Sparta Assault by Auto Lawyers

Criminal Defense Attorneys in Sussex and Warren County, New Jersey

Assault by Auto

Operating a car or a boat in a reckless or aggressive manner or while intoxicated is one thing, but causing injury to another person as a result is an entirely separate criminal offense. In fact, depending on the extent of the injuries caused and where the incident occurred, assault by auto or boat can potentially be a second degree crime, carrying extensive fines and lengthy time behind bars. If you are charged with assault by auto or assault by vessel in Warren County or Sussex County, don’t let the charges ruin your life. Contact the highly experienced New Jersey criminal defense lawyers at the our firm to fight for you. Our attorneys regularly defend clients in courts in Newton, Belvidere, Hackettstown, Washington Borough, and throughout New Jersey. We are available 24/7 to assist you and we provide consultations free of charge. Simply call 973-755-1695 today to discuss your case and find the answers you need to move forward with confidence.

Assault by Auto Defense Lawyers in Belvidere NJ

According to N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1(c)(1), a person is guilty of assault by auto or vessel if the person drives a vehicle or vessel recklessly and causes either serious bodily injury or bodily injury to another. Specifically, assault by auto or vessel is a crime of the fourth degree if serious bodily injury results and is a disorderly persons offense if bodily injury results. And, proof that the defendant was operating a held-held wireless telephone while driving a motor vehicle may give rise to an inference that the defendant was driving recklessly. Further, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1(c)(2), assault by auto or vessel is a crime of the third degree if the person drives the vehicle while intoxicated and serious bodily injury results and is a crime of the fourth degree if the person drives while intoxicated and bodily injury results.

There are also certain situations in which the location where the incident occurred will determine the level of offense. Specifically, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1(c)(3)(a) through (c), assault by auto or vessel is a crime of the second degree if serious bodily injury results from the defendant operating the auto or vessel while intoxicated while on any school property or within 1,000 feet of such school property or driving through a school crossing, otherwise it is crime of the third degree if bodily injury results.

Moreover, aggressive driving and road rage can also lead to criminal charges under N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1(c)(4) which sets for that assault by auto or vessel is a crime of the third degree if the person purposely drives a vehicle in an aggressive manner directed at another vehicle and serious bodily injury results and is a crime of the fourth degree if the person purposely drives a vehicle in an aggressive manner directed at another vehicle and bodily injury results. According to the New Jersey Criminal Code, “driving a vehicle in an aggressive manner” shall include, but is not limited to, unexpectedly altering the speed of the vehicle, making improper or erratic traffic lane changes, disregarding traffic control devices, failing to yield the right of way, or following another vehicle too closely.

What Happens if You are Convicted of Assault by Auto in New Jersey?

The penalties for assault by auto or assault by boat will be as follows: for second degree – five to ten years incarceration and up to a $150,000 fine; for third degree – three to five years imprisonment and up to a $15,000 fine; for fourth degree – up to eighteen months incarceration and up to a $10,000 fine; and a for a disorderly persons offense – up to six months in jail and up to a $1,000 in fine.

Contact Hackettstown Vehicular Assault Attorneys to Discuss Your Case

The bottom line is that assault by auto or assault by vessel charges in Warren County and Sussex county carry severe penalties. If you are charged with such crimes, contact the experienced New Jersey criminal defense attorneys at our offices to learn more about the charges, consequences, and potential defense strategies.