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Legal Information: New Jersey

Restraining Orders

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Laws current as of October 23, 2024

What if the abuser violates the order?

If someone purposely or knowingly violates a protective order for sexual offenses, stalking, or cyber-harassment, s/he could be guilty of the crime of contempt. When violating the order, if s/he also committed another crime or a disorderly persons offense, then the punishment for the crime of contempt could increase.1 You can read more about the punishment for the crime of contempt on our Selected New Jersey Statutes page.

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 N.J. Stat. §§ 2C:14-18(a); 2C:29-9(d)
2 N.J. Stat. § 2C:14-18(b)

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