If you have a domestic violence charge on your record, it may be difficult to get an apartment. Fortunately, there are laws that protect victims of domestic violence and their landlords.
Before you move into your new apartment, consider these laws and keep them in mind. You can also seek advice from a criminal defense lawyer if you have questions.
What is the law?
Every 60 seconds, 20 Americans are hurt by their partner or a loved one. These injuries are often psychological, physical, financial, or sexual in nature. Survivors of domestic violence may face multiple legal issues ranging from criminal court proceedings to civil litigation in order to receive compensation for their losses.
The law against domestic violence is designed to protect people whose lives have been affected by abuse, both from their spouses or romantic partners and from other family members. The law also recognizes that some forms of abuse are more difficult to handle than others.
In Georgia, for example, there are specific laws that protect victims of domestic violence and their children from discrimination based on their status as a victim. For instance, you can’t be denied housing or forced to pay more for a rental property if you’re a victim of domestic violence. You can even get a protective order against a landlord who is refusing to rent to you or your children because of your status as a domestic violence victim.
There are some exceptions to these rules, however. For example, you could not be denied a rental if you’re a victim of spousal abuse or child abuse and you have an eviction notice in hand.
You can also file for a protective order in case the abuser continues to threaten you or your children. This can be an important step in gaining protection from your ex-spouse or partner and preventing them from abusing you again.
Finally, you should know that you can evict your abusive tenant for non-payment of rent as long as there’s an “express reason” for the non-payment and the abuser is no longer a threat to you or your children. There are many nonprofit charities that provide services for victims of domestic violence, so you might want to consider referring your tenant to one of these organizations.
If you are the victim of a violent crime, you should file a civil suit to recover damages for your losses and damages caused by the crime. These include medical bills, mental health care expenses, loss of income, child care expenses, and attorney’s fees. The court must then award restitution to help you cover these costs.
Can I get an apartment with a domestic violence charge?
If you are charged with domestic violence, it is important to speak with a domestic violence attorney before you sign any paperwork or move into an apartment. An attorney can help you determine what your rights are, what the consequences of a conviction might be and how to protect them.
Getting an apartment can be a stressful and confusing process, especially if you are arrested for domestic violence. Even if you think the charges against you are not true, you need an experienced attorney to ensure that you get justice and avoid serious penalties like jail time.
In New York City, police officers have a tough mandatory arrest policy when they investigate domestic violence, which means that you can be arrested and prosecuted without a chance to tell your side. In addition, if you give the police a statement about the incident, it can be used against you.
It is critical to have a lawyer when you go to court, because the prosecution is working hard to prove that you did commit the crime and that they are correct in charging you with it. This is why it is vital to have an attorney present during your arraignment (first appearance in court immediately after your arrest).
After the case is started, you may face a long list of punishments including prison time, probation, mandatory counseling and community services. You might also have an order of protection placed against you that prevents you from contacting your loved ones.
There are also many ways that a domestic violence conviction can impact your ability to find housing in the future. You could lose your home if you have an order of protection or a restraining order, and your job might be in jeopardy.
You might be unable to rent a home at all, and if you are an immigrant or have a child who is not American, you could be denied immigration or re-entry into the country. You might also be denied a loan to buy a home.
If you are a victim of domestic violence and you are on public housing, you may be eligible for a transfer to another apartment if your family size changes and you no longer meet the requirements for your current apartment size. To request a transfer, contact the agency that administers your Section 8 assistance.
Can I get an apartment with a restraining order?
If you are a victim of domestic violence, or if you are the abuser’s spouse, child or other dependent, you may be able to end your lease under New Jersey’s Safe Housing Act. This law prohibits landlords from discriminating against you because of your status as a victim of domestic violence. If you have a rental voucher through the Housing Authority, the Housing Authority may help you move out and into another apartment.
You can also get a temporary restraining order. This can give you immediate protection from the other person and gives you time to build a case in court for a final restraining order.
Once you have an order, it is in effect for a limited period of time (up to five years) until the judge decides whether to let you get a permanent restraining order. If you have a permanent restraining order, it is in effect permanently unless the other person asks the court to vacate it.
The court will usually schedule a hearing for you and the other person. At the hearing, you can share any evidence with the judge and tell the judge why you need a restraining order. The judge will decide if you need a restraining order and what the terms of the restraining order should be.
When you are going to court for a restraining order, it is important to know that New York courts require the other party to be served with the court papers and appear in court when they are called to do so. It is also helpful to have a lawyer who is experienced in family and criminal courts who can represent you in court, especially if you are being charged with a crime.
In addition, the New Jersey Department of Human Services publishes a booklet on how to obtain an order for protection. It includes instructions on how to complete the paperwork and turn it in to the court.
If you are a tenant who has a domestic violence charge, you must notify your landlord of the situation in writing within 90 days of the incident. You must include a copy of the valid restraining order or a report from a qualified third party. You must also provide the name of the person who abused you or your children.
Can I get an apartment with a stalking charge?
When it comes to getting an apartment, your best bet is to tell your potential landlord everything you can about yourself. This will help you avoid the pitfalls of being turned down for an apartment, which can be devastating to your finances.
A good landlord will ask you about your employment, education, and other relevant details to ensure that you can pay the rent on time and in full. They will also want to know if you have any criminal convictions that could negatively impact their property or affect your ability to pay the rent.
If you have a charge for domestic violence, your best bet is to get the help of an experienced attorney as soon as possible to help you navigate the court system and keep your job, education, and life on track. This can be especially important if you are a police officer, firefighter, pilot, health care worker, teacher or military person.
For instance, if you are arrested for a domestic violence related crime such as harassment or stalking you may have a tough time finding work again if your employer knows about your arrest or if you have to make several court appearances that require you to miss work. This will also be a problem if you are trying to get into the military or other professional school or training.
As you can see, there is a lot to keep in mind when it comes to getting an apartment with a domestic violence charge on your record. The best way to avoid these pitfalls is to be as honest and upfront with your landlord as possible, and make sure that you have a competent attorney on your side.