Domestic violence is viewed as physical abuse committed by someone you’re currently or previously in a relationship with. The incidents have been increasing significantly in New Jersey, and you can file a case. The cases carry severe penalties or restraining orders that might impact your daily life or opportunities. Therefore, you must learn how to prove the cases to win or dispute the allegations if it’s false.
Here are the tips to prove or dispute domestic violence allegations in New Jersey
1. Hire a Lawyer
Trying to handle domestic violence court proceedings alone is a big mistake. That’s because the complicated nature of evidence and the burden of proof can lead to undesirable outcomes. The best practice is to seek legal assistance by hiring a professional Domestic violence lawyer. The attorney will help you in various ways, including:
- Giving legal guidance: a domestic violence attorney knows the ins and outs of domestic violence laws in New Jersey. They will give you beneficial legal advice to help you win the case.
- Representing you in court: An experienced attorney will handle domestic violence laws successfully. They know enough about the judicial system to represent you and deliver positive outcomes.
- Gathering evidence: a domestic violence attorney will gather information to build your case. They will use the records to prove your case and form a strong defense strategy.
2. Prove That You’re In A Relevant Relationship With The Respondent
You must be in a personal relationship with the accused person for the court to consider an incident of domestic violence. The violence can be an intimate personal relationship between two parties, former partners, a family relationship, and an unofficial or informal care relationship.
3. Provide Physical Evidence
Juries in New Jersey will believe more objective facts than testimonies. You can prove you endured domestic violence seamlessly if you have physical evidence.
Some of the physical evidence you can produce include:
- Pictures and recordings: You can provide pictures of the injuries or record the incident. They will shed light on what happened and prove the domestic violence or show patterns of abuse. Also, if you went for medical treatment, you can take pictures and provide medical records to show the extent of the injuries.
- Text messages, emails, and voicemails: if you’re dealing with harassment, you can present text messages, emails, or voicemails. The information will show that there is domestic violence and prove an ongoing pattern of harassing conduct.
4. Have Witnesses
If there is a third party during the incident, you can call them to testify. Also, the responding officer can testify about their observation when they arrive. The witnesses will help you strengthen your case to prove or dispute the allegations. However, avoid false witnesses, which can ruin your case and incur penalties.
5. Show That You Need Protection
You’ll need to prove to the court that an order is necessary to protect you from domestic violence. Doing so will help you carry on with your life peacefully and safely.
Conclusion
Dealing with a domestic violence case in New Jersey can be challenging. You’ll have trouble proving your case and following complex laws. As a result, you might end up with negative or undesirable results. But if you follow the above tips, you can effectively prove a domestic violence incident.