If you knowingly or intentionally cause serious bodily injury to someone or another circumstance set forth under N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1b applies, you can be charged with aggravated assault in Monroe New Jersey. Aggravated assault is a serious criminal offense that is always indictable (a.k.a. felony) with the potential for a state prison term at the time of sentencing. This is the primary reason why someone charged with aggravated assault in Monroe or another Middlesex County municipality should not attempt to deal with the the violation without the benefit of a skilled defense lawyer.
There are 14 ways in which this offense may arise under 2C:12-1b with domestic violence and assault on a police office being two of the more common varieties. A collateral circumstance of the offense can also be entry of a restraining order. Whether your aggravated assault arose out of a domestic issue, bar fight, neighbor dispute or some other circumstance, the offense is something that absolutely warrants your speaking to an accomplished criminal attorney.
The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall is comprised of a team of veteran defense lawyers and former prosecutors that have been successfully handling cases like yours for several decades. If you were arrested for a Monroe aggravated assault, we definitely have a lawyer to thoroughly protect your against a conviction. To speak to one of the attorneys at the firm anytime of day or night, call our East Brunswick Office at (732) 227–1200 for a free initial consultation.
Under New Jersey statute N.J.S.A 2C:12-1, aggravated assault may be charged as either a second, third, or fourth degree crime depending on the severity of the victim’s injuries, whether or not a weapon was involved and whether another unique circumstance set forth of the law applies.
Aggravated assault is a second degree crime when the accused knowingly or purposely causes or attempts to cause serious bodily injury to another or does so recklessly under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life. A second degree aggravated assault also results where bodily injury is sustained as the result of the actor fleeing or attempting to elude the police. A conviction for second degree aggravated assault is punishable by 5-10 years in a state prison.
A third degree crime results where aggravated assault involves knowingly or purposely causing bodily injury to another with a deadly weapon, pointing or displaying a firearm at or in the direction of law enforcement or causing bodily injury to a police officer in connection with a simple assault. A conviction for third degree aggravated assault is punishable by 3-5 years in prison.
A fourth degree aggravated assault involves recklessly causing bodily injury to another with a deadly weapon; or knowingly pointing a firearm at or in the direction of another, whether or not you or the person believes it to be loaded. A conviction for this fourth degree crime carries up to 18 months of incarceration.
In addition to years of incarceration, a conviction for aggravated assault results in potential penalties that include fines, probation, and a criminal record for a felony offense. The penalties can be negated if the accused is admitted and successfully completes the Pretrial Intervention Program. This relief is typically reserved to first time offenders who are facing a third degree or fourth degree crime.
If you have been charged with aggravated assault in Monroe New Jersey, it is essential that you contact an experienced New Jersey defense lawyer to advocate for you and to protect your interest. A criminal attorney who is skilled in defending assault charges may be able to secure a downgrade to a disorderly person offense (a misdemeanor) or even have the offense dismissed entirely.
The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall defends those arrested for criminal offenses in Monroe Township, as well as the rest of Middlesex County. Our attorneys have successfully defended many individuals facing fourth, third and even second degree charges for aggravated assault. If you would like to take advantage of a free consultation with one of our lawyers, contact us at 732-246-7126 for the advice you are seeking.