Police Officer Loses Weapons After Wife Refuses to Testify Against Him

J.C.H was a police officer and this matter arose under the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act (PDVA), N.J.S.A. 2C:25-17 – 35. His wife, Grace, called 911 and when police arrived she indicated that she was injured in an altercation with J.C.H. when she tried to stop him from leaving the house after he took pills, drank a bottle of alcohol and put a gun to his own head and threatening to kill himself. Grace fell from the car she had climbed atop in an effort to prevent J.C.H. from leaving and was injured in the fall. Grace did not seek a temporary restraining order (TRO). According to the wife, there were 9 prior domestic violence incidents and threats to her life by J.C.H. with the assault as the predicate act under the PDVA in the instant case. As a result of the 911 call, 34 firearms were seized from J.C.H.’s residence. Grace refused to testify about the simple assault, N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1(a)(1), and assault by auto, N.J.S.A. 2C:123-1(c)(1) and the charges were dismissed. J.C.H. was placed on administrative leave until he could undergo and pass a fitness-for-duty exam. The State sought forfeiture of J.C.H.’s firearms and firearms purchaser identification card, In the Matter of Weapons Seized Pursuant to the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act from J.C.H. The fitness for duty examination determined that J.C.H. was unfit for duty. At the forfeiture hearing, the examining doctor indicated that the fitness for duty examination also determined that J.C.H. should not have access to guns. In 2013, J.C.H. had also been placed on administrative duty after Grace posted on social media about his alcohol, anger and emotional issues. On that occasion, J.C.H. had been found fit for duty and marriage counseling was suggested. The State presented evidence that J.C.H. is a habitual drunkard and unfit to possess weapons. J.C.H. presented expert testimony that alcohol and other issues could be present but that he was sober and had maintained the sobriety for nine months leading up to the hearing. The judge determined that, as J.C.H. was receiving psychiatric counseling, had maintained sobriety for nine months prior to the trial and had never consumed alcohol on duty, he could not be found unfit for duty under N.J.S.A. 2C:58-3(c). Additionally, the judge determined that the State failed to prove that returning J.C.H.’s weapons would be a danger to the public. The State’s motion for forfeiture of J.C.H.’s firearms and firearms purchaser identification card was denied. The State appealed the forfeiture and the appellate division held that the seizure of weapons and firearms identification cards permitted under N.J.S.A. 2C:25-21(d) supports the intent of the drafters of the PDVA, to protect victims of domestic violence. However, the State does carry the burden of proof to demonstrate that the forfeiture is legally permissible. State v. Cordoma, 372 N.J. Super. 524, 533 (App. Div. 2004). In light of the long and history of J.C.H.’s drinking in excess, the Appellate Division determined that a seven month span of sobriety was not enough to erase years of habitual drunkenness as described under N.J.S.A. 2C:58-3(c). The appellate division determined that forfeiture of the weapons of J.C.H. was both appropriate and necessary in the within matter. If you are facing domestic violence charges, or are seeking a restraining order, call The Darling Law Firm, LLC now at 973-584-6200 to protect your rights. If you are interested in learning more about restraining orders or the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act, visit DarlingFirm.com for additional information. This blog is for informational purposes only and not intended to replace the advice of counsel.