Arrested for Simple Assault in Clark Township
One of the more common criminal offenses encountered in Clark Municipal Court is simple assault. This charge can arise in many instances including voluntary fighting, an argument that turns physical or even a domestic violence in Clark Township. Whether you were arrested and charged as a result of this or another scenario, a conviction under N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1 carries stiff penalties that should be avoided at all cost. The eight lawyers at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall have the skills to guide you through this confusing time with success. Our team of criminal attorneys include several former prosecutors that possess over a century of combined experience defending assault charges arising in the Township of Clark and other municipalities in Union County. To speak to an attorney on our staff about the particular facts of your simple assault case, call 908-272-1700. A lawyer is available 24/7 to assist you with concerns.
Simple Assault Offense in Clark New Jersey
A simple assault offense always stems from application of 2C:12-1a. This section of the New Jersey Assault Law makes it a disorderly persons offense to cause bodily injury to another as the result of an attempt to cause or knowingly or recklessly causing such an injury. A Clark New Jersey simple assault may also result from physical menacing intended to put another person in fear of serious bodily injury.
As previously stated, simple assault is typically a disorderly persons offense that falls under the jurisdiction of the Clark Municipal Court. This violation is reduced to a petty disorderly persons offense, however, when the assault is the result of a mutually agreed to fight.
The penalties for a Clark disorderly persons offense for simple assault include a fine of up to $1,000 and up to 6 months in jail. A petty disorderly persons offense for simple assault carries a jail term of up to 30 days and a maximum fine of $500.
If you have a simple assault offense in Clark, you can apply for a diversion under the conditional dismissal program. This relief is limited to first time offenders that meet strict rules for admission.
Lastly, simple assault arises in many instances as the result of an alleged incident of domestic violence. When this is the case, the situation is significantly more complicated because the “victim” is granted the opportunity to sign a restraining order. The result is involvement in two separate court proceedings – the criminal case and a separate family court hearing to determine whether the restraining order shall become final.
Clark NJ Simple Assault Defense Attorney
No one should have a record for assault unless it is absolutely unavoidable. The lawyers at our firm will ensure that you enjoy every chance of achieve an acquittal or some other outcome that negates a record (e.g. downgrade to a municipal ordinance). Our firm, the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall, we can offer you representation by a team of skilled attorneys that have been winning cases like yours for many years. To speak to a defense attorney in our Union NJ Office immediately, call 908-272-1700. A lawyer is ready to give you the benefit of their time and knowledge in a free consultation.
