Comment #: NJ5204
Rating:5.0
Comments:
I would like to respectfully share my experience with Judge Amy Lefkowitz during my attempt to obtain a Final Restraining Order (FRO) against my abuser in her courtroom. Despite Judge Lefkowitz‘s reputation for compassion and respect, my experience left me feeling unheard, unsupported, and further traumatized.

At the time of the hearing, I was in severe physical pain from injuries inflicted by my abuser and was heavily medicated on muscle relaxers. My distress was evident, yet I felt that my ADV attorney, Laura Strauss, did not effectively advocate for me. This lack of support from my legal consultant, coupled with my vulnerable state, made an already difficult process even more overwhelming.

I feel that Judge Lefkowitz acknowledged my discomfort, but unfortunately, without me explicitly requesting an adjournment, none was offered. My condition was not fully taken into account, which would have allowed me to present my case properly. Instead, I felt cornered and intimidated by both my abuser and his attorney, David Strouse. Under these extreme pressures, I was forced to accept a civil agreement with restrictions, even though it was not the justice or protection I sought.

As I continue to fight against litigation abuse and the ongoing trauma caused by my abuser’s perjury and unethical guidance from his lawyer, Judge Lefkowitz‘s failure to consider my distress only worsened my emotional and physical suffering. I was left to navigate the process alone, despite being a victim of domestic violence. This experience has highlighted the critical need for greater sensitivity and support for victims within the legal system.

Additionally, I raised concerns about my abuser’s non-compliance with prior orders, yet no action was taken. While I understand that civil agreements may fall outside the court’s jurisdiction, I believe that when a victim voices concerns about ongoing abuse and bad-faith actions, those concerns should be addressed with the seriousness they deserve.

This experience has underscored the urgent need for more support and understanding for victims of domestic violence, particularly those who are physically and emotionally incapacitated. The legal system should never leave vulnerable individuals to navigate their trauma alone. There must be a commitment to ensuring fair and just outcomes, especially for survivors who need protection and legal support.

I am still facing intimidation and retaliation from my abuser, guided by his attorney, David Krouse, through continued litigation abuse. This not only remains deeply unjust but also profoundly traumatizing to me as a victim of domestic violence who suffers from generalized anxiety and PTSD. Victims are entitled to the protections afforded by the Domestic Violence Act and the Criminal Protection Act, but how can these protections be effective when they are not enforced? How is that just or fair? The system must do more to ensure that victims of domestic abuse are provided with the support they need to fight for justice in an equitable manner, without the fear of being intimidated to testify as a witness and a victim.

Comment #: NJ5003
Rating:1.0
Comments:
Lefkowitz was my Guardian ad litem right before she became a judge. Totally incompetent!!!! She conducted her duties via phone never met the children in person (in a high conflict custody battle) because she was in another state at her parent's home while they took care of HER children. She told me that my ex husband beat me but not the children so therefore he's not abusive to them only to me. I have a 20 year history of DV with 22 restraining orders and was granted 2 final restraining orders. My ex husband was in excess of $20k in child support and never followed previous court orders. She thought this was the type of person suitable to raise my teenage son. My ex took me to court 4 times after finalizing my divorce to lower his $800 a month for each child. When he was repeatedly denied he picked up my son after not exercising his visitation for 2 years and never brought him home. At that point he didn't have overnight visits yet was able to essentially kidnap my son.. I can't even imagine what she like as a judge. She needs to be trained she's totally clueless. Her incompetence is dangerous. Due to her negligence I have seen my son 3 times in the last 3 years. She did not do her due diligence handling my case did nothing that was required in the court order telling me those things weren't her job yet were listed in the court order. She wasn't following what was going on with my son in school and would call me at 11pm the night before court totally unprepared. Not to mention her husband is a family lawyer in Bergen with a different last name. Then she assigns her "friend"as the therapist who is also incompetent. So if she doesn't like you it's a given the therapist will be in agreement with her. [Redacted by Ed.]