NJ A565

Adds a new civil penalty of $1,500 (payable at $500/year for 3 years) for persons found to have committed domestic violence at final hearing, in addition to the existing $50-$500 penalty

Increases the surcharge for criminal convictions involving domestic violence from $100 to $500, with funds redirected from the Department of Human Services to the Department of Children and Families

Creates a new penalty of $500 for first-time violations of domestic violence restraining orders and $1,000 for subsequent violations

Establishes the "Domestic Violence Victims' Legal Assistance Fund" to collect revenue from the new penalties and increased surcharges, with funds distributed to organizations providing direct legal services to domestic violence victims

Allows courts to reduce, suspend, or modify penalties, order community service, or waive penalties entirely for offenders demonstrating financial hardship or inability to pay