NJ Restraining Order Against VA Man Is Valid

L.D.L. sought a final restraining order, pursuant to the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act (PDVA), N.J.S.A. 2C:25-17 to -35, against D.J.L. in New Jersey immediately upon her return from Virginia, where an incident occurred. The parties resided in Virginia since they were first married there. When the parties divorced, the Plaintiff moved to New Jersey. While Plaintiff was in Virginia thereafter, the defendant chased her car with his, bumping it repeatedly at a light then proceeded to exit his vehicle and bang on the Plaintiff’s car window and threatening to kill her. The light changed and Defendant continued pursuit for approximately 20-30 minutes. Later the Defendant left Plaintiff a voicemail including “Hey, had a great time this morning. Can’t wait to do it again. See you soon….” Later that night, the Plaintiff called Defendant at his request and, when Plaintiff wanted to terminate the call, the Defendant said “I’ll see you soon.” Based on the car chase, the phone contact, and claims of Defendant’s past abuse and PTSD, Plaintiff sought a final restraining order. On the hearing date, both parties appeared without counsel and were advised of their right to an adjournment to seek counsel. Each agreed to proceed and to do so without counsel. This constituted the Defendant’s submission to personal jurisdiction in New Jersey. Additionally, testimony showed that Defendant had called Plaintiff in New Jersey by voicemail and telephone, conferring jurisdiction by establishing the minimum contacts required to establish personal jurisdiction. The court found that the Plaintiff had proven that the Defendant had made a terroristic threat, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-2, and did harass the Plaintiff in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:33-4. Finally, the court found that the Plaintiff did need the protection of a FRO. The Defendant appealed, challenging that the New Jersey court did not have jurisdiction over him but without challenge to the factual basis. The N.J. Appellate Division upheld the decision of the court below as to jurisdiction and affirmed. If you are in need of a final restraining order, or in need of defense against a FRO, contact The Darling Law Firm, LLC at 973-584-6200. For more information about restraining orders, domestic violence or other family law matters, visit DarlingFirm.com. This blog is for informational purposes only and not intended to replace the advice of an attorney.

Final Restraining Order Issues Upon Multiple Acts of Harassment

C.L.H. v. T.F.H. is about Defendant’s appeal of a final restraining order (FRO) entered against him upon his estranged wife’s request that the Court enter and order for same under the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act (PDVA), N.J.S.A. 2C:25-17 to -35. Defendant appealed on four points: (1) Ineffective assistance of counsel; (2) allegations of trial court error in allowing “authentication” of a perceived no contact order; (3) a conflict between testimony and the checked “No previous acts of Domestic Violence” section; and (4) lack of evidence regarding intent or predicate acts. Under the PDVA, Plaintiff was entitled to protections, as long as the other criteria were met, based on her marriage to the Defendant. The remaining criteria, set forth in Silver v. Silver, 387 N.J. Super. 112 (App. Div. 2006), were also satisfied. First, the evidence demonstrated, by the requisite preponderance of the evidence standard, three acts that constituted harassment, N.J.S.A. 2C:33-4(c), a predicate act under N.J.S.A. 2C:25-19(a). Specifically, (1) the Defendant entered Plaintiff’s car while she was in church and removed an item; (2) the Defendant sent Plaintiff a text asking when she would return from a trip that he had never been notified she was taking; and (3) discovered and drove to the location Plaintiff was staying to see whether she was there. During questioning in this regard, the trial judge found the Defendant’s explanations to amount to admissions of guilt committed with the clear intent to harass the Plaintiff. With regard to the second prong of Silver, the trial judge determined that, in light of confrontations between the parties, the Plaintiff’s fear of the Defendant was reasonable and a FRO was required to protect the Plaintiff from the Defendant. The Appellate Division determined the trial judge exercised sound discretion in rendering the opinion below and affirmed, also noting that ineffective assistance of counsel is inapplicable to the matter at hand. This blog is for informational purposes only and not intended to replace the advice of an attorney.

Final Restraining Order (FRO) Cannot Be Granted Without Factual Findings

L.S. sought a final restraining order against J.P. under the Protection of Domestic Violence Act (N.J.S.A. 2C:25-17 to -34). L.S. and J.P. were both married to others but had an affair with each other for approximately 1 year before their spouses became aware. L.S. attempted to terminate the relationship in approximately May 2013 and J.P. continued to contact her. L.S. sought a final restraining order (FRO) against J.P. The FRO was granted in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Chancery Division, Family Part, Bergen County. In L.S. v. J.P., J.P. appealed focusing on the court's finding that he had committed the act of harassment (N.J.S.A. 2C:33-4). J.P. maintained that the relationship continued, in a pattern of arguments and reconciliations, up until the time L.S. filed the charges against him. The court below focused only on the messages from L.S. to J.P. did not make findings regarding messages J.P sent to L.S. The court below made no findings about the credibility of the parties. Most importantly for J.P., the court failed to make the required finding that J.P. intended to harass or annoy L.S. In Silver v. Silver, 387 N.J. Super. 112, 127 (App. Div. 2006), the court set forth a two step inquiry. First it must be established by the Plaintiff that a predicate act of domestic violence occurred against a person protected by the act. Thereafter, it must be determined that a restraining order is necessary to protect the victim from immediate danger or further abuse. The Appellate Division reversed and remanded for factual findings supporting the decision. If you are charged with domestic violence or you are seeking a final restraining order against an abuser, there are specific burdens of proof for both parties in proving or disproving the charges making it critical that you obtain experienced criminal defense counsel to represent you in such matters. For more information regarding domestic violence, restraining orders, assault, battery and other criminal law issues in NJ visit DarlingFirm.com. This blog is for informational purposes only and not intended to replace the advice of an attorney.