Governor Christie Signs New Domestic Violence Law
Governor Chris Christie has signed into law legislation that imposes additional bail restrictions in cases involving domestic violence. According to a news report in The Associated Press, the bill no longer allows individuals accused of violating domestic violence-related restraining orders from posting 10 percent of their bail for release.
Under the new law, those who allegedly violate a restraining order will have to post the full amount or have a bail bond secured by real property equal to the bail amount and an additional $20,000. Proponents of the bill believe that this new law will protect victims of domestic violence by penalizing repeat offenders.
Violating a domestic violence NJ restraining order stemming from a conviction carries severe penalties. Under New Jersey law, individuals convicted of a "second or subsequent non-indictable domestic violence contempt offense shall serve a minimum term of not less than 30 days.
The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence reports that approximately 1.3 million women in the United States are victims of domestic abuse each year.
It is crucial that the authorities do everything in their power to protect victims of domestic abuse. It is also important that the rights of defendants are protected and that individuals are not held without reasonable bail options because of false allegations.
The skilled New Jersey domestic violence defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have years of experience successfully handling cases in New Jersey. If you or a loved one has been charged with domestic violence or with violating a restraining order in the state of New Jersey, please call our offices at (609) 240-0040 to discuss your legal options.
