New Jersey Assault & Threat Crimes Defense Lawyers

Trusted Criminal Defense Lawyers Defend Clients Accused of Assault and Threat Crimes in New Jersey

Assault and threat crimes in New Jersey include those that include allegations of violence, or threats of violence, against someone else.  Even the mere allegation that you committed a violent crime like assault can have a detrimental impact on your life and reputation.  A conviction can follow you for years to come, well after you have completed your punishment.

At Team Law, our skilled defense lawyers have a proven track record of representing clients accused of assault and threat crimes.  Our lawyers bring more than 60 years’ combined experience to the table.  We know what it takes to successfully handle your case—both inside and outside the courtroom. 

Allegations involving violence and threats of violence must be taken seriously.  The first step to protecting your future is contacting an experienced criminal defense lawyer.  Prosecutors often try to “overcharge” when it comes to assault and threat crimes—meaning that they may charge you with multiple offenses or a more serious crime than warranted given the circumstances.  Our lawyers examine all of the facts to build a strong, smart defense to make sure your rights are protected.

We know that facing criminal charges can be overwhelming.  To discuss your case with an experienced assault and threat crime lawyer who can help, contact Team Law today.

Examples of New Jersey Assault and Threat Crimes

Assault and threat crimes include those that involve physical violence and threats of physical violence.  Whether you were involved in a bar fight, a domestic dispute or a serious violent altercation, assault and threat crimes are considered “violent crimes”. 

Examples of some of the assault and threat crimes that you can be charged with under New Jersey law include:

• Simple assault
• Aggravated assault
• Terroristic threats
• Disorderly conduct
• Harassment
• Stalking
• Assault by auto
• Domestic violence

The potential penalties associated with an assault or threat crime can vary widely depending upon the circumstances.  For example, you may be charged with:

• Simple assault.  Simple assault under N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1 is a disorderly persons offense punishable by up to six months in jail and $1,000 in fines.  The crime itself is defined as attempting to cause, or purposefully, recklessly or knowingly causing, bodily injury to someone else, or using physical menace to put another person in reasonable fear of injury.

• Aggravated assault.  Simple assault is elevated to aggravated assault under certain circumstances—for example, if the defendant causes serious bodily injury, uses a deadly weapon or assaults a law enforcement officer.  Aggravated assault can result in a much more substantial prison sentence depending upon how the crime is graded and fines of up to $150,000.

• Terroristic threats.  A terroristic threats conviction can result from the mere threat of physical violence to someone else.  Under N.J.S.A. 2C:12-3, terroristic threats can be charged as a third-degree crime carrying between three and five years in prison, and up to $15,000 in fines.

• Resisting arrest.  Resisting arrest under N.J.S.A. 2C:29-2 can result in disorderly persons offense charges, or a third or fourth-degree felony charge.  That means jail time can range from under six months (for a disorderly persons offense) or upwards of five years in more serious cases.

In more serious cases, you could become subject to New Jersey No Early Release Act (NERA), which imposes mandatory minimum sentencing requirements.  Those rules require those convicted of certain crimes to serve at least 85% of their sentence before parole eligibility.  Examples of offenses that can trigger the NERA include aggravated second-degree assault under N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1 or disarming a police officer under N.J.S.A. 2C:12-11.

The NERA typically applies in cases involving second-degree charges.  In these cases, the prosecution is likely to be even more zealous about prosecuting your case—making the skill and experience of your defense lawyer even more important to protecting your freedom.

Assault and Threat Crimes Defense Lawyers Fight to Protect Your Rights

The primary goal of our assault and threat crimes defense lawyers is to reach a result that is in our client’s best interests.  Obviously, a not guilty verdict or outright dismissal is our number one goal.  We look to every aspect of the criminal allegations and the prosecution’s case to make sure your rights were respected at every phase of your case—from investigation to arrest and processing.

At Team Law, every client is treated as an individual who deserves compassion and respect.  Your individual defense strategy can vary dramatically depending upon the facts of your case.  Potential defenses that can help you beat assault charges can include, for example:

• Self-defense, if you reasonably believed that your own safety was at risk
• Constitutional violations, which can result in the prosecution’s evidence being excluded from consideration if illegally obtained
• Innocence, including theories involving an alibi or mistaken identity
• Challenging an eyewitness credibility

Our lawyers work to create a picture that places you in the most favorable light possible in the eyes of the judge.  Whether you are accused of assault or a threat crime, call us today to see how we can help.

Contact a Respected New Jersey Assault and Threat Crimes Defense Lawyer Today

If you have been charged with terroristic threats, assault or simple assault, the experienced defense lawyers at Team Law are here to help.  We have successfully helped clients in similar situations beat their charges and are here to put our skills to work for you. 

You can schedule a free and confidential initial consultation with our assault and threat crimes defense lawyers by calling our office or completing our online contact form.

Frequently Asked Questions About Assault & Threat Crimes Defense Strategies