Facing domestic violence charges in Camden County can be a daunting experience, as the penalties for such charges can be severe. Domestic abuse cases are particularly challenging for individuals to navigate, as the parties involved often have a personal relationship.
Fortunately, our team is here to help you through this difficult time. Domestic violence charges can have far-reaching consequences, affecting not only your freedom but also your relationships and reputation. Various forms of domestic abuse are recognized in Camden County, making these cases complex. Our firm understands the nuances of domestic abuse cases and can help you protect your rights.
Call the Lombardo Law Group, LLC at (609) 418-4537 today to receive a free case assessment with our domestic violence defense lawyers.
How Domestic Violence is Defined in Camden County
Domestic violence is a serious and ongoing issue that affects many individuals and families across the country. To address this problem, the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act was enacted in New Jersey in 1991. N.J.S.A. § 2C:25-17 defines domestic violence as a range of abusive behaviors, including physical, emotional, sexual, and economic abuse, and provides legal protections for victims.
The law also recognizes that domestic violence can occur within various types of relationships, including married couples, former spouses, dating partners, cohabiting individuals, and those who share a child.
However, domestic violence issues are some of the most challenging because they involve parties that know each other well. Emotions run high, and the facts of the case can become a casualty. Fortunately, our domestic violence defense lawyers are skilled at analyzing the evidence, interviewing witnesses, and gathering information to build the strongest defense possible. In some cases, it is not always clear who the actual abuser is, making the need for a robust legal defense all the more necessary.
What is Considered Domestic Abuse in Camden County
Domestic abuse charges can be challenging to defend against, especially in cases where the alleged abuse is not physical in nature. Emotional, sexual, and financial abuse are examples of other types of abuse that can be claimed.
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse is perhaps the most recognizable form of domestic abuse. It involves using physical force or violence to exert control and power over a victim.
Physical abuse can take many forms, including hitting, slapping, kicking, or punching. In addition, choking or strangling, pushing or shoving, burning or scalding, and using objects or weapons to cause harm are all considered forms of physical abuse.
Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse is a type of domestic violence that can have severe and long-lasting impacts on the victim’s mental and emotional well-being. It is characterized by a range of behaviors aimed at undermining a person’s self-worth, confidence, and esteem.
Examples of emotional abuse include constant criticism, belittling, insults, derogatory remarks, gaslighting, isolation from friends and family, and threats or intimidation. Emotional abuse can also include withholding affection or attention, manipulating the victim’s emotions, controlling their behavior, or refusing to take responsibility for one’s own actions.
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse is a form of domestic violence that involves any unwanted sexual activity or behavior. In Camden County, sexual abuse is considered a serious offense and a violation of a person’s rights and bodily autonomy. Examples of domestic sexual abuse include non-consensual sexual intercourse, forced sexual acts or behaviors, and sexual coercion or manipulation.
Economic Abuse
Economic abuse is a type of abuse that is often overlooked, but its effects can be just as devastating as other forms. Economic abuse is a form of control that is intended to restrict the victim’s financial resources and limit their independence.
It can manifest in various ways, such as limiting access to money and bank accounts, requiring the victim to account for every penny spent, preventing them from working or pursuing education, damaging their credit or accumulating debt in their name, and denying basic necessities like food, clothing, or shelter.
Consequences of Domestic Abuse Charges in Camden County
Domestic violence can result in charges of either a disorderly persons offense, New Jersey’s form of a misdemeanor, or an indictable offense, similar to a felony in other states. The charge will depend on the severity of the crime. You could also face significant personal consequences if found charged with domestic violence in Camden County.
Criminal Penalties
For misdemeanor-level domestic violence offenses, you might face charges such as simple assault, harassment, or stalking. If convicted, you could be subject to penalties such as probation, anger management classes, or a jail sentence of up to six months. Additionally, you might be required to pay a civil penalty in the form of a fine ranging from $50 to $500.
If the domestic violence charge is a felony-level (indictable) offense, you could be facing much more severe penalties, depending on the severity of the charge. Examples of these offenses include aggravated assault, sexual assault, or use of a deadly weapon in the context of the alleged offense.
In New Jersey, indictable offenses are categorized into four degrees based on the severity of the crime. The least severe is a Fourth-degree offense, which can result in a maximum of 18 months in prison.
A third-degree offense is more serious and carries a sentence of three to five years in prison. A second-degree offense is even more severe, with a sentence ranging from five to ten years in prison.
The most serious indictable offense in New Jersey is a First-degree offense, which can result in a sentence of up to 20 years in prison. However, these sentences are not mandatory and can vary based on the specific circumstances of the crime and the defendant’s criminal history.
Trouble Finding Employment
It has become common for many employers to conduct criminal background checks on prospective employees. If you have a domestic violence conviction on your record, it can create a negative impression. It can even result in being fired from your current job if your employer discovers it.
Moreover, if your conviction is categorized as a felony, you might face various restrictions on the types of jobs you can hold. For instance, you would not be eligible to teach in any public or state school, and you would be prohibited from working in any job that requires a security clearance.
Loss of Your Right to Vote
If you are convicted of a felony, you will not be able to cast your vote. In the case of domestic violence charges, if the charges are at the felony level and you are found guilty, you could lose your right to participate in the democratic process. This means you will not have a say in electing your representatives and making important decisions affecting your community.
Our Camden County Domestic Violence Defense Lawyers Are Ready to Defend Your Case
For a free evaluation of your case, contact our domestic violence defense attorneys at the Lombardo Law Group, LLC at (609) 418-4537.
