Another act of domestic violence was reported in the City of Trenton late last week. This time, the Defendant, a twenty-two year old male, is alleged to have broken into the mother of his child’s home, which is located on Prospect Street. While doing so, not only did the Defendant allegedly assault the victim but also is said to have ransacked the entire home.
According to the reports from the Trentonian, the incident occurred Thursday evening around 8:15 pm when the Defendant randomly showed up at the victim’s home. The victim reports that she originally answered the door not knowing who was there. When she learned it was the Defendant, she attempted to shut the door, but he was still able to force entry. Once inside the home, the Defendant began choking the victim until another individual was finally able physically remove him from the home.
By the time that the police arrived, the Defendant had already fled the scene. However, by the end of the next day, the Defendant was picked up on the active warrant. He has formally charged with burglary in the third degree and simple assault, which is a disorderly person offense. Criminal mischief charges may be forthcoming as well. It is also unknown at this point in time whether or not the victim obtained a temporary restraining order.
The Defendant was most likely taken to the Mercer County Jail, which is located in Trenton. Since it is an act of domestic violence, pretrial services must conduct an investigation before the Mercer County prosecutor’s office can determine whether they would like to file for a detention hearing. If they file for a detention hearing, that means that they will be seeking to detain the Defendant in the Mercer County Jail, without bail pending trail. For more information on detention hearings in New Jersey, please contact our office at 609-789-0779.
Domestic Violence Charges in Trenton New Jersey
It seems like each and every year the number of domestic violence arrests are constantly on the rise. In New Jersey, domestic violence offenses can be considered both criminal and civil, if the victim files for a restraining order as well. All domestic violence criminal matters will be litigated in the local municipal court, in the municipality where the incident occurred, provided the offense is considered a disorderly persons offense. If the offense is considered an felony offense, then the matter will be heard in the Superior Court in the county where the incident happened. Some of the most common domestic violence criminal matters that we handle at Keith Oliver Criminal Law are aggravated assault, harassment, stalking, terroristic threats and false imprisonment. With that being said, all restraining orders will be litigated in the Chancery Court, family division. These hearings are separate and apart from any of the criminal offenses that someone may be facing following a domestic violence incident. Although they are separate and apart the underlying facts will be used to litigate both matters, that is why we strongly recommend that if you or a loved one finds themselves in this situation that you speak to an attorney who is qualified to handle both matters. If you would like to speak to one of our Mercer County Domestic Violence lawyers today about your options, then please contact us at 609-789-0779.
Trenton NJ Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer
It should be no surprise to hear that New Jersey takes domestic violence offenses very seriously. If you have been accused of an act of domestic violence in Mercer County, in towns like Princeton, Lawrenceville, Ewing, Hamilton, West Windsor or Hightstown, the Keith Oliver Criminal Law can help. If you would like to set up a free initial consultation with one Mercer County criminal defense lawyers, then please contact us at 609-789-0779.
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