New Jersey Criminal Defense Blog

An article in the Times of Trenton Regional News reported that a Chesterfield man allegedly assaulted two police officers with a large kitchen knife as he leaped out of a house he shares with his parents. A prosecutor spokesperson stated that the police were responding to a call indicating that a disturbed person was at the residence where the suspect lived.

The suspect allegedly cut one of the officers in the arm with the knife when he charged out of his house. The police retaliated by opening fire on the suspect.

Law enforcement authorities have not released information about the number of times the suspect was hit and the amount of gunshots fired by the police at the suspect. Following the police shooting, the suspect was later transported to Capital Regional Medical Center for emergency surgery.

He is currently being detained in Burlington County Jail and has been charged with six offenses, including two counts of attempted murder, two counts of aggravated assault in Burlington County on a police officer as well as unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.

Continue reading "Burlington County Aggravated Assault Charges against Man" »

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Occasionally, people may lose their tempers after attending sporting events, or even during ordinary encounters that lead to arguments with other individuals. At times, these disagreements may result in fights that can lead to individuals getting hurt.

According to the New Jersey Judiciary, New Jersey Criminal Code 2C:12-1, a simple assault occurs when a defendant causes bodily injury to another, or when a defendant attempts to cause imminent bodily harm to another.

A bodily injury is defined as any physical pain, illness, or impairment of a physical condition. An attempt to place another in fear of imminent bodily harm occurs when a person takes substantial steps to cause bodily harm to another by purposely acting in a manner that a reasonable person would believe would cause bodily harm.

New Jersey simple assault charges must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. The State has the burden of showing that the defendant acted purposely, knowingly, or recklessly to cause bodily harm, or attempted to cause bodily harm to another.

Continue reading "Managing a Simple Assault Charge" »

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A 36-year-old man from Newton was arrested for hitting a teenager. According to a New Jersey Local News Service report, a 17-year-old rear-ended the Newton resident’s vehicle. Both exited their vehicles after the minor accident and then had an altercation. Allegedly, the 36-year-old man then hit the teenager in the back of the head. He was charged with simple assault and has a pending court appearance.

Simple assault in New Jersey is when a person causes bodily harm or puts a person in fear of bodily harm. If convicted, a defendant faces a maximum penalty of six months in jail and/or a $1,000 fine. In this case, it is not clear if the charges will be more severe due to the alleged victim being a minor. The details of what brought on the altercation and what really happened are important in the defense. Did the attack actually take place? Was the teenager hurt? If so, how seriously was he or she hurt? Did the teen provoke the attack? These are all important questions to ask in this case.

Continue reading "Man Arrested for Assaulting a Teen After Car Crash" »

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It’s safe to say that “head butting” a co-worker will end a training session pretty quickly. It’s even more plausible that you will be asked to leave your work-related training session for being disruptive. A nj.com report discusses the recent arrest of a 26-year-old Brick man who allegedly threatened his fellow co-workers at an auto warranty processing firm training session, “head-butted” one employee, kicked a police officer, and threatened to kill police while on his way to Ocean County Jail. The man has been charged with multiple offenses, including aggravated assault on a police officer and making terroristic threats. He is being held on $100,000 bail.

As this particular case validates, anything an arrested individual says can and will be used against him or her while being prosecuted or sentenced for a crime. Despite any feelings of confusion, frustration, or anger, a person arrested and charged with a crime in New Jersey should remain silent until they have consulted with a Princeton criminal defense attorney. This man’s situation could have been less complex had he not made any statements regarding “killing other police officers.” However, such statements are typically not enough to convict an arrested individual.

Continue reading "Brick Man Charged with Assault for "Head Butting" Co-Worker during Training" »

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A recent pressofatlanticcity.com report discusses how Atlantic City is safer than most people realize. An Atlantic City Police Chief stated that he does not believe the public perception matches appropriately with the statistics. According to the report, violent crimes increased by 27% in the U.S. from 1978 to 2008, but only jumped 4% in Atlantic City. While thefts dropped 4% across the nation in the same time frame, theft decreased 43% in Atlantic City. All of these decreases were seen even though Atlantic City has an immense influx of visitor and commuters mostly drawn to its casinos and resorts.

So why the falling numbers? Apparently, casinos throughout Atlantic City have enhanced in-house security. Also helping lower crime is the growth of police forces within the area. In addition, there seems to be greater concern regarding comprehensive studies of what crimes happen where and when, whether victims and perpetrators know each other, and whether or not they are residents.

Although the flow in crime-patterns is in Atlantic City’s favor, especially with thefts being the lowest in 2008 (2,927 incidents) since casinos opened, crime did rise in the first 10 years of casino operation. It is promising though that within the last 20 years, crime has fallen. Some other reasons for this decline include an increase in recreational outlets for at-risk children, low-income neighborhoods being destroyed, and casinos working more diligently to recruit job applicants from low-income neighborhoods.

Continue reading "Violent Crime Decreases in Atlantic City, but the Battle Isn't Over" »

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Posted In: Assault , Criminal Defense , Gang Crimes , Legal Information , Murder , Theft/Shoplifting

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There has been much discussion lately regarding retired NBA star Jayson Williams and his postponed hearing. According to a recent report, the Somerville hearing, in which Williams was expected to enter a plea for a 2002 shooting death of a hired driver, was indefinitely delayed.
One source stated that the delay is partly related to travel issues experienced by Williams in getting to New Jersey from South Carolina. It is also being said that he will plead guilty to aggravated assault. If Williams does in fact plead guilty to the assault charge, he will face a minimum 18-month sentence due to a gun being involved in the driver’s death.

The former NBA player was acquitted in 2004 for aggravated manslaughter, but was convicted of covering-up the shooting, which took place at his mansion in New Jersey. In awaiting a second trial for reckless manslaughter, which carries a maximum 10-year sentence, the jury deadlocked on the reckless manslaughter count.

Continue reading "Hearing Delayed for Retired NBA Star Jayson Williams " »

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Posted In: Assault , Criminal Defense , Legal Information , Murder

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It may surprise some New Jersey residents that a person can be charged with an assault offense without ever actually laying hands on another individual. Aggravated assault occurs when an individual attempts to cause serious bodily injury to someone else, either with or without the use of a deadly weapon.

According to a northjersey.com article, police responded to a call from a woman who said that her ex-boyfriend was outside of her home despite there being a restraining order forbidding him from being near her. When police arrived at the scene, the man tried to walk away from them, but officers blocked his way. Then, the Union City man allegedly waved a 10-inch steak knife at police and began yelling and telling them to shoot him. Apparently, the man had the steak knife underneath his shirt in his waistband. The article stated that after negotiators convinced the man to surrender, he was arrested for aggravated assault, making terroristic threats, violating a permanent restraining order, resisting arrest, possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose, and unlawful possession of a weapon.

Being charged for multiple crimes puts an individual in quite a challenging position, especially if he or she has an existing assault criminal record. However, an experienced NJ assault defense attorney can help a person being charged with an assault offense, even if there are multiple charges being filed against you. With a lawyer on your side that is highly familiar with how local New Jersey courts operate, in addition to having a thorough understanding of the many complexities surrounding criminal cases, you can be assured that your rights will be protected.

Continue reading "Aggravated Assault Charges Against Man With a Steak Knife" »

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Just when you thought the local community pool was safe, an incident of sexual assault has occurred, one which will undoubtedly offset the ease of parents. A 15-year-old has to be charged with sexually assaulting an 8-year-old boy. The teen allegedly sexually assaulted the young boy in a men’s bathroom at the Roy K. Harkness Community Pool in Middlesex Borough. The name of the New Jersey boy accused of sexual assault has not been released because of his age. According to a report, he was taken into custody August 11, 2009 and charged as a juvenile for both endangering the welfare of a child and aggravated sexual assault.

Incidents such as this raise many questions regarding child abuse and the reasons why this young 15-year-old would have committed such a crime. According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, one in six women and one in thirty-three men will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime. Sexual assault accusations are very serious, requiring extensive investigations to ensure that proper evidence is collected and examined. The consequences surrounding a child sexual assault conviction can influence a person’s life in negative ways indefinitely, whether due to social stigma, significant jail time, sex crime registration, large fines, or loss of employment.

Continue reading "Middlesex Borough Sexual Assault at Community Pool" »

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Posted In: Assault , Criminal Defense , Sex Crimes

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A national coalition of government partners researching the effects of DNA testing on crime solving has demonstrated the power of this scientific method with a series of case studies on criminal activity in New Jersey.

Partners in the DNA Initiative include the National Institute of Justice, the Office on Violence against Women, the Office on Community Oriented Policing Services and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

What this project is finding is that DNA evidence could go a long way toward helping to shed light on some of the worst offenders that currently escape police dragnets.

As part of its outreach website, the DNA Initiative has identified a set of “preventable rapes” in cases in the Essex County and Trenton communities and in other parts of the state.

In one observation, the case study shows how a criminal who committed three rapes in New Jersey within Essex County could have been identified and apprehended after the first offense through DNA testing for previous legal violations.

What the New Jersey Case Studies show is that DNA evidence could be highly effective in crime solving. However, some of the newest methods are not always employed in law enforcement due to budget constrictions or other factors.

Continue reading "National DNA Initiative Shines Light on New Jersey Crime Prevention" »

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Posted In: Assault , Criminal Defense , Legal Information , Sex Crimes

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New Jersey DWI charges can have serious consequences on our lives. New Jersey DWI defense attorneys know and understand the penalties and expenses that DWI charges bring. When driving under the influence involves accidents, injuries or death, the charges can be even more severe.

For example, a 22-year-old New City man is facing second-degree New Jersey assault charges because after officials say he drove by a stop sign in a school zone and failed to yield, he crashed into the driver's side of a sedan. According to this news report, the driver of that car was taken to the hospital in critical condition. Officers at the scene determined that the driver was drunk and drew a blood sample to determine his blood alcohol content.

New Jersey law (N.J. S.A. 2C:12-1) states: "A person is guilty of assault by auto or vessel when the person drives a vehicle or vessel recklessly and causes either serious bodily injury or bodily injury to another."

Continue reading "New Jersey DWI and Assault Charges" »

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Posted In: Assault , Criminal Defense , DUI DWI Drunk Driving

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A New Jersey man has been arrested on aggravated assault and DUI charges after he reportedly hit a woman in the face during an argument in Phoenixville, the Phoenixville News reports in an article. Kyle Logan Deturk, 29, of Crambury, New Jersey, is being charged with aggravated assault, recklessly endangering another person, disorderly conduct, driving under the influence of alcohol or controlled substance, higher rate of alcohol (.10 to .16), simple assault and harassment. Officers did not conduct a field sobriety test because of the weather. Deturk reportedly submitted to a blood test.

DUI in New Jersey is a serious offense. As in all states, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances or with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent or more. In New Jersey, assault charges include simple assault, aggravated assault and assault by vehicle or other vessel. Simple assault charges may involve a defendant who knowingly caused bodily harm or put a victim in fear of imminent bodily harm. New Jersey aggravated assault charges involve causing serious bodily injury or attempting to use a deadly weapon to cause bodily harm. Harassment may be charged if the defendant is kicking, shoving, threatening or making repeated attempts to aggravate or annoy the victim.

If you have been charged with drunk driving, assault or harassment in New Jersey, please contact the experienced New Jersey criminal defense lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein to find out more information about your legal rights and options. We will independently investigate your case and strive to obtain the best possible result in your case. Please contact Lependorf & Silverstein for a free consultation.

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Posted In: Assault , Criminal Defense , DUI DWI Drunk Driving

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Police have arrested three people in connection with a BB gun assault in Gloucester Township. According to a news report in Gloucester County Times, an unidentified victim was hit by pellets while jogging in Veterans Park. The gun was fired from a passing vehicle, police said. Authorities arrested 18-year-old Corey Turner and two 17-year-olds who were processed on juvenile complaints and released to their parents. All three were charged with NJ aggravated assault and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. The arrests were made after authorities received several tips from the community.

Juvenile crimes in New Jersey require special defense expertise and extensive knowledge of juvenile laws. Juvenile criminal cases can vary from case to case, which is why it is critical for each incident to be assessed by a skilled criminal defense attorney within a timely manner so that all legal actions can progress quickly and efficiently. Being convicted of a juvenile crime is a serious issue. If convicted of a crime, your child's opportunity to get a driver's license, proper employment or even to get into college may be hindered.

If your child is being accused of a crime, please call the skilled New Jersey juvenile crimes defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein for a free consultation and case evaluation. We will remain on your side, fight for your rights and strive to get you the best possible result in your case. Call us today to find out how we can help build a solid defense for your case.

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Posted In: Assault , Criminal Defense , Juvenile Crimes

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A Hoboken, New Jersey, man has been accused of assaulting two police officers after they responded to a domestic abuse report at a borough apartment, the Bergen County Record reports in an article. Michael Colombo, 44, was confronted by two officers at the second-floor apartment after he allegedly struck a female tenant, leaving her with a swollen left eye. When officers tried to arrest him, Colombo reportedly kicked and punched both of them. He also struck one of the officers with a metal skillet, bit him in the arm and tried to take his gun as they struggled, the newspaper reported.

Colombo was eventually subdued after more officers arrived and came to assist. Colombo was charged with one count of resisting arrest, one count of possessing a weapon for an unlawful purpose, one count of aggravated assault on a police officer, one count of assault with a deadly weapon and one count of attempting to disarm a police officer. He was also charged with two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, one count of burglary and one count of simple assault in connection with the reported attack on the woman.

Assault and harassment charges in New Jersey have severe and costly consequences that could adversely affect your life and your career. In New Jersey, assault charges include simple assault, aggravated assault and assault by vehicle or other means. Simple assault charges in New Jersey may include knowingly causing bodily harm, negligently using a deadly weapon to cause bodily harm and putting another person in fear of imminent bodily harm.

If you have been charged with assault or aggravated assault, you need an experienced and skilled New Jersey criminal defense attorney, who will fight the charges and build a solid defense in your case. Please call a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer at Lependorf & Silverstein today to schedule your free and confidential consultation.

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