Submitted by New Jersey Domestic Violence Lawyer, Jeffrey Hark. Credibility is the single most important factor in a Judge’s decision to grant a Final Restraining Order (FRO). With these matters, there is often little or no evidence detailing that events other than your testimony. If social media contradicts your testimony or demeanor, or shows you…
S.M. v. J.M. Docket No. A-2190-18T1 Decided May 6, 2020 Submitted by New Jersey Domestic Violence Law Firm, Hark and Hark. In a recent unpublished decision, the Appellate Division considered a Final Restraining Order (FRO) was entered properly against plaintiff and whether plaintiff’s Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) was properly dismissed against defendant. In S.M., the…
In the Matter of the Application for Disposition of Weapons Belonging to D.S. , N.J. Super. App. Div. Decided February 11, 2019 Submitted by New Jersey Domestic Violence Lawyer, Jeffrey Hark. In this case the facts are pretty clear. The defendant was charges with several criminal charges, all of which were dismissed. However, as part of…
Submitted by New Jersey Domestic Violence Lawyer, Jeffrey Hark. J.M. v. T.F., N.J. Super. App. Div. Facts: Defendant appealed from a final restraining order entered in favor of plaintiff pursuant to the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act of 1991. Plaintiff went to defendant’s home to pick up their daughter and was presented with a cup of…
What you need to know if you’re charged with domestic violence and a restraining order in New Jersey
14-2-5643 L.M.W. v. A.P. , N.J. Super. App. Div. January 12, 2018 Have you been charged with domestic violence? Have you been criminally charged with harassment under NJSA 2C:33-4(c)? Did the court enter a final restraining order based on texts you sent your wife or girlfriend? Submitted by New Jersey Domestic Violence Lawyer, Jeffrey Hark. In this…
Did the judge ordered a restraining order even though there were no act of domestic violence? MC vs. GT Submitted by New Jersey Domestic Violence Lawyer, Jeffrey Hark. If you answer “yes” to any of these questions call my office so we can represent you on appeal. If you are worried about the judge finalizing…
MC vs. GT Submitted by New Jersey Domestic Violence Lawyer, Jeffrey Hark. If the court makes a ruling that the evidence has failed to prove a violation of the act, and the parties are not credible, the court then cannot impose the restraints authorized by law regardless of the evidence. In this New Jersey Appellate…
Submitted by New Jersey Domestic Violence Lawyer, Jeffrey Hark. Words can hurt. It is a reality understood by most people but an empty statement if the courts are not willing to protect New Jersey’s citizens from verbal abuse. In J.C. v. B.S. the Chancery Division of Ocean County did just that back on September 14,…
Submitted by New Jersey Domestic Violence Lawyer, Jeffrey Hark. In early October 2015 the Superior Court New Jersey Family Part Law Division Ocean County addressed the introduction of texts existing on cell phones as proof of evidence in a domestic violence hearing. In the modern context of harassment many courts have had to wrestle with…
Legal Developments
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New Jersey Survivors Justice Act: Sentencing Reform for Abuse Victims
Submitted by New Jersey Criminal Lawyer, Jeffrey Hark In January 2026, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed into law a pair of bills known as the Survivors Justice Act (S-4870/A-5968 and S-4871/A-5969). This landmark legislation, championed by Senator Angela V. McKnight, Senator M. Teresa Ruiz, and other lawmakers, amends the state’s criminal code to allow courts…