Mercer County Restraining Order Attorneys

Fight a Restraining Order Matter in Trenton, New Jersey

Mercer County NJ Restraining Order Lawyers

Another Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) dismissed by the Tormey Law Firm this week, this time in Mercer County. Our office represented the Defendant in this matter who was alleged to have harassed her ex-boyfriend through text messages, emails and withholding certain personal items. However, once our office was able to obtain a copy of the TRO it became apparent that the plaintiff was less than forthcoming when he testified in order to receive the TRO against our client. Once the client was able to provide us with copies of the alleged text messages, phone records and emails, it was obvious that the restraining order was obtained by the plaintiff as a mechanism to actually harass our client.

When we appeared in the Mercer County Superior Courthouse, which is located at 175 South Broad Street in Trenton for the first listing, several key inconsistencies were addressed on the record and an adjournment was granted so that we could obtain additional information.

At the first appearance on a restraining order matter, the Judge asks the Plaintiff how he or she wants to proceed. The typical options include:

• Dismiss the TRO – If they want to dismiss they have to speak to the domestic violence counselors and sign off on some paperwork that they understand their rights and they are not being forced or threatened and they want to dismiss the case freely and voluntarily
• Ask for a postponement to get a lawyer
• Ask for a postponement to gather evidence
• Negotiate a settlement agreement called civil restraints
• Proceed to trial and try to get a final restraining order

Based on the inconsistencies that were addressed on the record, which included our version of why the plaintiff was actually seeking the restraining order, the plaintiff decided to dismiss the order prior to having the final restraining order hearing. As a result, our client was able to walk away from this nightmare unscathed.

If a Final Restraining Order (FRO) was actually entered against our client, it could have drastically impacted her future, including her employment. These final restraining orders are permanent in New Jersey and never expire. The defendant would be fingerprinted and placed into a NJ database for domestic violence offenders. In addition, she would be prohibited from owning or possessing firearms. It could have other collateral consequences effecting things like professional licenses and immigration status if the defendant is not a US citizen.

Restraining orders in New Jersey are always very complicated matters and as such it is recommended that you speak to an experienced domestic violence defense attorney as soon as possible. As you can see from above, a skilled restraining order defense attorney can take the evidence presented against you and use it to your advantage.

Fight a Temporary Restraining Order in Trenton NJ with the Tormey Law Firm

If you have been served a temporary restraining order in Mercer County, in towns like Ewing, Trenton, Lawrence, Hamilton, West Windsor, Robbinsville or elsewhere the Tormey Law Firm can help. These are very serious matters and should not be taken lightly. If a final restraining order is granted it is permanent. To speak to one of our attorneys today about your options then please contact us at 201-556-1570.

NOTE: Since a restraining order is a civil matter, there is nothing to expunge now that the restraining order was dismissed. A violation of a restraining order, however, is criminal in nature and results in something on your record.