Consequences of Assault Charges in New Jersey

June 17, 2021

Simple Assault Penalties in New Jersey — If you were arrested for assault in NJ, call the Summit criminal defense lawyers at Zegas Law for help.

Assault charges in New Jersey can’t be taken lightly. An assault conviction can lead to jail time and a permanent record.

Assault Charges in New Jersey

If you are dealing with assault charges in New Jersey, your specific charges may vary based on a few factors. For one, there are two different types of assault to understand:

Simple Assault

Simple assault is criminal behavior that involves a person attempting to or causing, bodily injury to another person. This may be in combination with a deadly weapon or a threat. In New Jersey, simple assault is a disorderly persons offense. This means that it could lead to a maximum of six months in jail. A simple assault charge can also carry with it a $1,000 fine.

Aggravated Assault

Aggravated assault is an attempt or action of causing serious bodily harm to another person. This may include the use of a deadly weapon or displaying indifference to life. Aggravated assault usually carries heavier legal consequences than simple assault charges. Aggravated assault can be classified as a second, third, or fourth-degree crime, which will further affect the legal consequences. Aggravated assault charges carry the following maximum consequences:

Second-degree charge: Legal consequences between 5-10 years in prison and fines up to $150,000
Third-degree charge: Legal consequences between 3-5 years in prison and fines up to $15,000
Fourth-degree charge: Legal consequences of up to 18 months in prison and fines up to $10,000

With aggravated assault charges, it is not uncommon for offenders to receive additional consequences. This includes restitution, probation, or even a loss of weapon or voting rights.

Additional Factors That Affect the Consequences

There are additional factors that can affect the legal outcome. One of these is the difference between substantial bodily injury or serious bodily injury. The impact of the assault charges on the victim will determine the severity of charges you receive.

Another factor is whether or not the defendant has priors. Previous assault charges can worsen your sentencing, leading to a higher likeliness of receiving the maximum consequences.

Your Options Following Assault Charges

Assault charges, whether they are simple or aggravated charges, can negatively impact the rest of your life. Depending on the details of your charges, you may have options available to either have the charge reduced or in some cases, dropped altogether.

A few defenses that may be available include self-defense or a lack of crime. In a case of self-defense, you might argue that your behaviors were justified out of fear of your, or someone else’s, safety. If there is an alibi that can prove that you were not at the scene during the crime, then we may even argue that you are not guilty.

It is best to talk with a criminal defense lawyer who is familiar with New Jersey’s lawyers to build your defense case.

Dealing With Criminal Assault Charges?

If you are dealing with criminal assault charges, it is important that you reach out to an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. This gives them enough time to build your case.

Contact an Experienced Union County Criminal Defense Lawyer About Your Criminal Assault Charges in New Jersey

Were you arrested or charged with assault in New Jersey? The consequences of a conviction could be severe, leaving you with a permanent criminal record and possibly even sending you to jail. That is why you need to speak with a qualified criminal defense attorney as soon as possible about your case. The attorneys at Zegas Law have successfully represented clients charged with assault charges in Union County, Essex County, and throughout New Jersey. Call (973) 379-1999 or fill out the online contact form to schedule a consultation with a member of our legal team. We have an office conveniently located at 60 Morris Turnpike, Summit, NJ 07901.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.

Disorderly conduct consists of any improper behavior such as fighting, threats of violence, or creating a dangerous atmosphere.

Fearless
“Alan Zegas represented me in a high-profile criminal case. He has a brilliant mind, with strong institutional knowledge and an extraordinary command of the law. He was detail oriented, an enormously strategic thinker, fearless, compassionate, personally accessible on a 24/7 basis, and was all in for me. He was always well prepared and often could see things that others did not. Most importantly, he provided an honest and straightforward assessment of the facts. Alan acted entirely in my best interest, without regard to running up billable hours or moving my case into an unwinnable position. He was always kind, but never hesitant to be blunt and forthcoming. He exuded competence and professionalism at every moment throughout the process.”
Extremely Thorough
“Alan is a master of the art of law, is extremely thorough and meticulous to every detail. He speaks softly but carries a big stick. It is obvious that he is given a great deal of respect in the court room. I knew I was in the best of hands from the get go. For such matters, you need the very best. Alan earned my complete trust. There are a great deal of firms out there with many partners, and associates. Alan is a solo guy, so you know your case is getting his personal attention. As an example, he was always accessible by phone or text. I am grateful for everything he did for me.”

1 / 2