NJ A4476

Courts must issue restraining orders prohibiting defendants charged with crimes from entering locations where the alleged crime occurred, where witnesses reside, or related premises as a condition of pretrial release on bail, bond, or personal recognizance

Restraining orders include a buffer zone of up to 500 feet surrounding the prohibited location, with courts able to modify the zone or permit limited entry for specific purposes like attending school

Defendants may avoid a restraining order only by proving with clear and convincing evidence that they lawfully reside at or have legitimate business at the location, or that the order would cause serious injustice to innocent persons

Violations subject defendants to civil contempt, criminal contempt, or revocation of bail, probation, or parole, and law enforcement may arrest anyone with probable cause of violating the order

Orders issued before trial remain in effect until case adjudication or dismissal (up to two years), while post-conviction orders can last up to the maximum imprisonment term for the underlying offense