The most widely publicized Carteret aggravated assault offense our lawyers can recall is the 2017 case involving a suspect who was allegedly severely beaten by a borough police officer. The incident stemmed from a traffic chase involving a 16-year-old suspect that resulted in the motorist crashing into a utility pole. While the Carteret police officer claims he used reasonable force, his body camera was fortuitously off to corroborate how the juvenile sustained the serious bodily injuries documented at the hospital. The Middlesex County Prosecutors Office has filed aggravated assault and official misconduct charges against the assailant.
This case offers an interesting twist to the more common bar fight, domestic violence, sporting event or similar scenario resulting in a Carteret aggravated assault charge that our criminal attorneys defend. Indeed, this assault offense can arise in just about any instance where someone intentionally assaults another resulting in significant or serious bodily injury. There are also many aggravated assault cases in Middlesex County, including in Carteret New Jersey, that result from someone allegedly committing simple assault on a police officer.
Irrespective of what led you to be arrested for aggravated assault in Carteret, hiring a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer is a must. Here at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall, we can offer you representation from a team of lawyers whose credentials are exceptional for defending your Carteret NJ aggravated assault. Our staff has over a century of combined experience and includes former county and municipal prosecutors in Middlesex County. An attorney that has handled many aggravated assault cases with success, is ready to provide a free initial consultation. Contact our Woodbridge Office now at 732-751-4458 to speak to a lawyer immediately.
Aggravated Assault Offense in Carteret New Jersey
Aggravated assault is any kind of assaultive behavior that is intended to, or actually leads to, significant or serious harm to the victim. In short, it is a more serious form of Simple Assault. In New Jersey, aggravated assault is an indictable offense (i.e., a felony) that can result in a crime of the second degree, third degree, or fourth degree depending on the underlying facts. This offense is set forth at N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1(b) which makes it aggravated assault to:
- Purposely or recklessly cause serious bodily injury (injury that creates a substantial risk of death or causes serious, permanent disfigurement, or harm to bodily functions).
- Purposely or recklessly cause bodily injury (physical pain, sickness, or any harm to someone’s physical condition) to another with a deadly weapon.
- Recklessly point a gun at someone.
- Assault a police officer, EMT, teacher, school official or certain other State employees.
- Cause bodily injury to another while eluding the police.
- Cause bodily injury to another by arson or causing an explosion.
- Point a fake gun at a police officer.
- Use a laser device against a police officer.
- Cause significant bodily injury (injury that creates a temporary loss of the function of any bodily member or organ, or temporary loss of one of the five senses) to a victim of domestic violence.
Penalties If You Are Convicted Of A Carteret Aggravated Assault. As previously stated, aggravated assault can result in a second degree crime, third degree crime or fourth degree crime depending on which of the enumerated circumstances under 2C:12-1b resulted in the charge. Second degree aggravated assault carries 5-10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $150,000. Third degree aggravated assault results in 3-5 years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000. A fourth degree aggravated assault triggers penalties that include up to 18 months in state prison and a fine that can reach $10,000.
Carteret NJ Aggravated Assault Defense Attorney
As can be seen from this discussion, an aggravated assault charge can arise in Carteret NJ from a wide range of incidents. What should also be apparent is that you absolute need to be represented by a qualified defense attorney if you are facing this offense. This is a felony that can result in years of imprisonment if you fail to secure a favorable resolution of your case at the Middlesex County Superior Court in New Brunswick. A lawyer who is highly skilled in defending aggravated assault charges like those at our firm is going to make sure you have every chance of avoiding a negative outcome. Call the Law Office of Jonathan F. Marshall to speak to one of our lawyers about the facts of your case. We will undertake a comprehensive review of the matter and advise you, free of charge, of your best options for defending the aggravated assault offense. Attorneys are available by calling our New Brunswick Office at 732-246-7126.
