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Legal Information: New Jersey

Statutes: New Jersey

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Updated: 
January 8, 2024

2C:14-18. Violation of protective order as contempt

a. A respondent’s violation of any protective order issued pursuant to P.L.2015, c. 147 (C.2C:14-13 et al.) shall constitute an offense under subsection d. of N.J.S.2C:29-9 and each order shall so state. All contempt proceedings brought pursuant to subsection d. of N.J.S.2C:29-9 shall be subject to any rules or guidelines established by the Supreme Court to promote the prompt disposition of criminal matters.

b. Where a victim alleges that a respondent has committed contempt of a protective order entered pursuant to the provisions of P.L.2015, c. 147 (C.2C:14-13 et al.), but a law enforcement officer has found that the facts are insufficient to establish probable cause to arrest the respondent, the law enforcement officer shall advise the victim of the procedure for completing and signing a criminal complaint alleging a violation of subsection d. of N.J.S.2C:29-9 through the municipal court. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent the court from granting any other emergency relief it deems necessary.

c. If a respondent is charged with a non-indictable offense pursuant to paragraph (2) of subsection d. of N.J.S.2C:29–9 as a result of a violation of a protective order entered pursuant to P.L.2015, c. 147 (C.2C:14–13 et al.), the contempt proceedings for the non-indictable offense shall be heard in the Superior Court.