Assault Defense Attorney in Princeton, NJ Fighting for Your Rights in Violent Crime Cases in Mercer County, Middlesex County, Somerset County, and Throughout Central Jersey
A simple argument can quickly escalate, turning into a physical altercation that leaves you or a loved one facing criminal charges. If you’re in this situation, you’re not alone—but this is also not something to take lightly. Our New Jersey assault lawyer has successfully defended numerous clients across the state, representing them against charges ranging from simple assault to aggravated assault.
By working to get your charges dismissed or reduced, we can help you, too. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation and protect your future from the impact of serious and lasting consequences such as jail time, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record.
Types of Assault Charges in New Jersey
New Jersey laws categorize assault into types: simple assault, aggravated assault, and assault by auto.
Simple Assault
Law enforcement can charge you with simple assault if you:
- Attempt to cause or intentionally cause bodily injury to someone
- Negligently cause someone bodily injury with a deadly weapon
- Threaten someone or make them fear imminent harm
Simple assault is generally considered a disorderly persons offense, which is similar to a misdemeanor.
Aggravated Assault
Aggravated assault is a more serious charge that can arise from actions like:
- Intentionally or recklessly causing serious bodily injury
- Attempting to cause or causing injury with a deadly weapon
- Assaulting a public servant, such as a police officer or a healthcare worker
Charges for aggravated assault can constitute second-degree, third-degree, or fourth-degree felonies, depending on the severity of the injury caused and the circumstances.
Assault by Auto
If you cause bodily injury to another person while driving recklessly, you could face assault by auto charges. These charges can become more serious depending on the severity of the injury as well as factors such as driving under the influence.
No matter what type of assault charge you're facing—simple, aggravated, or assault by auto—contact us to discuss your case. Our New Jersey assault lawyer can fight to protect your rights and work toward dismissing or reducing your charges.
Punishment for Committing Assault in New Jersey
The penalties for assault in New Jersey vary based on the type.
Simple Assault
As a disorderly persons offense, simple assault can result in:
- Up to 6 months in prison
- Fines up to $1,000
- Possible restitution to the victim
Additionally, simple assault becomes a second-degree felony if committed against certain professionals who serve the community, including:
- Law enforcement officers
- Firefighters
- Healthcare workers
- Teachers or school employees
In this instance, you could face more serious penalties.
Aggravated Assault
The penalties for aggravated assault vary, depending on the degree of the charge:
- Second-degree aggravated assault: 5 to 10 years in prison and fines up to $150,000
- Third-degree aggravated assault: Up to 5 years in prison and fines up to $15,000
- Fourth-degree aggravated assault: Up to 18 months in prison and fines up to $10,000.
Assault by Auto
The penalties for assault by auto also depend on the severity of the injury:
- Fourth-degree charge: Up to 18 months of prison time
- Disorderly persons offense: Up to 6 months of prison time
Facing these penalties can change your life, impacting everything from your career to your relationships. Contact our assault defense attorney in Princeton, NJ, today to start building a defense that can help you reclaim your future.
How Our New Jersey Assault Lawyer Can Help You Fight Assault Charges
Facing assault charges can be overwhelming. Whether you’re dealing with simple or aggravated assault, our New Jersey assault lawyer is here to guide you at every stage—from detention hearings to trial.
Securing bail for aggravated assault charges can be difficult, but we have the experience to navigate this process effectively. Depending on your situation, we can fight to get your charges reduced or dismissed.
Here are some standard defenses against assault charges:
- Self-defense: If you acted to protect yourself from harm, this could serve as a valid defense.
- Consent: If the alleged victim consented to the contact, this can challenge the charges.
- Lack of intent: If there was no intent to harm or injure, we can argue this in your defense.
Every assault case is unique, and so is our approach to each individual case we handle. Schedule an initial consultation with our assault defense attorney in Princeton, NJ, today to learn which defense strategies might apply in your case.
Why Choose Mark H. Jaffe, Attorney at Law to Handle Your Assault Case
When facing an assault charge, you need someone who knows New Jersey’s criminal system inside and out. Mark H. Jaffe isn’t just any lawyer—he has years of experience navigating the state’s criminal process.
Here’s why you will want our assault defense attorney in Princeton, NJ, on your side:
- Extensive courtroom experience
- History of handling more than 14,000 criminal cases
- Experience working with State Police
- Service as Chiefs of Police Association lawyer for Hudson County
With Mark H. Jaffe on your side, you have someone who knows how to maximize your chances of success.
See the impact we make:
"Mark was amazing!.
Mark pursued my case diligently, explained all the steps and got the best outcome possible.
He is professional, graceful, very very knowledgeable and a great listener. He won my case and I gained many life lessons and found an EXCELLENT LAWYER for any one who needs one.” - A Saeid
866-930-1914. We can work to get your assault charges dismissed or reduced.
Contact a New Jersey Assault Lawyer at Mark H. Jaffe Attorney at Law Today for an Initial Case Evaluation
Assault charges can put your future at risk. Even a simple assault conviction can leave a lasting mark on your record, making it harder to secure jobs, housing, and more. Don’t let this happen.
For help from an assault lawyer in New Jersey, contact Mark H. Jaffe Attorney at Law online or call today.