Princeton Simple Assault Lawyer

Simple Assault Charge in Princeton New Jersey

A simple assault charge is fairly common in Princeton given that it takes nothing more than an incident where someone sustains bodily injury which is simple momentary pain or discomfort. Whether you used your hands to defend yourself, got into a shoving match with a neighbor, were accused of domestic violence or some other scenario brought a charge of simple assault in Princeton New Jersey, you cannot take it lightly. A conviction for a simple assault offense results in fines, the possibility of a jail sentence and a criminal record that can compromise your future. Hiring an accomplished criminal defense lawyer is precisely what you need to obtain a dismissal or downgrade to a non-criminal ordinance violation.

Selecting the right attorneys to defend you against a Princeton assault offense is a must in order to ensure you have the best opportunity to escape a conviction under N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1a. At the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall, our defense team includes veteran lawyers and former municipal court prosecutors who have more than 100 years of combined experience defending individuals charged with simple assault in Princeton. They understand the frustration of facing a charge like this without little consideration to your side of the story. An attorney at the firm will fight for you and make certain that everything that is important is persuasively presented on your behalf. Contact our Princeton Office by calling (609) 683-8102 for a free consultation with a lawyer.

Princeton NJ Simple Assault Offense

You can be convicted of a Princeton NJ Simple Assault Offense in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1(a) if you:

• Purposely, knowingly or recklessly causing bodily injury to another person
• Purposely, knowingly or recklessly attempting to cause bodily injury to another person
• Negligently causes bodily injury to another person with a deadly weapon
• Attempting to put someone in fear of imminent serious bodily injury using physical menace

If the person against whom the prohibited conduct is directed is a police officer, firefighter, teacher or other emergency responder or public official listed in N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1(b)(5), the charge is elevated to aggravated assault. For more information on aggravated assault and the penalties associated with it, you can refer to our Princeton aggravated assault page.

Self-defense and Charges of Simple Assault. N.J.S.A. 2C:3-4 gives you the right to defend yourself from an attack when you believe the use of force is justified to protect yourself from the immediate and unlawful use of force against you. You cannot use force to defend yourself in the following situations:

• Against a police officer making an arrest regardless of whether it was a lawful or unlawful arrest
• When you provoked the confrontation
• When retreating is an option to avoid the use of force

Princeton Simple Assault Penalties

Simple assault is a disorderly persons offense that falls under the jurisdiction of the Princeton Municipal Court. The judge of Princeton Municipal Court has discretion in choosing the penalty to impose when sentencing someone convicted of simple assault. One option is confinement in the Mercer County Correction Center for up to six months, but other sentencing options include a fine, probation, community service and even suspension of your driver’s license.

Princeton Simple Assault Defense Attorney

A Princeton simple assault charge will be seen by anyone looking at your criminal record. Each time you fill out a job application and get to the question asking about whether you have any convictions, you will have to disclose the fact of your conviction. At the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall, a defense attorney will passionately pursue an outcome that is most favorable. Our lawyers have decades of experience defending disorderly persons offenses in Princeton with countless stories of success. To speak to a lawyer and find out how we can offer you the best chance of acquittal, contact our Princeton office. A lawyer is available 24/7 for a free consultation by calling (609) 683-8102.