East Windsor Simple Assault Lawyer
A relatively common criminal offense in East Windsor is simple assault. While this charge is a misdemeanor, a conviction can result in serious consequences, including a jail term. It can also impact your ability to obtain a job and engage in other endeavors that require a criminal background check. At the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall, our team of criminal attorneys understand how prosecutors approach simple assault cases in East Windsor and what is necessary to avoid a conviction since we have been routinely appearing there for decades. It also helps that we are former prosecutors that have over 100 years of experience between us. A lawyer on our staff will create personalized defense strategy so that you have every chance of achieving a dismissal. Invest in your future by working with a lawyer who can defend your case and help you avoid criminal penalties. Call our office at 609–683–8102 for an immediate free consultation.
Simple Assault Offense in East Windsor New Jersey
Assault is defined as the act of intentionally causing another party to suffer bodily harm or threatening to do so without legal justification. An assault can be charged as a simple assault, as discussed above, or an aggravated assault. For an individual to be convicted of simple assault under N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1, the prosecutor must establish that you did one of the following:
- Caused bodily injury to another person through negligence involving a deadly weapon;
- Knowingly, recklessly, or purposefully caused bodily harm to another or attempted to do so; or
- Attempted or caused another person to fear imminent serious physical harm through physical malice.
Simple assault is ordinarily a disorderly persons offense. The penalties an individual faces if convicted of this offense in East Windsor Municipal Court include a fine of up to $1,000 and up to six months in jail. If the offense is the result of a consentual fight, however, simple assault results in a petty disorderly persons offense. This lesser included offense carries a fine of up to $500 and up to 30 days in the Mercer County Jail.
Charged With Aggravated Assault in East Windsor. Aggravated assault can result in a second degree, third degree or fourth degree crime depending on the conduct and injuries involved. Irrespective, the offense must be heard at the Mercer County Superior Court since charges of this nature are indictable and fall outside the authority of a municipal court. Aggravated assault typically arises because of the severity of injuries and status of the victim, for example, a simple assault automatically turns into an aggravated assault when the victim is a police officer, member of law enforcement, firefighter, EMT or school employee, including a teacher.
Contact Our East Windsor Township Simple Assault Defense Attorneys
If you are facing a simple assault charge in East Windsor Township, start working on your defense with an experienced criminal defense lawyer. The attorney on our defense team are here to help you explore your legal options and you develop an effective strategy to win your case. Contact our firm anytime of day or night for a free initial consultation with one of our attorneys.