All it takes for your life to be turned upside down is a momentary lapse in judgment. An exchange of words in the heat of the moment escalates into a physical confrontation, and the next thing you know, you have been arrested and charged with simple assault by the North Bergen Police. It is a violent criminal offense that could send you to jail for up to six months and burden you with a permanent criminal record. You might have a legal defense, such as defending yourself or another person against an attacker, but presenting your side of the story in court requires the skills and knowledge of an experienced North Bergen criminal attorney from the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall.
Our team of criminal defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall has the attributes that you need to avoid a conviction for simple assault in North Bergen. The qualifications to serve you include:
- Over 200 years of collective experience representing charged with simple assault, aggravated assault, terroristic threats and similar offenses throughout Hudson County
- 10 lawyers that handle nothing but criminal defense
- Former county and municipal prosecutors
- Certified criminal trial attorneys
- Decades of success defending clients in North Bergen Municipal Court
The attorneys at our firm know the law and the defense strategies that prove successful in allowing our clients to avoid the penalties and stigma of a criminal conviction. We understand how upsetting an arrest and a criminal charge for simple assault can be, so we have a member of our defense team available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year to speak. Contact us in Jersey City by calling (201) 309-0500 for a free consultation with a highly knowledgeable lawyer now.
Simple Assault Offense in North Bergen NJ
Simple assault is a disorderly persons offense, which is the equivalent of a misdemeanor. N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1(a) identifies simple assault according to one or more of the following behaviors:
- Causing or attempting to cause another person to suffer bodily injury either knowingly, recklessly or purposely;
- Negligently causing bodily injury to another person through the use of a deadly weapon; or
- Attempt to put another person in fear of imminent serious bodily injury through menacing conduct.
If the party against whom the behavior defined in N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1(a) is directed happens to be a member of your household or someone with whom you have had a dating or other relationship, the simple assault can result in issuance of a restraining order under the Domestic Violence Act. Another complicating circumstance under 2C:12-1b is the fact that you can face the enhanced charge of aggravated assault if the victim is someone who is a police officer, teacher, EMT or other person afforded heightened protection under subsection 5 of the statute.
Simple Assault Penalties
As previously stated, simple assault is a disorderly persons offense. A criminal charge of this grade falls under the jurisdiction of the North Bergen Municipal Court. A judge may sentence you to confinement for as long as six months in the Hudson County Correctional Center and order you to pay a fine that could be as much as $1,000, but we use aggressive defense strategies making use of all legal defenses, including self-defense, to challenge and attack the prosecution version of the incident obtain dismissal of the charge or allow you to avoid the penalties and consequences of a conviction.
Depending upon the facts of the case and your prior involvement with the criminal courts, there may be diversion programs available allowing you to avoid a conviction. Some programs allow you to complete a period of probation supervision in exchange for dismissal of the simple assault charge.
North Bergen NJ Simple Assault Defense Lawyer
Speaking with a lawyer from the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall gives you the opportunity to obtain answers to your questions and much needed options to allow you to avoid the penalties and stigma of a criminal conviction. Call us now at (201) 309- 0500 to discuss your case with one of our defense attorneys in a free consultation. Get the answers you need now.
