Charged With Simple Assault in Highland Park New Jersey
The offense of simple assault is one of the more common criminal charges that our lawyers defend in Highland Park Municipal Court. An individual can be charged under N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1a in any number of contexts including a bar fight, physical altercation at a sporting event or even domestic violence in Highland Park. For those facing a simple assault charge in Highland Park, hiring an experienced lawyer is an imperative.
There are many negative consequences if you are convicted of a Highland Park simple assault. You will be left with a criminal record that can impair your ability to obtain a job, renew a green card or professional license. There are also serious penalties that may be imposed by the municipal court judge in Highland Park New Jersey, even six months in the Middlesex County Jail. You can also be subjected to a temporary restraining order if the victim is one who falls under the Domestic Violence Prevention Act.
A highly skilled defense attorney is precisely what you need to minimize the impact an arrest for simple assault. The attorneys at our firm, the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall, are former prosecutors in Middlesex County with over a century of combined experience. They are ready to help you escape a criminal record and penalties for simple assault. To speak to a lawyer on our team without obligation anytime 24/7, call 732-246-7126.
Simple Assault Charge in Highland Park
A charge for simple assault arises under subsection (a) of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1. This law allows a simple assault offense to be charged if you:
- Attempt to cause or purposely, knowingly or recklessly cause bodily injury to another person;
- Negligently cause bodily injury to another person with a deadly weapon; or
- Engage in physical menacing in an attempt to put another in fear of imminent serious bodily injury.
When a simple assault is committed against a police officer, teacher or another individual protected under N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1b(5), the offense escalates to an aggravated assault in Highland Park.
Simple assault is classically a disorderly persons offense that falls squarely under the jurisdiction of the Highland Park Municipal Court. The penalties that may be imposed at the time of sentencing include a fine of up to $1,000, probation, community service, counseling, drug testing and even jail for up to six months. A criminal record and many of these penalties can be avoided if your lawyer is able to secure your admission into the Conditional Dismissal program.
An entirely separate proceeding in the Family Division of the Middlesex County Superior Court also arises if a restraining order is issued as a result of the incident. This proceeding, which is referred to as a final restraining order hearing, is to determine whether the temporary restraining order becomes permanent and final. You may refer to our Highland Park domestic violence page for more information on this subject.
Simple Assault Attorney in Highland Park
We are definitely a ripe candidate if you are looking for a simple assault attorney in Highland Park. Our team of Highland Park NJ Criminal Lawyers include former prosecutors at other the county and local level in Middlesex County. A lawyer who has the knowledge and skill to help you avoid a record and other consequences from a 2C:12-1a conviction is ready to work for you. Contact our New Brunswick Office anytime of day or night to speak to one of our attorneys in a free consultation.
