No Contact Orders Attorney in Hudson County
Prosecutors or the court may have concerns about the defendant posing a risk to the alleged victim’s safety during the proceedings in a Hudson County criminal case. If so, the court may issue a no-contact order as a condition of a defendant’s pretrial release to protect victims.
A no-contact order can prohibit a defendant from attempting to contact the victim directly or indirectly, approaching the victim in person, or going to the victim’s home, work, or school. Violating a no-contact order in Hudson County can have serious repercussions for a defendant, including revocation of pretrial release and additional criminal charges for contempt.
Have you received or been accused of violating an order of no contact? Then you need legal assistance, and you need it now. Contact William Proetta Criminal Law for a free consultation to discuss your obligations, legal protections, and legal options with a committed defense attorney in Hudson County.
How Our Experienced Hudson County No-Contact Orders Attorney Can Help You
At William Proetta Criminal Law, our team can protect your rights when a court issues a no-contact order in your criminal case or if law enforcement arrests you for an alleged violation of a no-contact order by:
- Analyzing the terms of the no-contact order
- Investigating the circumstances of the alleged violation to identify strategies for defending against contempt charges
- Advising you on consequences and future proceedings following the issuance of a no-contact order or an arrest for a violation
- Vigorously advocating for you in court hearings if you face possible detention or prosecution for alleged violations
We invite you to read some of the many positive reviews our past clients have written about their experiences with our law firm. For example, one client said this about our firm:
“I want to express my deepest gratitude and appreciation for standing by me in this pivotal case. Without your persistence and effort, I would have lost my freedom and gone to prison. You truly are a symbol of justice and dedication, and I feel that you have changed my life forever.” – Joyce P.
What Is a No-Contact Order in New Jersey?
During a criminal case, you may receive a copy of a no-contact order from the court. But what is a no-contact order?
In New Jersey, a criminal court may issue a no-contact order as a condition of a defendant’s pretrial release. Orders usually prohibit defendants from approaching or attempting to communicate with an alleged victim or approaching an alleged victim’s home, work, or school. Defendants cannot attempt to contact alleged victims through third parties like family members or mutual acquaintances.
No-contact orders differ from temporary restraining orders and final restraining orders in domestic violence cases. A court may issue a domestic violence restraining order in a civil action filed by a victim of domestic violence. A domestic violence victim can obtain a restraining order even if the person subject to the restraining order does not have criminal charges pending against them.
Furthermore, a restraining order in a domestic violence case requires the parties to have a qualifying relationship. In contrast, a victim and defendant do not need to have any relationship for a no-contact order.
New Jersey Laws Governing No-Contact Orders
In New Jersey, the law governing no-contact orders requires defendants to comply with the restrictions described in the order. The provisions may include prohibitions on approaching the victim, attempting to contact the victim (including via intermediaries), or approaching the victim’s home, school, or workplace.
A defendant who allegedly violates a no-contact order may face immediate arrest, and the court may revoke the defendant’s pretrial release.
Under New Jersey law, a defendant commits a separate criminal offense of contempt if they knowingly or purposely violate a no-contact order. Violating a no-contact order constitutes a disorderly persons offense, which carries a penalty of up to six months in jail and substantial fines of up to $1,000. However, if the conduct underlying the violation qualifies as a disorderly persons offense or a crime, violating a no-contact order becomes a fourth-degree crime, punishable by up to 18 months in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
What to Do If You Are Accused of Violating a No-Contact Order
If you have been accused of violating a no-contact order in a criminal case, you must act quickly to protect your rights and minimize the risk of additional consequences or penalties. Steps you should take after an accusation of a no-contact order violation include:
- Exercise your right to remain silent. Should the police arrest or interrogate you for an alleged no-contact order violation, you should remain silent and avoid answering questions or trying to explain yourself.
- Refrain from any activity that might violate the order. You should also exercise extra caution with your activities to make sure that you do not do something that might violate the order, such as asking family members or mutual friends about the victim or posting about the victim on social media.
- Gather evidence for a potential defense. You may have evidence to dispute an alleged violation, such as an alibi proving you did not approach the victim or their home or workplace.
Why Choose Our Hudson County No-Contact Orders Attorney
A no-contact order represents an important complication in a criminal case in Jersey City, Union City, or elsewhere in Hudson County. If you have received a no-contact order or if an alleged victim accuses you of violating the order, choose the team at William Proetta Criminal Law to fight for you. Numerous clients have selected our law firm to help them navigate the challenges of no-contact orders in criminal prosecutions because:
- We have a proven record across thousands of criminal cases, with extensive experience handling all types of offenses, although past successes cannot guarantee future results.
- We have stellar working relationships with prosecutors, judges, and court staff in Hudson County Superior Court and municipal courts.
- Our firm ensures that you receive personalized attention from the attorney handling the case, rather than having to talk through junior associates or support staff.
- We make ourselves available to talk whenever you need to, even during evenings and weekends.
If someone alleges that you violated a no-contact order or the police arrest you for a suspected violation, you need dedicated legal support to defend your rights and interests.
Contact William Proetta Criminal Law today for a free, confidential consultation to learn more about the importance of seeking experienced counsel and advocacy from an attorney for a no-contact order in Jersey City, NJ.