One of Our Former County Prosecutors Is Ready To Discuss How We Can Help You Avoid A Conviction For Aggravated Assault In Jersey City
There are two primary reasons that Jersey City always ranks first for aggravated assault charges in Hudson County. First, the municipality is the second most populated in the state. The second reason is because all aggravated assault charges are indictable crimes that can only be dealt with at the Hudson County Superior Court which is located in Jersey City New Jersey. Irrespective of the explanation for why you have been charged with aggravated assault in the Jersey City, you need to speak to a talented criminal attorney as soon as possible since you are facing a charge that is a felony and carries serious penalties such as years in prison. Representation by an experienced aggravated assault lawyer is essential in order to avoid a conviction.
A lawyer from the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall gives you the best chance of avoiding the harsh consequences of a conviction. Our attorneys devote their practices exclusively to criminal defense and have compiled a combined record of more than 200 years of experience successfully defending individuals in Hudson County Superior Court accused of committing an aggravated assault offense. Their aggressive representation, effective use of legal defenses and attention to detail give you the confidence of knowing your criminal defense is in excellent hands. Call our Jersey City office now at 201.309.0500 for a free initial consultation. One of our criminal defense attorneys is available to speak with you 24 hours a day and 365 days a year.
Jersey City Aggravated Assault Offense
There are eleven separate categories of offense that are set forth in the New Jersey aggravated assault law contacted at N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1(b). While all of these have occasion to crop up in Jersey City from time to time, some varieties of aggravated assault definitely arise more frequently such as:
Attempting to cause serious bodily injury to another person or causing a serious bodily injury either purposely or knowingly; or causing serious bodily injury to another person through reckless behavior demonstrating an extreme indifference to human life.
Attempting to cause or purposely or knowingly causing bodily injury to another person with a deadly weapon.
Using a deadly weapon to recklessly cause another person to suffer a bodily injury.
Knowingly pointing a firearm at or in the direction of another person under circumstances that manifest extreme indifference to human life. It does not matter for purposes of the statute whether or not you believed the gun to be loaded.
Committing a simple assault on someone afforded heightened protection such as a police officer, school teacher, firefighters and other occupations set forth under 2C:12-1b(5)
Attempting to cause significant bodily injury or purposely, knowingly or, under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life recklessly, causing significant bodily injury.
The most serious form of aggravated assault is a second degree crime and arises where someone is convicted of this charge under subsection 1, 6 or 8 (where serious or significant bodily injury is suffered by the victim) of 2C12-1b. The largest block of aggravated assault charges are third degree crimes since this grade of offense is triggered under subsection 2, 7, 9, 10, and when bodily injury sustained to the victim as the result of conduct set forth in subsection 5 and 8. Aggravated assault is a fourth degree crime under subsection 3, 4 and 5 (when there is no injury).
Our Jersey City aggravated assault attorneys dissect the facts surrounding an arrest to identify legal defenses that can be used to raise reasonable doubt concerning your guilt. For example, if you used physical force to defend yourself or another person against an attack, self-defense could be used to justify the action you took. You should never make statements to the police without first speaking with your attorney because statements can be used as evidence against you by the prosecution. However, if you did make a statement, rest assured that our attorneys will review the circumstances and challenge its use in court if police violated your rights under the Fifth or Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
Penalties Imposed For Aggravated Assault Conviction in Jersey City
The seriousness of the injuries or the presence of a deadly weapon can be a factor contributing to the grade classification of an aggravated assault offense. Second degree aggravated assault carries a fine of up to $150,000 and confinement in state prison for a minimum of five years and maximum of 10 years. You should also know that a second degree aggravated assault offense falls under the No Early Release Act which requires that a defendant serve at least 85% of his/her prison sentence before they are eligible for parole. Third degree aggravated assault results in a sentence of 0-5 years in prison and a fine that can read $10,000. Fourth degree aggravated assault, which is the lowest grade, can land you in prison for 18 months and result in a fine of as much as $10,000.
In addition to the aforementioned sentence, an individual faces additional consequences when aggravated assault is inflicted on someone falling under the New Jersey Prevention of Domestic Violence Act. An individual is subject to a temporary restraining order and separate family law proceedings to determine whether this relief should become permanent and final when this is the case.
Jersey City Aggravated Assault Defense Lawyer
Each criminal defense lawyers at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall is committed to providing outstanding and aggressive representation focused on making it possible for you to avoid the penalties and consequences of a conviction. The exceptional qualifications of the attorneys at our firm also afford you confidence knowing that you have entrusted your future to accomplished litigators with a long track record of success. To learn more about the specifics of how an attorney on our team can help you, call us now at 201.309.0500 for a free consultation.
