Men Charged with Assaulting Bus Driver in Fort Lee
A 33-year-old man and a 29-year-old man were arrested in New Jersey after allegedly assaulting a bus driver and leaving without paying a fare. According to The Fort Lee Patch, the incident occurred at the Bridge Plaza bus stop near George Washington Bridge in Fort Lee. Officials say the men had a dispute with the Jitney bus driver over the fare, assaulted the driver, and fled the scene on foot. The authorities were notified and the two men were arrested a few minutes later. The 57-year-old male bus driver was treated for a swollen eye and the two men are being held in a Bergen County Jail on $50,000 bail. They have been charged with robbery and assault.
Under N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1, in order to obtain a conviction in an assault case, prosecutors must prove that the defendant caused bodily injury to the victim and the defendant acted purposely, knowingly, or recklessly. New Jersey law defines bodily injury as physical pain, illness, or an impairment of physical condition. Someone who has "knowingly" caused bodily injury is aware of the possible consequences of their actions.
The severity of charges someone will face for assault depends on the circumstances of the case, the injuries suffered by the victim, and whether or not a weapon was used. When weapons are used or the victim suffers a serious injury, the simple assault charges can be elevated to an aggravated assault charge that carries additional jail time and increased penalties.
If you or a loved one has been charged with simple or aggravated assault in New Jersey, the experienced assault defense lawyers in NJ at Lependorf & Silverstein can help protect your rights. Call us at (609) 240-0040 to schedule your free and comprehensive consultation.
