Can I get a Restraining Order Against my Neighbor in NJ?

With offices in Hackensack, New Jersey

Restraining order against my neighbor in NJ

Many times clients contact our offices about whether or not they can file a restraining order against their neighbor who they believe is harassing them, etc. In most cases, you can’t but it depends on your prior relationship with that neighbor which will determine whether or not you have standing to obtain a temporary restraining order (TRO) under the domestic violence act.

If you or a loved one has a restraining order case in New Jersey and are in need of legal assistance, the Tormey Law Firm LLC can help. Our experienced restraining order attorneys have handled these types of cases in practically every county in the State of NJ and will provide you the best defense based on the facts of your case. As a result, our lawyers are ready and able to assist you with your restraining order case immediately. Contact our offices anytime for a free initial consultation at (908)-336-5008.

Travis J. Tormey has been cited in numerous publications including the Star Ledger, Daily Record, Bergen Record, Asbury Park Press and AOL News. He has also appeared as a legal expert on CBS radio with regards to domestic violence in New Jersey. Mr. Tormey has received numerous awards from the American Trial Lawyers Association and the National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys. He also received the clients choice awards from Avvo.com in ’13, ’14’, ’15, and ’16 and is a 10.0 rating. Our NJ restraining order lawyers handle matters throughout the State including in Lodi, Lyndhurst, Saddle Brook, Mahwah, Garfield, and Teaneck. Contact our offices now for immediate assistance at (908)-336-5008. The initial consultation is always provided free of charge.

Here is a review from one of the many satisfied clients of the Tormey Law Firm:

NJ Restraining Order Against Neighbor? Not likely.

Many potential clients contact our offices inquiring about their ability to file a restraining order against their neighbor. Unfortunately, that is not usually an option. To have standing to file a restraining order in New Jersey, you must be a victim of domestic violence under the prevention of domestic violence act. Basically, one of the following scenarios must apply to you in order to be eligible to file for a restraining order:

• You and the defendant were involved in a dating relationship at some point
• You and the defendant resided together at some point
• You and the defendant have a child in common

Thus, unless you were romantically involved with your next door neighbor at some point, you will not be permitted to file a restraining order against them. If you are roommates and live in the same apartment or even the same apartment building, then you may have standing to file for a restraining order.

However, you have be able to file criminal charges against your next door neighbor if appropriate. If the charges are filed, you can ask the judge for a “no-contact-order” as a condition of the defendant’s bail. This means that the defendant will not be able to contact you while the charges are pending. Then, if they are convicted and found guilty of the charges, you can ask the judge for a “no-contact-order” as part of the defendant’s sentence. This is different from a restraining order but will have a similar effect.

Some of the criminal charges that could be appropriate to file against your neighbor depending on the facts include:

• harassment
• simple assault
• terroristic threats
• trespassing
• criminal mischief
• lewdness
• disorderly conduct

I want a Protection Order Against my Neighbor – What can I do?

It is important that you consult with an experienced criminal attorney when determining which charges to file (if any). Contact the Tormey Law Firm for immediate assistance at (908)-336-5008.