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An assault charge can put a person behind bars for months, or even years, which is why if you’ve been charged with simple assault or aggravated assault, you should speak with a competent Mercer County assault defense lawyer as quickly as you can. Contact the Law Office of Douglas Herring to learn more about the consequences of these charges and how we can help shield you from them.
Oftentimes, people are wrongfully accused of assault when they were merely defending themselves or another person from an assailant. Regardless of the circumstances of your assault charge, you should understand that it is in your best interests to proceed only with a Mercer County criminal defense lawyer on your side. Fortunately, you’re in the right place.
In New Jersey, “simple assault” is loosely defined as when someone either attempts to cause or does cause bodily injury to another through purposeful or reckless action. It also includes negligently causing bodily injury with a deadly weapon, or attempts by physical menace to put another in fear of imminent serious bodily injury. As with many criminal charges, there are different types and degrees of assault charges here in New Jersey.
The two primary types of assault charges are simple assault and aggravated assault. In New Jersey, if you are convicted of simple assault, which is a disorderly persons offense, you will face up to six months of incarceration and a potential $1,000 fine. If the offense occurs in a fight entered into by mutual consent, it is a petty disorderly persons offense, punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a $500 fine.
A person may face aggravated assault charges if certain aggravating factors are present in the commission of an assault. For example, if a person assaults another with a deadly weapon, such as a firearm, he or she will most likely face an aggravated assault charge.
Aggravated assault in New Jersey is graded by degree: fourth-degree (up to 18 months), third-degree (3–5 years), and second-degree (5–10 years with fines up to $150,000), depending on the circumstances. Certain second-degree aggravated assaults are subject to the New Jersey No Early Release Act (NERA), meaning you must serve at least 85% of your sentence before being eligible for parole.
Are you facing assault charges in New Jersey? You need a knowledgeable Mercer County assault defense lawyer who has significant experience handling these cases. Contact the Law Office of Douglas Herring today to schedule your free initial consultation with our seasoned criminal defense firm.
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