There was a hostage situation in Bayonne, New Jersey, on July 5, 2021. A woman was taken hostage and recovered at the intersection of Avenue E and 32nd Street.
Police responded to the scene with firearms and body armor and were able to successfully retrieve the hostage. Initially, there were reports of a hostage in the Secaucus apartment building, which led to police escorting neighbors out for safety. However, upon further investigation, police do not believe that the woman was held hostage inside of the building.
After they inspected the building and learned that the woman was not in the building, they pinged the suspect’s phone and learned that he was driving. They were able to apprehend the suspect and the potential hostage. They now believe that the situation was due to a domestic dispute.
Domestic Dispute Charges in New Jersey
Domestic violence charges and their potential consequences range in New Jersey, depending on the type of charge. Here are a few types of domestic violence:
- Harassment
- Assault
- Terroristic threats
- Criminal mischief
- Criminal restraint
- False imprisonment
- Burglary
- Sexual conduct
These are only a few of the potential types of domestic violence. The case above likely will include charges of criminal restraint or false imprisonment. However, further investigation is needed. It is also possible for the charges to include kidnapping. A kidnapping charge in New Jersey can lead to up to 30 years in prison.
Domestic violence charges can also be categorized as a misdemeanor or felony charge. The level of your charges significantly affects the consequences. It can include different categories of charges too, which include:
- Fourth-degree charge: A maximum of 18 months in a New Jersey state prison
- Third-degree charge: A maximum of 3-5 years of prison time
- Second-degree charge: A maximum of 5-10 years of prison time
- First-degree charge: Up to 20 years of prison time
Additionally, restraining orders are a common part of domestic violence cases, which prevent the defendant from coming near the victim. While this is done to protect the victim from further domestic violence, it can also make it so the defendant is unable to visit with children. This can be especially problematic if the accusations are wrong.
Restraining orders in New Jersey are issued in two levels. The first order is temporary and allows the local courts to investigate the issue further. If the court rules, then a final restraining order is issued. This is a permanent restraining order that is not typically overturned.
Why You Need a Domestic Violence Lawyer You Can Trust
New Jersey is strict when it comes to domestic violence cases. While this is in an attempt to protect spouses from injury, it can make it difficult to navigate a case if you are not guilty. Domestic violence charges, or even a restraining order, can affect your reputation, as well as your living options. It may also affect your child custody case. If you are dealing with domestic dispute or kidnapping charges, you need a criminal defense lawyer that you can trust to build your case.
Contact an Experienced Trenton Criminal Defense Lawyer About Your Domestic Dispute Charges in New Jersey
Were you arrested or charged with a domestic dispute or violence in New Jersey? The consequences of a conviction could be severe, leaving you with a permanent criminal record and possibly even sending you to jail. That is why you need to speak with a qualified criminal defense attorney as soon as possible about your case. The attorneys at The Davis Law Firm, LLC have successfully represented clients charged with domestic violence in Trenton, Princeton, Ewing, Hopewell, and throughout New Jersey. Call (609) 498-7722 or fill out the online contact form to schedule a consultation with a member of our legal team. We have an office conveniently located at 2653 Nottingham Way, Hamilton Township, NJ 08619.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
