Hunterdon County Domestic Assault Lawyers
Why You Should Hire a Domestic Violence Attorney in Hunterdon County, NJ
Disagreements in relationships can quickly spiral out of control, leading to domestic assault charges. If you have been charged with simple or aggravated assault in Union Township, Raritan Township, Flemington, Readington, or any other municipality in Hunterdon County, it is imperative to take your case seriously. Enlisting the services of an experienced and skilled attorney could be the wisest decision for you.
Jurisdiction Over Domestic Assault Offenses in Hunterdon County
The court that has jurisdiction over your assault case depends on whether you are facing a disorderly persons offense for simple assault or an indictable crime for aggravated assault. Simple assault charges can be dealt with in municipal courts like those in Bethlehem, Clinton Township, Tewksbury or East Amwell. Third- and second-degree crimes such as aggravated assault can only be heard at the Hunterdon County Superior Court in Flemington.
Separate Proceedings for Assault and Restraining Order Cases
Charges for domestic assault are presented in criminal court as opposed to family courts that handle restraining orders. Therefore, two separate proceedings need to occur to make a ruling on whether the temporary restraining order becomes permanent and also to determine guilt or innocence for domestic violence.
Penalties Associated With Conviction Of An Assault Charge
If convicted of simple assault charge allegations that arise from an incident between family members or people involved romantically such as spouses, girlfriends/boyfriends etc., penalties imposed can include fines up to $1,000 and imprisonment up to six months. However for fourth-degree aggravated assaults convictions consequence could mean having a fine of anything up to $10k and 18 months behind bars while third-degree convictions hold potential jail time penalty of five years alongside a maximum fine amounting up towards fifteen thousand dollars. Lastly when someone face N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1b charge i.e., “second-degree aggravated assault”, they are accused of the most serious offence of domestic violence. The prison term for it can range as high as ten years and there is a maximum fine amounting up to one hundred fifty thousand dollars.
Effect of Domestic Assault on Immigration Status
Domestic violence convictions do not only result in jail time, penalties and fines but also affect immigration status. If convicted of domestic assault, your Green Card could be revoked, and removal proceedings initiated because many such charges are considered aggravated felonies that attract ICE involvement.
Hire a Domestic Violence Attorney in Flemington NJ
At Spodek Law Group, we have a team of experienced lawyers with numerous successful cases spanning several decades defending clients facing simple or aggravated assault charges in Hunterdon County. Why settle for representation from a lawyer with limited experience when you have the option to hire someone with decades-long practice and countless trials under their belt? To discuss your domestic assault matter with our highly accomplished attorneys, contact our offices today for a free initial consultation. Our team awaits the opportunity to assist you through this difficult time.
Penalties Associated With Conviction Of An Assault Charge In Selected Municipal Courts In Hunterdon County
Offense | Penalties |
Simple Assault- Alexandria, Lambertville or Delaware Valley Joint Municipal Court | Fines up to $1k & imprisonment up to 6 months |
Fourth Degree Aggravated Assault- Bethlehem, Clinton Township, Tewksbury or East Amwell Municipal courts | Fines up to $10k & imprisonment up to 18 months |
Third-Degree Aggravated Assault – Hunterdon County superior court in Flemington | Prison term of up to five years, Fines reaching $15,000 upon conviction. |
Second-Degree Aggravated Assault – Hunterdon County superior court in Flemington | A prison sentence that may extend to ten years and a maximum fine of $150,000 charge under NJSA2C12-1b. |
NEW JERSEY CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYS