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Legal Information: New Jersey

Restraining Orders

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Updated: 
January 8, 2024

What if the abuser violates the order?

If someone purposely or knowingly violates a sexual assault restraining order, s/he could be committing the crime of contempt and guilty of a “disorderly persons offense.”  If when violating the order, s/he also committed a crime or a disorderly persons offense, then s/he can be guilty of a crime of the fourth degree.1  

You can call 911 immediately and the police may arrest the abuser.  If the police do not have sufficient facts to arrest the abuser, you can file a criminal complaint in municipal court.2

1 NJSA §§ 2C:14-18(a); 2C:29-9(d)
2 NJSA § 2C:14-18(b)