What is a Simple Assault Charge?
Understanding the charges that you are facing is important as you navigate your simple assault case in New Jersey. New Jersey laws require certain elements to meet the criteria of a simple assault charge.
What is Simple Assault?
A simple assault charge, according to New Jersey laws, is any type of assault that results in significant bodily injury. This includes:
- A purposeful action that knowingly inflicts bodily injury· Negligence that leads to bodily injury
- attempt to instill fear or injury through physical menace
It is important to note that simple assault differs from aggravated assault. Aggravated assault is a more severe crime that requires a serious bodily injury to occur. Simple assault charges in New Jersey are considered disorderly persons offenses and lead to specific, although less severe, injuries. While the injury may be slightly less severe, simple assault charges also risk legal consequences.
Potential Legal Consequences of Simple Assault in New Jersey
Simple assault charges in New Jersey can lead to jail time of up to six years and legal fines of up to $1000. A permanent criminal record can also affect your career opportunities. Don’t let a single mistake ruin the rest of your life. A New Jersey judge may also impose a restraining order following simple assault charges if a continued threat is visible.
Work With a Simple Assault Lawyer Today
Any charges, even simple assault charges, can negatively affect your life. For this reason, it is important to discuss your legal options with a lawyer. Your lawyer can explore what defense opportunities are available.
Just a few of the most common defenses to simple assault charges include:
- Multiple parties are responsible: Most simple assault cases involve more than one party. If tensions were high and both parties acted in a negligent way, you may be able to get your charges reduced.
- De minimum assault: Not all acts of simple assault result in significant bodily injuries. Your lawyer may argue that the assault, and the proposed injuries, were trivial.
- Self-defense: Acts of assault in response to a threat may be considered self-defense. New Jersey laws do allow individuals to use force if they truly believe that they are in danger.
Other potential defenses might include an alibi or if the charges exceed the state’s case statute of limitations. Legal charges involving simple assault must be filed within two years from the date of the injuries. Otherwise, the judge may decide to throw out the case, dismissing your legal charges.
Protect Your Future By Working With an Experienced Simple Assault Lawyer
While you might recognize that you made a mistake, you could still be left with jail time, expensive legal fines, and a permanent criminal record. Fortunately, you may have options available. A criminal assault lawyer may be able to evaluate the details of your case and work to have your charges reduced, or even dropped entirely. You don’t have to navigate the confusing New Jersey criminal justice system alone. With the help of an experienced lawyer, you can explore your options and find a way to move on with your life.
Contact an Experienced Camden County Criminal Defense Lawyer About Your Simple Assault Charges in New Jersey
Were you arrested or charged with simple assault in the state of New Jersey? The consequences of a conviction could be severe, leaving you with a permanent criminal record and possibly even sending you to jail. That is why you need to speak with a qualified criminal defense attorney as soon as possible about your case. The attorneys at Gelman Law, LLC have successfully represented clients charged with simple assault in Cherry Hill, Camden County, Burlington County, Gloucester County, and throughout New Jersey. Call (856) 474-1450 or fill out the online contact form to schedule a consultation with a member of our legal team. We have an office conveniently located at 1940 W Route 70, Suite 4, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
Disorderly conduct consists of any improper behavior such as fighting, threats of violence, or creating a dangerous atmosphere.
