North Bergen Aggravated Assault Lawyer

An arrest for aggravated assault in North Bergen or anywhere else can often epitomize the adage “there are two sides to every story”. Police receive a call regarding an incident of domestic violence, fight between neighbors or some other conflict and arrive at the scene. If there is a victim who claims you tried or caused them serious injuries, you probably will be arrested and charged with an aggravated assault offense. It is essential that you retain the services of a skilled, top-notch North Bergen criminal defense lawyer capable of giving you the aggressive and effective representation it takes to ensure that evidence supporting your side of the story gets introduced to counter the prosecution version of events. You might have been defending yourself against an aggressor, but only an experience attorney knows how to gather and present evidence to prove it.

The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall has a select team of lawyers with credentials that are extremely rare. The qualifications of the attorneys include:

• More than 200 years of combined experience defending individuals facing aggravated assault accusations in Hudson County Superior Court
• 10 lawyers that devote their practices exclusively to criminal defense
• Former county and municipal prosecutors that have served as Director of Major Crimes, Juvenile Unit, Guns Task Force and an entire Trial Team
• Certified criminal trial attorneys

If you want an attorney dedicated to fighting for your rights to avoid the harsh penalties and criminal record of an aggravated assault conviction, call our Jersey City Office us now at (201) 309-0500. Lawyers are available for free consultations 24/7 to discuss your options, an upcoming first appearance at CJP or detention hearing, or any other issue you want to discuss.

North Bergen Aggravated Assault Offense

Aggravated assault can result in a crime of the fourth degree, third degree or second degree under N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1(b) depending on the severity of the injuries, involvement of a weapon and other factors. For example, purposely or knowingly causing or attempting to cause serious bodily injury to another person results in second degree aggravated assault. Most charges filed under 2C:12-2b involve third degree aggravated assault, which is less serious than a second degree but more serious than a fourth degree. In any case, N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1(b) also includes the following behaviors within the definition of an aggravated assault offense:

• Causing serious bodily injury to another person by engaging in reckless behavior demonstrating extreme indifference to human life.
• Attempting to cause or purposely or knowingly causing bodily injury to another person with a deadly weapon.
• Recklessly causing another person to suffer a bodily injury with a deadly weapon.
• Knowingly pointing a firearm at or in the direction of another person under circumstances that manifest extreme indifference to of human life.
• Causing another person to suffer an injury while fleeing or attempting to flee or evade the police.

Our defense of all Hudson County aggravated assault charges begins with a careful review of the facts along with an analysis of the evidence to identify possible defenses and the evidence available to support them. Self-defense may offer justification for engaging in conduct defined in N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1(b) and cause a judge to dismiss the charge against you, but the defense must be presented correctly and supported by the proper evidence, which is where the years of experience of our team of defense attorneys may make a difference in the outcome.

Penalties for an Aggravated Assault

Aggravated assault is an indictable offense, which makes it the equivalent of a felony and leaves you with a permanent criminal record as a violent felon. The stigma of a conviction is not the only consequence of a conviction. At sentencing, a judge has a great deal of discretion when imposing penalties following a conviction. The seriousness of the injuries suffered by a victim and whether or not a deadly weapon was used in the commission of the offense are factors that could increase the penalties. For example, a second degree crime for aggravated assault may result in confinement to New Jersey state prison for a minimum of five and a maximum of 10 years along with a fine of as much as $150,000. You must serve at least 85% of the prison term before you may be considered for release on parole in accordance with the No Early Release Act (“NERA”). A third degree crime for aggravated assault carries up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000. A fourth degree aggravated assault is the least severe form of 2c:12-1b violation but that can even result in 18 months in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Our lawyers are on your side and know how a felony conviction can hinder your ability to find employment. We also know how it can negatively impact your ability to gain citizenship or  even maintain your immigration status (e.g. Green Card, Permanent Resident, Visa, etc.) and opportunity to obtain a professional license. Only by aggressively attacking the prosecution witnesses and other evidence presented against you, and litigating the case persuasively, does it become possible to secure a dismissal or downgrade of the charges. You should also know that a knowledge attorney like those at our firm can explore diversion programs to avoid prosecution, including Pretrial Intervention (“PTI”).

North Bergen Aggravated Assault Defense Lawyer

Outstanding representation from an accomplished lawyer at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall makes it possible for your side of the story to be heard to refute the accusations made against you. Give yourself a fighting chance by calling us now at (201) 309- 0500 where a highly skilled New Jersey aggravated assault attorney is available 24 hours a day and seven days a week for a free initial consultation.