Simple Assault Defense Lawyers in Hamilton Fight for Clients’ Rights in Mercer County, Middlesex County, Camden County, and Throughout NJ
In New Jersey, simple assault is considered a serious and violent crime. It is categorized as a disorderly person’s offense. The penalties for simple assault are quite severe. You face up to 6 months in jail as well as other penalties. You will also have a criminal record that will have a long-term impact on your life. The experienced and skilled New Jersey simple assault attorneys at Davis Law Firm, LLC can help you avoid the long-term consequences of a conviction.
Davis Law Firm, LLC offers you access to a team of aggressive and skilled criminal defense attorneys. Our team is dedicated to providing those accused of crimes in New Jersey with the best possible defense against their charges. We have extensive experience in successfully representing clients in cases involving assault, including simple assault and domestic violence. We’ll fight to get the best possible outcome in your case.
Contact us now to consult with our simple assault defense lawyers in Hamilton, NJ. Our attorneys are available to answer your questions and address your concerns. We’ll explain your charges, rights, and options to you.
What is Simple Assault?
To obtain a conviction for assault, at the most basic level, the prosecution must prove that the accused individual caused or attempted to cause bodily injury to another person. New Jersey divides the crime of assault into two distinct categories—simple assault and aggravated assault. The range and severity of potential punishments that may apply upon conviction varies depending upon this basic initial categorization, as well as a number of other factors, such as the severity of the injury caused. Although “simple assault” is the lesser of the two crimes, if you have been arrested or investigated for simple assault in New Jersey, it is important to remember that this is still a violent crime that requires the advice of experienced legal counsel as early as possible.
At the Davis Law Firm, LLC, our experienced criminal defense lawyers take allegations of simple assault seriously. We understand that circumstances can often be misunderstood by the prosecution, and are ready to go to work to prepare a forceful and persuasive defense to obtain the best possible results in your case.
Degrees of Assault Under New Jersey Law
Simple assault is typically the crime charged if an individual is accused of causing or attempting to cause bodily injury to another in cases where the injuries or potential injuries were not severe. The prosecution in New Jersey can prove simple assault in three ways under N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1, including by proving that the accused person:
- Purposefully, knowingly or recklessly caused or attempted to cause bodily injury to another person,
- Negligently caused bodily injury to another person by using a deadly weapon, or
- Put another person in fear of imminent serious bodily injury, such as by threatening that person with a deadly weapon.
Bodily injury under New Jersey law means physical pain, impairment, or condition. Serious bodily injury means a bodily injury that creates a substantial risk to the life of the victim or that results in serious, permanent disfigurement, impairment, or loss of function of a bodily organ or member. Simple assault charges are brought when a person causes a non-serious bodily injury. Aggravated assault charges are brought against a person when the victim suffers serious bodily injuries.
When it comes to simple assault in New Jersey, deadly weapons refer to firearms, instruments, devices, or substances that can be used or are capable of causing death or serious bodily injuries.
Simple assault is charged as a disorderly person’s offense. These charges are at the same level as misdemeanors in other states. These charges are heard in municipal court and can result in a jail term in the county jail of up to 6 months and fines of up to $1000.
While the penalties are less severe than for aggravated assault, you will still have a criminal record that will have a long-term impact on your life. The New Jersey simple assault attorneys at Davis Law Firm, LLC will fight to protect your rights, freedom, and future. We will give your case the attention and resources it deserves in order to get the best possible outcome.
Penalties for Simple Assault in Mercer County
Simple assault is a disorderly persons offense under New Jersey law unless the injury involved occurred because of a fight that both parties entered into willingly, in which case the degree is reduced to a petty disorderly persons offense. Disorderly persons offenses are generally punishable by:
- A fine of up to $1,000 for disorderly persons offenses,
- A fine of up to $500 for petty disorderly persons offenses,
- A court-ordered fine that does not exceed twice the amount of the victim’s losses,
- Up to six months in jail.
Simple assault is elevated to a fourth degree criminal offense, punishable by a fine and up to 18 months in jail, if the assault occurred:
- While the accused was working in a care facility for the elderly and the victim was an institutionalized elderly person, or
- While a child under age 16 was present, and the assault occurred at a school or community-sponsored youth sports event, regardless of whether the accused person knew that a child under age 16 was present.
Experienced Simple Assault Lawyers Effectively Defend Clients Accused of Crimes in Mercer County
The advice of a seasoned Mercer County simple assault lawyer can be especially valuable in simple assault cases because of the low standard of proof that the prosecution faces in these cases. For example, although intent is an important element of any crime, in the case of a simple assault charge, it is sufficient that the prosecution prove that the accused person acted negligently in causing the injury. This means that if you did not actually want the weapon used to make contact with the alleged victim, if it was reasonable to assume that you should have been aware of the possibility of contact and injury under the circumstances, negligent simple assault can be proven.
The potential vagaries present in these types of cases give an experienced criminal defense window substantial opportunities to create a strong argument that the requisite intent element was not present in some cases. At the Davis Law Firm, LLC, our team of lawyers leave no stone unturned in investigating your case as we fight to obtain reduced charges or even an outright dismissal if possible.
Consult with Our New Jersey Simple Assault Attorneys and Learn About Your Rights and Options
If you or a loved one is facing simple assault charges, you shouldn’t take them for granted. While simple assault charges may not seem so serious, the penalties for these charges in New Jersey are severe. You will also face the long-term effects of a charge or conviction because of your criminal record. Contact Davis Law Firm, LLC for guidance and support from our simple assault defense lawyers in Hamilton, NJ. We can help protect your freedom and future.
The New Jersey simple assault attorneys at Davis Law Firm, LLC are dedicated to providing our clients with compassionate and aggressive legal services. We will fight to ensure that your rights are protected. We will work in your best interests and secure the best possible outcome in your case.
