South Jersey Assault Attorney

If you have been arrested on an assault charge in New Jersey, you need straight answers from an attorney you can trust.

Generally speaking, assault refers to causing or attempting to cause some level of bodily injury to another person. In New Jersey there are two main types of assault charges.

Most simple assault charges are on the disorderly persons offense level. The maximum sentence of imprisonment authorized for a disorderly persons offense is six months and the maximum fine authorized is $1,000.

Aggravated assault is more serious and is defined as a crime. Generally speaking, aggravated assault involves causing or attempting to cause serious bodily injury or bodily injury with a deadly weapon. Additionally, an offense that would constitute simple assault when committed against certain persons acting in the performance of their duties, such as law enforcement officers, firemen, D.Y.F.S workers and judges, can be charged as an aggravated assault.

Depending upon the alleged circumstances, aggravated assault can be charged as a second, third or fourth degree crime. Aggravated assault charges are dealt with in the Superior Courts. Second degree aggravated assault is subject to the No Early Release Act, meaning that a person convicted must serve 85% of his or her prison sentence before they are released on parole. Once released they are required to serve a minimum of three years on parole.

There are defenses in an assault case, for example:

• Your state of mind can be a part of your defense. Did you knowingly or purposely cause the injury?
• Was it self defense?
• Does the level of injury amount to that which is required for the specific crime charged?

Our lawyers are willing and able to try assault cases. We will make a recommendation whether to try the case or take a plea bargain to lesser charges, but the final choice is always yours. Our assault defense lawyers serve clients throughout South Jersey, including but not limited to Atlantic, Cape May, Camden, Gloucester, Cumberland and Salem counties, as well as the cities of Northfield, Atlantic City, Cape May Court House, and Toms River.

Learn More about Assault:

Assault Information Page

Free initial consultation: Contact an experienced New Jersey criminal defense lawyer about your case. Lawyers are available seven days a week, 24 hours a day, including holidays.