Partner Kelly Jones Howell recently convinced a New Jersey court to dismiss criminal charges against a 25-year woman arrested on an alleged violation of a Family Court temporary restraining order (TRO). The TRO was put in place as the result of a landlord’s attempt to evict our client from an illegal boardinghouse when traditional landlord tenant remedies were not available due to Covid-19 eviction moratoriums.

Kelly presented evidence that (1) there was no violation of the TRO as the alleged violation took place before our client was properly served, and (2) the TRO was ultimately dismissed by the court as an improper attempt to circumvent landlord tenant procedures. Kelly was appointed to handle the case on a pro bono basis by the Superior Court in New Jersey. We are glad to bring closure for our client who was the real victim of the matter.

Kelly is co-leader of our Medical and Life Sciences practice group.