assault charges

In the state of New Jersey, assault charges are separated into two categories: simple assault and aggravated assault. A simple assault is the basic charge, which is classified as a disorderly persons offense. If the assault is more serious, then it will fall into the aggravated assault category. If you or a loved one have been charged with assault, it is time to contact a local New Jersey attorney, like Leon Matchin. He has successfully defended many assault cases and can hopefully get your charges downgraded or dropped. Read on for more information about assault charges and how an attorney can defend the case.

Simple Assault

Simple assault is the basic assault charge in New Jersey. This includes attempts to cause bodily injury to another person, negligently causing injury with a deadly weapon, or using physical menace to cause another person to fear a serious injury. These crimes are considered disorderly persons offenses and are misdemeanors. The penalty for committing simple assault is spending up to 6 months in jail and/or receiving a maximum fine of $1,000. Sometimes the assault is considered a petty person’s offense. This occurs if there is a mutual fight. This is still considered a misdemeanor, but the jail time is much less at 30 days.

Aggravated Assault Charges

Aggravated assault is the next step up from a simple assault. This includes situations like recklessly causing bodily injury to another person with a deadly weapon, knowingly causing serious injury to someone, and recklessly pointing a firearm at another person. Depending on the degree of the assault, the defendant could face up to 5-10 years in prison and fines up to $150,000.

How Can Your Attorney Help?

Leon Matchin will carefully study the details of your case. One common defense in assault cases is that the defendant used assault as a method of self-defense. For example, maybe the defendant punched another person because that person had threatened to hurt or kill them. If self-defense is the case, your attorney will be able to bring up the details in court and fight against charges.

Assault is a scary charge to receive because the associated penalties can be harsh. A New Jersey attorney, such as Leon Matchin, can help. Often the assault charges can be defended based on the situation and whether things like self-defense were involved. Leon Matchin is very experienced in cases involving assault. Call Leon Matchin at 732-887-2479 or contact him via email at [email protected] for more information about the services he can provide.