Mercer County Assault Crime Lawyer
Assault Charge Attorney in Mercer County, NJ, Defending the Accused Against Simple and Aggravated Assault Charges in Hamilton, Trenton, Ewing, Princeton, and Throughout Central Jersey
Accusations of assault, ranging from threats to serious bodily injury, can change your life. A conviction for even a less severe charge carries heavy consequences, including jail time, fines, and the obstacles imposed by having a criminal record. To protect your future, you need to take every possible step to minimize these consequences. That means retaining a knowledgeable Mercer County assault crime lawyer to craft an effective defense on your behalf.
At The Law Office of John B. Brennan, I have extensive experience representing clients accused of assault and threat crimes of all kinds and successfully securing them advantageous outcomes. I begin each case with a free, confidential initial consultation, ensuring that everyone facing assault charges in South Jersey has the opportunity to fully understand their case and their defense options. Contact me today to find out how I can help you minimize the consequences of an assault charge in Mercer County.
Understanding Assault Charges in Mercer County, NJ
Assault charges can be complicated due to the extensive differences in what constitutes assault under New Jersey law. With extensive knowledge of the nuances of these types of criminal charges, I can help you understand the case against you, what’s at stake, and how you can give yourself the best chance of beating these charges or minimizing the penalties.
My firm handles all types of assault charges established under New Jersey law (in Section 2C:12-1 of New Jersey Revised Statutes).
Mercer County Simple Assault Charges
The least serious form of assault crime under NJ law, simple assault, encompasses any of the following acts:
- Attempting to cause a victim to fear imminent serious bodily injury through “physical menace,” meaning threatening physical acts such as violent gestures, blocking a victim’s path, or showing off a weapon
- Knowingly or purposely causing or attempting to cause someone bodily injury
- Attempting to cause bodily injury
- Negligently injuring someone with a deadly weapon
In New Jersey, simple assault typically constitutes a disorderly persons offense, which is the equivalent of a misdemeanor charge—less serious than a felony offense but still carrying criminal penalties. However, if I am able to establish that the act that gave rise to this charge occurred during a fight both parties entered into by mutual consent, it may be possible to get the charge reduced to a petty disorderly persons charge.
Mercer County Aggravated Assault Charges
Aggravated assault charges are more serious and can lead to harsher penalties. Actions that can constitute aggravated assault include:
- Purposely or knowingly causing serious bodily injury to a victim
- Attempting to cause serious bodily injury
- Recklessly causing serious bodily injury as a result of showing “extreme indifference” to human life
- Causing or attempting to cause bodily injury with a deadly weapon
- Recklessly causing bodily injury using a deadly weapon
- Pointing a gun at a victim with “extreme indifference” to human life
- Causing or attempting to cause significant bodily injury through “extreme indifference” to human life
Additionally, actions that would otherwise constitute simple assault can lead to aggravated assault charges if the victim fits into certain categories, including:
- A law enforcement officer in the course of their duties or because of their status as an officer
- A firefighter, whether paid or volunteer, performing their duties
- A person performing first-aid or emergency medical services, such as an EMT or paramedic
- A teacher, school bus driver, school administrator, school board member, or school employee performing their duties
- An employee of the Division of Child Protection and Permanency engaged in their duties or because of their status
- A judge engaged in their duties or because of their status
- A motorbus operator or rail passenger service employee performing their duties
- A correctional officer, detention facility officer, probation officer, or sheriff performing their duties or because of their status
- A utility company or cable television company employee performing their duties
- A healthcare worker or psychiatric hospital worker engaged in their duties, providing direct care to a patient or practicing their profession
- A person injured by a defendant who was attempting to flee or elude law enforcement
- Emergency services personnel (including firefighters, emergency medical services personnel, and law enforcement officers) injured as a result of a fire or explosion knowingly and purposely caused by the defendant
- A victim against whom the act would constitute domestic violence, such as a spouse, former spouse, or current or former dating partner
Depending on the circumstances, aggravated assault can be charged as a crime of the second degree, third degree, or fourth degree. Factors that affect the severity of this offense include not only the specific violation but also the severity of the harm the alleged victim suffers—although attempting to cause serious injury can constitute aggravated assault even if the person is not harmed.
Assault by Auto
State law also recognizes the crime of assault by auto or vessel, in which the defendant is accused of causing injury to a victim by driving a vehicle or vessel of some kind. Assault by auto or vessel charges can range in severity from a disorderly persons offense to a second-degree crime, depending on circumstances such as the severity of the injuries.
Assault of or by Specific Persons
In certain situations, violations that would constitute simple assault crimes typically charged as a disorderly persons offense can instead result in fourth-degree criminal charges. These situations include assault of an institutionalized elderly person by an employee of a nursing home or similar facility, as well as a simple assault committed in the presence of a child under 16 years old at a school or community-sponsored youth sports event.
Areas Served in Mercer County, NJ
In every area of Mercer County, defendants accused of assault crimes need representation they can rely on. The Law Office of John B. Brennan serves clients throughout the area, including:
- Hamilton Township
- Trenton
- Ewing Township
- Lawrence Township
- Princeton
- East Windsor
- West Windsor
- Hopewell Township
- Robbinsville Township
- Hightstown
- Pennington
- Hopewell Borough
Mercer County courts take assault charges seriously, which means you could be facing a lengthy prison sentence if convicted. You need someone on your side who has firsthand experience with local court procedures and, specifically, with how local prosecutors build cases. As a former prosecutor, I’m equipped with the knowledge needed to achieve the most favorable outcome in your case.
Let an Assault Charge Attorney in Mercer County, NJ, Protect Your Interests
The difference that having an experienced Mercer County assault crime lawyer defending you makes can’t be overstated. I’m fully devoted to securing an outcome for my clients that minimizes the consequences of assault charges. Although every case is different, with its own unique facts and circumstances, examples of the types of results I consistently secure for my clients include:
- Getting assault charges dismissed entirely
- Getting charges reduced, such as from a third-degree crime to a fourth-degree crime or a fourth-degree crime to a disorderly persons offense
- Motioning to have improperly obtained evidence against you suppressed
- Successfully gaining acceptance into the Pretrial Intervention (PTI) Program, which can allow for dismissal of charges once an eligible defendant fulfills the required conditions
- Negotiating favorable plea agreements
- Presenting effective arguments in court to secure not-guilty trial verdicts
- Advocating for lighter sentences after a conviction
Depending on the charges against you, an assault conviction could lead to years in prison, significant financial penalties, and a permanent criminal record. With so much at stake, the professional guidance of an assault charge attorney in Mercer County, NJ, is crucial.
How The Law Office of John B. Brennan Can Help
As your Mercer County assault crime lawyer, I will provide the complete legal support you need throughout your case. I’m prepared to analyze the case against you to identify evidence in your favor, weaknesses in the prosecution’s arguments, and opportunities for building an effective defense. From providing responsive answers to every question you have about the legal process to developing successful strategies for court or negotiations, I’m here to not only pursue the most favorable resolution to your case but also to provide peace of mind throughout a difficult situation.
Why Choose a Mercer County Assault Crime Lawyer at The Law Office of John B. Brennan?
When you need an assault defense attorney who will advocate aggressively for your best interests, get results, and provide the support you need at every stage of the legal process, The Law Office of John B. Brennan is the clear choice for legal counsel you can depend on.
Aggressive Representation When You’re Facing Assault Charges
With the harsh consequences of an assault crime conviction looming over you, strong, proactive legal representation is essential. I’m here to fight aggressively for your rights, challenging the case against you at every turn and ensuring you’re treated fairly throughout the process. I’m not just your representative—I’m your advocate, prepared to demand the full protections available to you under the law.
Proven Results Securing Favorable Outcomes
The outcome of your assault case determines your future—whether you will remain free or go to jail, whether you face the financial hardships imposed by costly fines, and whether you carry the long-term burden of a criminal record. I have a record of success getting charges dropped or reduced, securing not-guilty trial verdicts, and otherwise achieving more advantageous resolutions.
Comprehensive, Responsive Support for the Legal Process
Facing assault charges alone will only add to your stress and reduce your ability to defend yourself successfully. I’m ready to provide the full array of legal support services you need, from analyzing your case and developing an effective strategy to representing you in every hearing and proceeding. I’ll stand by your side throughout this whole ordeal, and my commitment to responsive communications—and to personally returning calls within 24 hours—attests to this dedication.
Contact a Mercer County Assault Crime Lawyer at The Law Office of John B. Brennan Today for a Free, Confidential Consultation
The sooner you bring on experienced legal guidance, the better a position you will be in to defend against assault charges. Early legal assistance can prevent damaging mistakes and identify opportunities to get charges dismissed or evidence suppressed. To ensure every person accused of assault crimes in Mercer County has the chance to understand their rights and the avenues available to them, I provide a free, confidential initial consultation.
For help from an assault charge attorney in Mercer County, NJ, contact The Law Office of John B. Brennan online or call 856-446-5123 today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Assault Crimes in Mercer County, NJ
In New Jersey, the crime of assault can encompass everything from acts of “physical menace”—threatening actions that incite fear of imminent bodily harm in an individual—to the intentional infliction of serious bodily injury. New Jersey distinguishes between simple assault offenses and aggravated offenses.
Generally, simple assault involves intentionally causing or attempting to cause harm that does not amount to serious bodily injury and does not involve specific types of victims or circumstances. Simple assault is a less serious offense than aggravated assault.
You may be charged with aggravated assault if the offense you are accused of committing involves serious bodily injury to a victim, acts that constitute reckless and “extreme” indifference to human life, or the use of a deadly weapon. An offense can also amount to aggravated assault when perpetrated against certain types of victims, including law enforcement officers, judges, health care providers, and teachers, either in the course of their duties or because of their occupation.
New Jersey uses different terms than many other states, characterizing less severe violations as “disorderly persons” offenses and more serious offenses as “indictable offenses” or “crimes.” Simple assault is generally charged as a disorderly persons offense and, when it occurs in the context of a fight that both parties consented to, may constitute a lesser “petty disorderly persons” offense. Aggravated assault is charged as a crime, with grades ranging from second-degree (most serious) to fourth-degree (least serious).
Although disorderly persons offenses aren’t as serious as indictable offenses, these charges can still cause you to face serious penalties and the long-term effects of having a criminal record. Don’t make the mistake of not taking your case seriously because of its classification as a disorderly persons charge.
Yes, an assault conviction could result in jail time in New Jersey. The potential for jail time depends on the severity of the offense.
If convicted of a fourth-degree aggravated assault crime, you could spend up to 18 months incarcerated. A third-degree aggravated assault conviction generally carries a prison term of three to five years, while a second-degree conviction can send you to prison for five to ten years. You can also face fines up to $10,000 for a fourth-degree charge, $15,000 for a third-degree charge, and $150,000 for a second-degree charge.
Even a disorderly persons offense of simple assault could result in jail time, amounting to up to six months in prison.
It’s possible to minimize or potentially even avoid jail time through the strategic defense my firm provides. I will explore all options, from challenging police procedures and rights violations to advocating for your participation in the Pretrial Intervention Program or negotiating a plea deal that’s in your best interest.