New Jersey Roommate Violence Lawyer
Domestic violence can be against a roommate if it is someone that lives in a home, and the regular statutes for domestic violence and assault. As long as the parties are living together and they are over the age of 18, then it may be applicable to secure a restraining order or a protective order. If you have been attacked by someone you cohabitate with, you may need help from a New Jersey roommate violence lawyer to get the legal protection you need. There is no reason to endure this alone, and with a dedicated domestic abuse lawyer at your side, you may be able to get help from the court and prevent further harm.
Common Types of Roommate Violence
Roommate violence in New Jersey could be physical, harassment, stalking, assault, or terroristic threats. Anything that qualifies under the domestic violence statute would be applicable to roommates as well. Some forms of roommate violence can be very severe, leading to permanent injury or lasting effects.
In order to secure a restraining order under the Domestic Violence Act, there must be a predicate act meaning that something recent has happened. A person cannot report something that happened months ago and expect a court protective order or legal relief.
Secondly, the person must fear for their immediate safety and wellbeing. If someone has been living with a roommate for a long period of time and they get into a fistfight, but they make up six months later and things are going well, they will likely be barred from receiving court protection for something that happened that far in the past. If a victim has been harmed by their roommate and reasonably believes that they are still in danger, they should immediately contact law enforcement to protect their immediate welfare.
Let an Attorney Help Protect You from Your Roommate
If someone is found guilty and a final restraining order is issued against them, they could lose their professional licenses. It would show up on a background check.
When you are seeking a restraining order against their roommate could consult with a lawyer and go over the facts. Our lawyers could advise and elicit the information to determine whether or not you would likely prevail if you were to file a restraining order. The lawyer would go over all of the facts with the individuals so that they could go to the court and secure a temporary restraining order.
Once you have the temporary restraining order, you would have to return for a hearing for a restraining order. At that point, our attorneys could help you strategize the best way to protect yourself moving forward, and what legal action to take. You deserve to be safe in your own home. Just like an abusive spouse could face legal repercussions, a roommate who has hurt, harassed, or abused you deserves to be handled legally.
To get started on getting an emergency protective order, call a New Jersey roommate violence lawyer right away. Our attorneys and a judge are here to help you when you need.
