What is Integrated Domestic Violence Court?

Integrated Domestic Violence Court is a special Hybrid Part of Supreme Court which empowers a Family Court Judge to sit as a Criminal Court Judge for the adjudication of the criminal domestic violence; a Family Court Judge for the purpose of deciding Custody, Visitation and Orders of Protection, and; in the case where the parties are married, a Supreme Court Judge for the purpose of dissolving the marriage, distributing the assets and debts of the marital estate and issues of maintenance.

My Extensive IDV Experience – Assigned Counsel Panels

I have practiced on the many Assigned Counsel Panels including the Family Court Panel; Misdemeanor Criminal Panel and Felony Criminal Panel. As such, I have been assigned to more than a few cases in this part. My experience lets the judge know that if necessary, I can and will litigate every aspect of a matter to get my client their most favorable disposition.

Why You Need an Experienced IDV Lawyer

This is not a Part anyone wants to have their matter heard. Should you find yourself in this court, you really need someone with extensive experience in such matters. Cases do not originate in this part. This part is an attempt to streamline matters of Domestic violence so that matters didn’t have to be litigated twice, once criminally and the second time to determine what outcome is in the best interest of the child pending the criminal determination. The Family Court Matter should follow the Criminal Matter. An experienced lawyer, like myself would know to explain to the Judge that if both cases are dependent on the same facts, the criminal matter has the highest burden of proof and that a Family Court Finding of Fact based on a Preponderance of the Evidence Standard could unduly prejudice the criminal matter.

How IDV Cases Work in Rockland County

All cases in this Part have a criminal charge attached to them. The Family Court regularly prosecutes Family Offenses such as matters with Orders of Protection so cases in this Part are more severe usually and are removed from the local Justice Court and all related matters are resolved in the IDV Part. Once a case is assigned to IDV they never return to their original court during the tenancy of that instant action. They are assigned a new Docket Number and there is an Order generated removing the matter from the local criminal court. At a later date a party could go back to the Family Court to argue custody without going back to the Integrated Domestic Violence Court, but not until a final order has been issued by Integrated Domestic Violence Court.

Rockland County IDV Court – Key Facts

Location: Rockland County Supreme Court, 1 South Main Street, New City, NY 10956
Jurisdiction: All domestic violence cases from Clarkstown, Ramapo, Orangetown, Stony Point Justice Courts
Judge Role: ONE JUDGE handles criminal + family + matrimonial matters
Timeline: Criminal first → Family second → Matrimonial last
Your Advantage: 28+ years on ALL three panels (Family, Misdemeanor, Felony)

IDV Burden of Proof Strategy

Criminal Matter: Beyond a Reasonable Doubt (highest standard)
Family Court: Preponderance of Evidence (51% standard)

MY STRATEGY: Delay Family Court findings until criminal resolution to PROTECT your criminal case from prejudice.

Common IDV Charges I Defend in Rockland County

Criminal Charge

Family Offense

IDV Outcome Strategy

Assault 3rd (Misdemeanor)

Harassment 2nd

Plea to violation

Criminal Contempt 1st

Violation of Order

Dismissal with program

Strangulation 2nd (Felony)

Family Offense

Diversion + counseling

Stalking 2nd

Aggravated Harassment

Conditional discharge

Why Paul Silk Cooper for Your Rockland County IDV Case

28+ Years Experience:

  • Assigned Counsel: Family + Misdemeanor + Felony Panels

  • IDV Cases: Dozens successfully resolved

  • Rockland County Supreme Court: Known by every IDV judge

  • Success Rate: 85% favorable dispositions

Located: 151 N Main St, New City, NY 10956 (2 blocks from IDV Court)

The IDV Process Timeline

  1. Arrest → Local Justice Court (Clarkstown/Ramapo)

  2. Transfer to IDV (7-14 days)

  3. Criminal Resolution (3-6 months)

  4. Family Court Orders (6-9 months)

  5. Matrimonial (if married) (9-18 months)

Total: 6-18 months – ONE JUDGE = FASTER RESOLUTION

No One Wants to Be in IDV Court

No wants to find themselves in this Part. Cases don’t originate in this Part. Should you find yourself here, call me, I can help. I have the experience to protect you.

IDV CASE EVALUATION – Call Paul Silk Cooper NOW

28+ Years Protecting Rockland County Families in IDV Court

Integrated Domestic Violence Court

Practice Areas