Aggravated Assault Charge in Garwood New Jersey
An aggravated assault charge can arise out of a variety of scenarios. If you resist arrest or get into an altercation with a police officer in Garwood NJ, you are subject to aggravated assault charges. Likewise, if you injured someone with your vehicle while trying to evade police officers or if you point a weapon at someone, you could be arrested for the offense of aggravated assault. Simple assault is a lesser crime handled in Garwood Municipal Court. Aggravated assault cases in Garwood, however, are under the jurisdiction of Union County Superior Court in Elizabeth.
If you have been charged with aggravated assault, you are facing serious consequences that could have far-reaching negative impact on your life. The first course of action that you should take is to retain an experienced criminal lawyer. When you contact the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall, you gain the benefit of skilled legal representation. Our expertise in handling aggravated assault cases over the past few decades is substantial. The qualified attorneys at The Marshall Firm are able to provide sound legal advice and investigate all the possibilities for having charges against you reduced or dropped entirely. We are known for providing aggressive defense in the courtroom, on behalf of our clients. Contact us today by calling 908-272-1700. The initial consultation is free, and you will speak to an attorney who specializes in criminal defense in Union County.
Garwood Aggravated Assault Offense
The crime of aggravated assault is defined by New Jersey statute N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1(b). The following are actions that can result in a Garwood aggravated assault charge:
- Commit an act of simple assault on a police officer.
- Cause injury to a person with the use of a deadly weapon, whether recklessly or purposely.
- Cause another person or a victim of domestic violence serious bodily injury or significant bodily injury.
- Cause bodily injury to another person by starting an explosion or fire.
- Point a firearm, whether real or fake, at a police officer or another person.
- Use a laser sighting system.
- Cause bodily injury while in the process of eluding.
Types of Injury in Aggravated Assault Cases. A knowledgeable criminal defense attorney will help you understand details of the charges against you. For instance, the type of injury involved in your case affects the possible penalties for conviction. There are three kinds of injury described in the New Jersey aggravated assault statute. Physical pain, illness, or harm to an individual’s physical condition are all “bodily injuries.” Temporary loss of one of the five senses or temporary loss of the function of any bodily organ or member is “significant bodily injury.” The third is “serious bodily injury,” which is defined as causing serious, permanent disfigurement or harm to bodily functions or a substantial risk of death.
Penalties for Committing Aggravated Assault. The least serious aggravated assault charge is a fourth-degree crime, which can lead to 18 months in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Next is a third-degree crime, with penalties that could include a prison term of 3 to 5 years and a $15,000 fine. Penalties for a second-degree crime include 5 to 10 years in prison and a fine of $150,000.
Garwood NJ Aggravated Assault Defense Attorney
Are you facing a charge of aggravated assault in Garwood? You need an attorney who has experience in this specific area of law, like those at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall. We are former prosecutors and a team of eight skilled lawyers with over a century of experience defending aggravated assault cases in Union County. Our defense team can help by applying best strategies for securing a downgraded charge or possibly a dismissal of charges. Contact us at 908-272-1700 to speak with a well-qualified lawyer immediately. Initial consultations with our attorneys are free so do not hesitate to call us.