A North Carolina judge recently granted a restraining order against Kevin Olsen of Wayne, New Jersey. Olsen has been accused of raping the victim in this case. Accordingly, a judge has issued a domestic violence order of protection that prohibits Olsen from any contact with the alleged victim, whether that contact comes in person, electronically, or over the phone. The restraining order further requires Olsen to stay away from the woman’s home, workplace, and school, in addition to prohibiting the purchase or possession of a firearm. Unlike a New Jersey restraining order, which is permanent, Olsen’s domestic violence order of protection is temporary and valid until March 8, 2018.

The domestic violence case against Olsen arises from an incident on February 19, 2017, when Olsen allegedly argued with the victim, punched her in the face, and sexually assaulted her. As a result, Olsen was arrested and charged with felony forcible rape, cyberstalking, forced sex, and assault. Olsen and the victim were dating at the time.

Facts similar to these, had they occurred in New Jersey, would have provided standing to the victim to file for a temporary restraining order (TRO) in New Jersey’s family courts. In fact, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2C:25-19(d), a victim of domestic violence is any person who is 18 years of age or older or who is an emancipated minor and who has been subjected to domestic violence by a spouse, former spouse, or any other person who is a present or former household members; or any person, regardless of age, who has been subjected to domestic violence by a person with whom the victim has a child in common, or with whom the victim anticipates having a child in common if one of the parties is pregnant; or any person who has been subjected to domestic violence by a person with whom the victim has had a dating relationship. Insofar as a person falls within the definition of “victim of domestic violence,” he or she can apply for a domestic violence restraining order in New Jersey.

The key difference between Olsen’s case and a case in New Jersey is that a final restraining order (FRO) in New Jersey is permanent – it does not expire after the passage of time, under any circumstance. Additional consequences of a final restraining order are potential fines, mandatory fingerprinting, entry on the state’s domestic violence database, psychological or therapeutic services, and a prohibition on purchasing or possessing firearms.

Domestic Violence Restraining Order in Wayne, NJ

The bottom line is that a final restraining order in New Jersey has far-reaching consequences. If you are accused of domestic violence, served with a temporary restraining order, and required to attend a final restraining order hearing in the New Jersey Superior Court, Family Part, there is a lot on the line. That’s why you should not hesitate to contact the restraining order defense lawyers at the Tormey Law Firm.