The Consequences of an Assault Charge in New Jersey
Assault charges in New Jersey may result in severe penalties, including jail time and heavy fines. Assault charges should only result from incidents where serious violence was intentionally caused or threatened or mistakenly caused with a weapon, and should not result from accidents and mistaken intentions.
The severity of an assault charge usually depends upon the severity of the injuries suffered and the criminal history of the defendant. Under New Jersey Statute 2C:12-1 (a), simple assault is when a person “attempts to cause or purposely, knowingly or recklessly causes bodily injury to another or negligently causes bodily injury to another with a deadly weapon, or, attempts by physical menace to put another in fear of imminent serious bodily injury.” Aggravated assault is an even more serious allegation that results from a crime involving a person attempting to cause serious bodily injury to another “with indifference to the value of human life.”
Aggravated assault charges in New Jersey can result in up to 180 days in prison, five-year probation, and a $1,000 fine. Anyone convicted of assault also may face social and professional ramifications from having a criminal record. For example, employers who run background checks may be less likely to hire an employee who has an assault conviction.
The Princeton assault defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein defend those who have been accused of assault in New Jersey. We understand what is at stake for our clients and we vigorously defend their legal rights in court. To discuss your case at no cost, please call our office at 609-240-0040.
