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Experienced Aggravated Assault Attorney
In New Jersey, the distinction between aggravated and simple assault hinges on specific acts, intent, circumstances, and conditions. Aspects such as the use of a weapon, the defendant’s relationship to the victim, the intent to commit an offense, and the severity of the injury allegedly caused all play a role in this classification. In some cases, an injury doesn’t necessarily have to occur for an act to still be considered aggravated assault. Under New Jersey law, aggravated assault covers Crimes that include attempted murder, robbery, rape, or assault with a deadly or dangerous weapon typically fall within the realm of aggravated assault. In New Jersey, this is a felony, carrying severe penalties.
Whether you’ve been arrested or are a suspect in an assault investigation, you need not face this daunting situation alone. Adam M. Lustberg, a dedicated Hackensack aggravated assault attorney, together with the team at Lustberg Law Offices, LLC, is ready to support you. With over a decade of experience, our New Jersey criminal defense lawyers have successfully represented hundreds of defendants charged with violent crimes in Hackensack, Paramus, Fort Lee, Garfield, Newark, and other areas across New Jersey.
Get in touch with Lustberg Law Offices today for a comprehensive review of your case and quality advice on your available options. Let our team leverage their skills and experience to guide you through this challenging time.
Aggravated assault encompasses a wide range of actions. Here are some real-world examples:
If you or a loved one find yourself facing charges related to any such incidents, don’t hesitate to seek legal assistance. Contact us today at (201) 880-5311. Our skilled team at Lustberg Law Offices is ready to provide you with the expert legal counsel you need.
Aggravated assault is treated as a highly serious crime in New Jersey, often classified as a felony depending on the case specifics. This crime involves an attacker attempting to or intentionally causing significant physical harm to another person, or causing injury using a deadly weapon. This is deemed more severe than simple assault, with the severity typically resting on the perpetrator’s intent, the degree of injury caused, and the use of a weapon.
Aggravated assault, as outlined in N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1b, involves an attempt to “cause serious bodily injury to another,” or inflicting harm through intentional, knowing, or reckless actions demonstrating “extreme indifference to the value of human life.” To convince the court of an aggravated assault charge, the prosecutor must prove that the defendant committed the assault knowingly and recklessly. The use of a deadly weapon, such as a gun or knife, or whether the assault posed a risk of death or permanent injury or disfigurement, are factors used to establish the defendant’s conduct.
It’s crucial to recognize that aggravated assault charges often accompany criminal weapons charges, which can result in harsher penalties. Many weapons offenses in New Jersey demand mandatory minimum incarceration terms. Therefore, the stakes are high, and it’s essential to have experienced legal counsel.
Within the New Jersey criminal justice system, a crucial distinction exists between aggravated assault and simple assault charges. Aggravated assault is a felony, tried in superior court, which can lead to a state prison sentence of up to ten (10) years. By contrast, simple assault is a disorderly person offense that will be handled in a municipal court and that carries significantly less severe penalties. If the assault was against a public employee or official such as a police officer, what would otherwise be considered a simple assault may rise to a charge of aggravated assault. Depending on the circumstances of your case, Bergen County criminal lawyer Adam M. Lustberg may be able to get your assault charge reduced from aggravated assault to a simple assault charge. This would greatly lessen the potential penalties involved.
When facing charges of aggravated assault, it’s crucial to engage the services of a seasoned aggravated assault attorney. A skilled attorney can be instrumental in securing a reduced sentence, or even the dismissal of your charges.
At Lustberg Law Offices, top-rated New Jersey attorney Adam M. Lustberg and our team of accomplished lawyers are prepared to provide the legal assistance you need. Schedule a free consultation today by calling (201) 880-5311.
Aspect | Simple Assault | Aggravated Assault |
---|---|---|
Severity | Less severe injuries or threats | More severe injuries or weapons |
Classification | Disorderly persons offense | More serious criminal offense |
Types of Acts | Attempting/reckless/negligent | Serious bodily injury, weapon, assaulting officials |
Penalties | Fines, probation, max 6 months | Significant fines, imprisonment, harsher record |
Injury Definition | Physical discomfort/impairment | Risk of death/disfigurement/lasting pain |
Use of Deadly Weapon | Rarely associated | Often involves deadly weapons |
Targeted Individuals | General assault victims | May involve specific officials or victims |
Aggravating Factors | Few aggravating factors | Multiple factors increasing danger |
New Jersey has two types of assault charges: simple assault and aggravated assault. Aggravated assault, which is the more severe of both the charges, is determined by the facts surrounding the crime.
Simple assault is a less serious form of assault and typically involves less severe injuries or threatening behavior. It is classified as a disorderly persons offense in New Jersey, which is akin to a misdemeanor in other states.
There are several ways in which an act can qualify as simple assault, including:
Penalties for simple assault may include fines, probation, community service, and possible imprisonment for up to 6 months.
Bodily injury refers to any form of pain or illness that causes physical discomfort, as well as impairment of a person’s ability to function normally. This definition covers any type of pain that the victim feels.
Aggravated assault is a more serious offense compared to simple assault and typically involves more severe injuries, the use of a weapon, or other aggravating factors that make the offense more dangerous.
There are several circumstances that can elevate an assault to aggravated assault in New Jersey, such as:
Penalties for aggravated assault can be quite severe and may include significant fines and a prison sentence, the length of which depends on the specific circumstances of the case.
It’s important to note that New Jersey law allows for a wide range of potential charges and penalties within the categories of simple and aggravated assault, depending on the specific facts and circumstances of each case. The severity of the assault, the presence of any aggravating factors, and the defendant’s criminal history can all influence the charges and potential penalties.
If you or someone you know is facing assault charges in New Jersey, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced attorney who can provide legal guidance and help navigate the complexities of the legal system to ensure the best possible outcome for the case.
When you are charged with aggravated assault, the degree of your offense will determine the penalties if you are convicted.
A person can be charged with fourth-degree aggravated assault if they commit the following acts:
Penalties for fourth-degree aggravated assault can include up to 18 months in prison and a fine of $10,000.
Third-degree aggravated assault involves the following aggravating circumstances:
Conviction for third-degree aggravated assault can result in 3 to 5 years in prison and a fine of $15,000.
Second-degree aggravated assault involves the following aggravating circumstances:
Penalties for second-degree aggravated assault can include 5 to 10 years in prison and a fine of $150,000.
Additional factors on whether you are charged with a fourth-degree, third-degree, or second-degree offense can also include the following:
Working with an experienced lawyer can help in understanding the circumstances surrounding your charges. A skilled attorney is instrumental in building a tailored legal defense strategy aimed at protecting your best interests and securing a case dismissal or a reduction of the charges. Contact Lustberg Law Offices, LLC today to schedule a free consultation.
We have years of experience in courts through NJ and NY and a proven track record of success in criminal cases.
During a trial, the prosecution must prove their case against you beyond a reasonable doubt. With a competent, skilled NJ aggravated assault lawyer on your side, some successful defense strategies may include proving the following:
If you’ve been charged with aggravated assault in New Jersey, it is critical that you have an attorney who can build a solid, aggressive defense against those accusations. If you are convicted of aggravated assault without an attorney who may have been able to negotiate reduced or dismissed charges or a reduced sentence, years of incarceration may be unavoidable.
Top-rated defense lawyer Adam M. Lustberg and our team of experienced attorneys at Lustberg Law Offices work diligently to provide quality legal strategies tailored to each client’s specific circumstances. Our team is committed to providing strong advocacy aimed at protecting our clients’ rights and securing the best possible outcome. Contact us today.
During a trial, the prosecution must prove their case against you beyond a reasonable doubt. With a competent, skilled NJ aggravated assault lawyer on your side, some successful defense strategies may include proving the following:
If you’ve been charged with aggravated assault in New Jersey, it is critical that you have an attorney who can build a solid, aggressive defense against those accusations. If you are convicted of aggravated assault without an attorney who may have been able to negotiate reduced or dismissed charges or a reduced sentence, years of incarceration may be unavoidable. Defense lawyer Adam M. Lustberg and our team of experienced lawyers at Lustberg Law Offices will work hard to provide you with the best legal defense possible.
Hackensack criminal attorney Adam M. Lustberg has a proven track record of more than a decade of effectively representing individuals accused of violent crimes in NJ, including aggravated assault and simple assault. Without a competent aggravated assault lawyer helping you contest the charges, you may be incarcerated for years.
Lustberg Law Offices understand the importance of having a solid defense team when facing charges of assault. Our team of experienced aggravated assault lawyers will work hard to fight for your rights and may be able to help protect your freedom. With so much at stake, protect yourself now by calling or emailing Lustberg Law today to begin the fight to ensure the best odds for your freedom.
Contact us today at (201) 880-5311 to schedule a consultation.
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