Somerville Domestic Violence Defense Attorney
Allegations of domestic violence move quickly and carry serious, immediate consequences. You may be forced out of your home, restricted from seeing your children, and facing criminal charges — sometimes all before you have had a chance to tell your side of the story. As a Somerville domestic violence defense attorney, Christopher G. Olsen represents people accused in both restraining order hearings and related criminal cases in Somerville and courts throughout Somerset, Morris, and Middlesex Counties.
From the moment you reach out, you will work directly with Christopher. He explains your options, prepares you for each hearing, and builds a defense strategy designed to protect your rights, your record, and your future.
Accused of Domestic Violence in Somerville or Nearby?
Domestic violence accusations can arise suddenly — after a heated argument, a difficult breakup, or a misunderstanding that escalates into police involvement. An initial temporary restraining order (TRO) can be granted quickly, sometimes based only on one person’s version of events. You may be ordered to stay away from your own home, unable to see your children, and worried about criminal charges, your job, and your reputation.
You do not have to navigate this alone. Christopher’s role is to listen carefully to what happened, review the complaint and any police reports, and help you understand exactly what is at stake in both the restraining order proceedings and any related criminal case. He works to make sure your side of the story is heard and that your rights are protected at every stage.
Common New Jersey Domestic Violence Matters We Handle
Temporary and Final Restraining Orders (TRO / FRO)
A temporary restraining order can be issued quickly and set for a final hearing on short notice. Christopher prepares you for that hearing, gathers documents and witnesses when appropriate, and challenges the allegations through cross-examination and legal argument.
Criminal Charges Arising From Domestic Disputes
Allegations of assault, harassment, terroristic threats, stalking, or related offenses may be filed alongside or separate from a restraining order. Christopher defends these charges in municipal and superior courts, examining the evidence, identifying weaknesses in the state’s case, and pursuing the most favorable outcome available.
Violations of Restraining Orders (Contempt)
Alleged violations of an existing restraining order can bring additional charges and penalties. Christopher examines what actually happened, whether there was a misunderstanding or unintentional contact, and how best to address the accusations while minimizing further consequences.
Cases Involving Exaggerated or False Allegations
Sometimes accusations are overstated, incomplete, or used as leverage in an ongoing breakup, divorce, or custody dispute. While every case is unique, Christopher looks for inconsistencies and missing context in statements, texts, emails, and other evidence to expose weaknesses in the claims being made against you.
Domestic Violence Allegations With Family-Law Overlap
Restraining orders can affect parenting time, access to the home, and broader family-law issues. Christopher helps you understand how the domestic violence proceedings interact with any existing or potential family matters so you can coordinate your legal strategy responsibly.
Cases Involving Alcohol, Mental Health, or Substance Use Concerns
Some domestic incidents occur in the context of alcohol, drug use, or mental health struggles. In appropriate cases, Christopher seeks solutions that take these underlying issues into account and, where possible, pursues outcomes that focus on treatment and long-term stability, not just punishment.
What To Expect From Your New Jersey Domestic Violence Defense
Domestic violence cases are about more than just legal rules — they involve relationships, emotions, and often long histories between the people involved. Christopher’s approach balances strong courtroom advocacy with careful attention to the practical realities you are facing.
You can expect:
- A thorough review of the complaint and evidence
Christopher goes through the domestic violence complaint, police reports, photographs, texts, and other documents to understand the full picture, not just what is written in a few lines on a form. - Preparation for hearings and testimony
Restraining order hearings move quickly, and the outcome can have long-lasting effects. Christopher prepares you for what to expect, including how testimony works, what questions may be asked, and how to present your side clearly and respectfully. - Clear explanation of your risks and options
You will receive straightforward explanations about the potential consequences of a final restraining order, criminal convictions, or negotiated resolutions. Christopher discusses possible paths — from contesting the allegations at a hearing to exploring carefully structured agreements where appropriate. - Respect for your privacy and dignity
Domestic violence allegations are deeply personal. Christopher treats your situation with discretion and respect, maintaining confidentiality and focusing on the future you want to build after the case is resolved. - A plan designed around your life, not just the case number
Whether your priority is keeping a professional license, preserving your parental rights, staying in your home, or protecting your immigration status, Christopher builds a defense strategy with those priorities in mind.
Understanding the New Jersey Domestic Violence Process
| Stage | What It Typically Involves | How a Lawyer Helps |
|---|---|---|
| Incident and initial report | An argument or incident leads to police involvement or a complaint filed in court. A temporary restraining order may be issued, and criminal charges may be filed. | Your lawyer explains the immediate orders in place, clarifies what you can and cannot do, and begins gathering your account of what happened. |
| Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) | A TRO can restrict contact, remove you from the home, and affect access to children or belongings. A final hearing is usually scheduled quickly. | Your lawyer reviews the allegations, helps you comply with the order, and starts preparing for the final hearing or exploring other options. |
| Final Restraining Order (FRO) hearing | The court hears testimony and reviews evidence to decide whether to issue a final order with long-term consequences. | Your lawyer cross-examines witnesses, presents evidence on your behalf, and argues the legal standards that must be met before a final order is imposed. |
| Related criminal case | Separate but connected criminal charges may proceed on a different track in municipal or superior court. | Your lawyer evaluates plea options, motions, and defenses, coordinating strategy with the restraining order case to protect your overall interests. |
Domestic violence cases can be confusing because different courts and procedures may be involved. While every situation is different, most cases follow a general pattern. Knowing the basic steps can help you understand why acting quickly — and with legal guidance — is so important.
Common Questions About New Jersey Domestic Violence Allegations
What happens after a temporary restraining order is issued against me?
A temporary restraining order usually takes effect immediately and may require you to stay away from the alleged victim, your home, and other locations. It often sets a date for a final hearing. Until the court changes the order, you must follow it strictly. Christopher explains the conditions, helps you avoid accidental violations, and prepares you for the next steps.
Is a restraining order the same as a criminal conviction?
No, a restraining order is a civil order, not a criminal conviction. However, it can still have serious consequences, including limits on where you can go, what contact you can have, and potential impacts on employment, professional licenses, and certain legal rights. Violating a restraining order can lead to criminal charges. Christopher helps you understand how the order affects you and what options you have to challenge it.
Do I have to testify at my final restraining order hearing?
Whether you should testify is a strategic decision that depends on the facts of your case and any related criminal charges. In some situations, testifying may help present your side; in others, it may create risks in a parallel criminal case. Christopher discusses the pros and cons with you carefully before making a recommendation.
What if the person who asked for the restraining order wants to drop it?
The court, not the other person, makes the final decision about whether a restraining order will remain in place. Even if the complainant expresses a desire to drop the order, the judge may still hold a hearing or ask questions. Christopher guides you through this process and helps you present your position to the court in a way that respects both legal requirements and safety concerns.
Will a domestic violence finding stay on my record forever?
A final restraining order in New Jersey can have long-lasting effects, and domestic-violence-related criminal convictions can show up on background checks. The specific impact depends on the outcome of your case and any later changes in the law. Christopher can explain the potential long-term consequences and discuss whether any future relief might be available based on your circumstances.
Need a Somerville Domestic Violence Defense Attorney?
Domestic violence allegations touch every part of your life — your home, your relationships, your work, and your reputation. The sooner you have a focused domestic violence defense attorney protecting your rights, the more options you may have.
If you are facing a restraining order hearing or domestic-violence-related criminal charges in Somerset, Morris, or Middlesex Counties, reach out to discuss your situation and your goals. Christopher is ready to listen, explain your options, and start building a strategy tailored to you.