Criminal Defense Lawyers

Flemington NJ Restraining Order Attorney

Getting a Restraining Order in Flemington, NJ

Dealing with a difficult or dangerous person in your life? You may need a restraining order. Getting a restraining order in Flemington, NJ can protect you and your loved ones. But the process can be confusing and intimidating. This article will walk you through everything you need to know about restraining orders in Flemington – from figuring out if you need one, to how to get it, to what happens after.

Do You Need a Restraining Order?

Restraining orders legally prohibit someone from contacting you or coming near you. They are issued by courts to prevent harassment, abuse, stalking, or violence.

You may want to get a restraining order if someone is:

• Physically harming or threatening you or your family
• Sexually assaulting you
• Stalking you, like following you or showing up uninvited
• Harassing you, through repeated unwanted contact
• Emotionally abusing you

You do not need hard proof like bruises or texts to get a restraining order in NJ. If you feel unsafe or are concerned about your wellbeing, that is enough.

Restraining orders can protect:

• You
• Your children
• Other family members
• Roommates
• Anyone else living with you

If you are unsure if your situation calls for a restraining order, talk to a Flemington NJ restraining order attorney. They can help you understand your options.

The Restraining Order Process in Flemington

Here are the steps to getting a restraining order in Flemington, NJ:

1. File a Complaint at the Courthouse

The first step is to go to the Hunterdon County Courthouse and file an official complaint. You will need to provide details about the harassment or threats.

Make several copies of any evidence you have – texts, photos, videos, emails, etc. This will support your case.

2. The Court Reviews Your Complaint

A judge reviews your complaint to decide if a temporary restraining order (TRO) should be issued. If approved, the order goes into effect immediately.

This temporary order lasts 10 business days, until your court hearing.

3. The Abuser is Served

Once issued, the court serves the restraining order to the abuser. This means someone (usually a sheriff) formally delivers the order.

Being “served” makes the restraining order official. The abuser must follow it or face charges.

4. Attend the Court Hearing

Within 10 days, you must attend a court hearing to make the restraining order permanent. You and the abuser can both speak.

Provide any evidence that makes you feel unsafe. A Flemington NJ restraining order attorney can represent you at the hearing.

5. The Judge Decides

The judge considers all the facts and makes a decision. If approved, the order remains in effect for a set time – often 1-5 years.

The abuser must turn in any guns and is prohibited from contacting you during this period.

How a Flemington NJ Restraining Order Attorney Can Help

The restraining order process involves lots of paperwork, deadlines, and court appearances. An experienced Flemington NJ restraining order attorney can:

• Advise if a restraining order is right for you
• Help collect evidence like texts, photos, and testimony
• Fill out all paperwork fully and accurately
• File the complaint and make copies
• Represent you in court, speak on your behalf
• Guide you through the hearing, including questioning witnesses
• Argue to get the longest order term possible
• Help extend the order if needed

Having an attorney makes the process smoother and less stressful. It also makes approval more likely.

The Benefits of Getting a Restraining Order in Flemington

Restraining orders offer many legal protections. With an order in place, the abuser cannot:

• Physically come near you, your home, job, kids’ school, etc.
• Call, text, email, send letters, or otherwise contact you
• Send others to contact you on their behalf
• Post about you on social media
• Own or buy firearms

If the abuser violates the order, they face criminal charges. You can call the police for help enforcing it.

Restraining orders bring peace of mind. You can feel safe and focus on healing.

What Happens After Getting a Restraining Order?

Even after the order is issued, take steps to protect yourself:

• Keep a copy of the order with you at all times as proof
• Give copies to your workplace, kids’ school/daycare, security
• Call the police if the abuser violates the order
• Consider changing locks, installing security systems
• Alter routines and routes to avoid the abuser
• Get counseling or therapy to recover from trauma
• Ask close friends and family to help keep you safe

If the order expires and you still feel at risk, you can get an extension or permanent restraining order.

Finding the Best Flemington NJ Restraining Order Attorney

The right lawyer makes all the difference in getting a restraining order approved. Look for a Flemington NJ restraining order attorney who is:

• Experienced – Has helped many local clients get restraining orders
• Understanding – Will listen with compassion to your situation
• Available – Can guide you through the process in a timely manner
• Affordable – Upfront about attorney fees and payment options
• Responsive – Quickly returns calls, emails, and texts

Read reviews and ask people you trust for referrals. Meet with a few lawyers before deciding.

Getting a restraining order in Flemington, NJ can be confusing, but the right attorney can simplify it. With their counsel, you can get legal protection from your abuser. Then you can start to heal and feel safe again.