Phillipsburg Aggravated Assault Lawyers

Criminal Defense Attorneys in Sussex and Warren County, New Jersey

Aggravated Assault Lawyers in NJ

Aggravated assault is one of the many crimes set forth in the New Jersey Criminal Code that constitutes an “offense involving danger to the person.” Depending on the severity of the victim’s injury, what caused the injury, or who the victim is, an aggravated assault will be charged as either a fourth, third, or second degree crime. Regardless of the degree of the charges, these are all indictable crimes, which may result in a New Jersey State Prison sentence. In other words, aggravated assault charges should not be taken lightly because if you’re found guilty, you could end up behind bars.

The criminal defense attorneys at the our law firm in Sussex and Warren County have handled numerous aggravated assault cases in Newton, Belvidere, Phillipsburg, Hackettstown, and throughout New Jersey. If you’ve been charged with aggravated assault, contact our defense team to learn more about the charges, potential consequences, and how to start developing your defense strategy. We are available 24/7 to provide consultations free of charge. Simply call 973-755-1695 today.

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Aggravated Assault Defense Lawyer in Sparta NJ

Pursuant to the New Jersey Criminal Code, N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1(b), person is guilty of aggravated assault if he:

1) Attempts to cause serious bodily injury to another, or causes such injury purposely or knowingly under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life recklessly causes such injury, which is a crime of the second degree; or

2) Attempts to cause or purposely or knowingly causes bodily injury to another with a deadly weapon, which is a crime of the third degree; or

3) Recklessly causes bodily injury to another with a deadly weapon, which is a crime of the fourth degree; or

4) Knowingly under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life points a firearm at or in the direction of another, whether or not the actor believes it to be loaded, which is a crime of the fourth degree.

Likewise, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1(b)(7), a person who attempts to cause significant bodily injury to another or causes significant bodily injury purposely or knowingly or, under the circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life recklessly causes such significant bodily injury, which is a crime of the third degree.

When Simple Assault Becomes Aggravated Assault in New Jersey

In addition to the specifically enumerated types of aggravated assault, there are also categories of the offense that depend solely in the identity of the victim, regardless of the extent of bodily injury. For example, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1(b)(5), aggravated assault also occurs when the actor commits simple assault upon law enforcement, first aid or medical service providers, school teachers, Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCP&P) employees, a judge of the New Jersey Court, corrections officer, sheriff, or healthcare worker, in which case it will be a third degree crime if the victim suffers bodily injury. Another situation in which causing any bodily injury will constitute aggravated assault is causes bodily injury to another person while fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer or while operating a motor vehicle which is a second degree crime pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1(b)(6).

New Jersey Aggravated Assault Sentencing Guidelines

As mentioned above, aggravated assault may be classified as a fourth, third, or second degree crime. Under New Jersey’s sentencing guidelines, a fourth degree crime carries a fine of up to $10,000 and 18 months of incarceration; a third degree crime imposes a fine of up to $15,000 and three to five years in prison, and a second degree crime subjects the defendant to a fine of up to $150,000 and five to ten years in prison.

Contact Newton Aggravated Assault Lawyers for a Free Consultation

Aggravated assault cases depend on the totality of the circumstances and can often hinge on a subtle nuance such as whether or not the victim suffered serious bodily injury versus significant bodily injury, or if a circumstance manifests extreme indifference to the value of human life. The bottom line is that having an experienced criminal defense attorney at our firm handle your case is one of the most important steps you can take if you have been charged with aggravated assault in Sussex or Warren County. Contact us today at 973-755-1695 to speak with one of our seasoned criminal defense attorneys and learn how we can help you.