NEW JERSEY CRIMINAL LAWYERS

Hunterdon County Assault Lawyers

Simple Assault in Hunterdon County: How to Defend Yourself

Simple assault is one of the most common disorderly persons offenses heard in municipal courtrooms throughout Hunterdon County, including Raritan Township, Clinton Readington, and other localities.  Simple assault charges can result from a variety of situations such as domestic violence, bar fights, neighbor disputes or any situation that involves physical altercation. Regardless of how you were charged with simple assault, it is essential to be represented by the attorney available to avoid receiving criminal records and penalties.

Understanding Simple Assault Charges in Hunterdon County

In the majority of cases, all incidents of simple assault in Hunterdon County are heard in municipal court because simple assault occurs due to disorderly persons offenses that fall under the jurisdiction of the municipal court system. In New Jersey state law N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1b(5), when an individual falls within the protection provided for police officers, teachers, EMTs or other professionals who warrant heightened security measures or are particularly vulnerable against bodily harm, a simple assault charge is escalated into an aggravated assault charge. Under New Jersey law (N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1a.), someone commits a simple assault when they attempt to inflict bodily injury or knowingly, purposely or recklessly inflict bodily injury on another person with or without a weapon.

An attacker also commits simple assault when they cause physical menace intending to give extreme fear of serious imminent bodily injury to their victim. Also important to prove during a charge for simple assault is ‚Äúbodily injury‚Äù itself since this standard can be met relatively easily. The pain caused by just one slap across someone’s face qualifies as bodily injury.

Dealing with Simple Assault Charge During Domestic Violence Cases

It’s worth noting that if someone‚Äôs spouse; boyfriend or girlfriend; or someone who qualifies for coverage afforded under prevention of domestic violence act falls victim to the defendant‚Äôs simple assault, a temporary restraining order may be issued against the defendant. Also, if you find yourself charged with simple assault in police stations such as Union Township or Tewksbury, not only will you have to deal with criminal proceedings that occur under municipal court Jurisdiction; you’ll also have to undergo an equally urgent proceeding in family court to determine whether a temporary restraining order should become permanent.

Penalties for Simple Assault and Conditional Dismissal Program

Being found guilty of a charge for simple assault poses several potential penalties like maximum fines reaching $1000, serving up to six months in prison, Hunterdon County Jail consequences, charges of VCCB Assessment ($50), Safe Neighborhood Fund Assessment ($75), court costs that can reach approximately $33) , probation, and/or suspension of an individual’s drivers license.

Fortunately, the State of New Jersey runs diversion programs like conditional dismissal that allow offenders who have never been involved in any diversion program to escape conviction for disorderly persons offenses which include simple assault. Enrollment into this program typically involves completing a contingent one-year statute of limitations.

Affordable Defense from Simple Assault Attorneys

The Spodek Law Group attorneys are expert defenders against simple assault charges across Hunterdon County cities such as Clinton Lebanon Tewksbury  Readington Franklin Township (NJ) Raritan Township Union Township Holland Alexandria Bethlehem Flemington East Amwell West Amwell Lambertville Delaware Township High Bridge Glen Gardner Hampton Califon Frenchtown Milford Bloomsbury Stockton.

We understand how losing sleep over the stress caused by facing charges for a disorderly persons offense such as simple assault could make life unbearable. However, we believe our legal services will offer significant help at this time. Call us today for your first consultation where we can discuss your situation and offer support.