in New Jersey?

There are several ways a person could be charged with this type of offense. Domestic violence is defined as abuse by a spouse, former spouse, or household member and while the definition does not explicitly include roommates, court cases have clarified that they could be considered one.

Domestic Assault

Domestic assault involves the alleged victim believing they are at genuine risk of being physically harmed and is between people currently or previously residing in the same household. Perpetrators of domestic assault could face incarceration, fines, and probation. A conviction could impact someone’s job, particularly if they hold a high-level security clearance.

Domestic Battery

Unlike an assault charge where someone puts another in fear of harm, battery occurs when someone actually inflicts harm on another person. However, similar to a domestic assault, a roommate could commit domestic battery. A person facing a criminal charge for roommate violence is well-advised to consult a practiced Short Hills attorney as soon as possible.

Restraining Orders for Short Hills Roommate Abuse Charges

Under New Jersey law, a restraining order is a legal document preventing two parties from contacting each other. A person may seek a restraining order after being physically or emotionally hurt, or if they reasonably believe they are in danger.

If someone subject to a restraining order violates it, they could face substantial penalties. First-time offenses could result in fines and up to 18 months in jail. If someone continues to disobey the order, a judge could impose more restrictions such as permanently banning the person from contacting their former roommate ever again.

If a court issues a permanent restraining order, it can only be lifted under the following conditions:

• The plaintiff requests that the order be removed
• An accused person files an appeal of the restraining order and it is successful
• An accused person shows good cause to have the restraining order lifted and files a successful motion against it

A seasoned Short Hills roommate abuse attorney could further explain the legal options in a case like this.

Enlist the Aid of a Seasoned Short Hills Roommate Violence Attorney Today

The consequences of roommate abuse are wide-ranging. In addition to jail time and fines, a conviction for abuse like this could cause you to lose your job, fail a background check, or be refused admission to certain schools.

Consult a knowledgeable Short Hills roommate violence lawyer to better understand the charges against you. An accomplished attorney could be the ally you need if facing these allegation and could lower or eliminate the penalties you may face. Call our office today to learn more.