South River may be a rather nondescript municipality in Middlesex County but that certainly does not render it immune from simple assault charges. In fact, the South River Municipal Court presides over 500 disorderly persons offenses annually with charges like simple assault being commonplace. If you were arrested for simply assault because of a bar fight, conflict with a neighbor, an incident of alleged domestic violence or under any other circumstance, an attorney at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall has the skill you need to insure that your interests are fully protected. The lawyers at our firm have over a century of combined experience fighting assault charges arising in South River and other area towns and several are also former prosecutors. Do not make the error of so many by underestimating the severity of a South River simple assault offense, call our office for a free consultation with a lawyer. Attorneys are available around the clock to inform you of your rights and provide you with the skillful guidance you need.
Simple Assault Charge in South Brunswick
A simple assault charge is a disorderly persons offense under N.J.S.A. 2C-12-1. Although a violation falling within this grade is the equivalent to a misdemeanor, a conviction nevertheless carries serious penalties. You may be convicted of simple assault if you:
- Attempt to cause or purposely, knowingly or recklessly cause bodily injury to another; or
- Negligently cause bodily injury to another with a deadly weapon; or
- Attempt by physical menace to put another in fear of imminent serious bodily injury.
To convict a person of simple assault, the state must prove beyond reasonable doubt that you attempted to cause, or actually caused bodily injury and acted knowingly, purposely, or recklessly.
Penalties for Simple Assault in South River. Simple assault is classified as a disorderly persons offense but can be charged as a petty disorderly persons offense when the defendant is involved in a consensual fight. A disorderly persons offense is punishable by fines of up to $1000. In certain instances, simple assault can be treated as a crime of the 4th degree which carries a prison term of 18 months and fines of up to $1000.
Additional Consequences for Restraining Order. When a simple assault stems from an incident of domestic violence, the victim can apply for a restraining order. Entry of this relief prevents the actor from having any contact with the victim pending the outcome of a final restraining order hearing. The restraints become permanent in the event that you file to successfully defend this proceeding in the Middlesex County Superior Court, Family Court.
South River Simple Assault Defense Lawyer
In South River and elsewhere in the county, simple assault is criminal offense that can tarnish your record and complicate your ability to find a job. If your case is not properly defended it is even possible that you can be sent to jail. This is why having the best legal defense available is extremely important. The lawyers at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall have the qualification and experience required to help you avoid a conviction and/or reduce your simple assault charge. If you have been charged with simple assault in South River, an attorney at our firm is available to speak with you right now. Contact our East Brunswick Office at 732-201-6509 for a free consultation with a lawyer.
