Assault Defense Lawyers in Bergen County NJ

Hackensack Assault Lawyers

Assault and threat offenses are some of the most common charges encountered in Bergen County courts and throughout New Jersey. Assault charges result from a variety of altercations, including domestic disputes, fights in nightclubs and bars, road rage incidents, and conflicts with police. In New Jersey, the severity of an assault charge depends largely on the level of force used by the accused, the degree of the injuries sustained by any victims, and whether or not a weapon was involved in the alleged crime. If you have been charged with assault crime in Bergen County, you cannot afford to take these charges lightly. You face a possible jail sentence and a permanent criminal record that can have long-term consequences for your career and your family life. In some cases, an assault or threats charge will be accompanied by a temporary restraining order, which means you will have to appear at a separate hearing where a judge will decide if a permanent protective order against you should be issued against you.

Criminal Attorneys Handling Misdemeanor and Felony Assault Charges in New Jersey

Have you been charged with aggravated assault, harassment, simple assault, stalking, terroristic threats or criminal mischief in Bergen County? The experienced criminal defense attorneys at The Tormey Law Firm can assist you. Our lawyers provide aggressive defense against a host of assault and threats related charges in Fort Lee, Elmwood Park, Teaneck, Paramus, MahwahHackensack, Garfield, Lodi, East Rutherford, Ramsey and throughout Bergen County, New Jersey. Criminal defense attorney Travis J. Tormey, the firm’s founding partner, and the legal team at our firm will develop the best possible strategy for defending you against these charges. To speak with an experienced Bergen County criminal defense lawyer today, contact our Hackensack office at (201)-330-4979. An attorney is available immediately to assist you and we provide consultations free of charge.

Facing Assault and Threat Charges in Bergen County, New Jersey

There are many types of assault and threat charges issued in Bergen County on regular basis. The penalties for an assault charge in New Jersey vary significantly. The can range from a disorderly persons offense such as simple assault which carries up to 6 months in jail, to a first degree crime like homicide that can result in a life-long prison sentence if convicted. Commonly, charges for assault crimes like disorderly conduct arise in the context of an event where alcohol is being consumed. Other assault charges frequently occur in a domestic dispute among dating couples, spouses, or family members. Regardless of the degree of your assault charges, our attorneys will zealously fight to protect your innocence in court and deliver a superior outcome.

Below is a list of some of the most common violent crime charges that lead to arrests in Bergen County, New Jersey:

What are the Penalties if Charged with Assault or Threats in NJ?

Since violent crimes come in many forms, the penalties you may face are highly varied depending on the degree of the specific charge. At the most extreme level, there are first degree crimes of violence, which include murder, kidnapping, and armed robbery. Not only do these charges entail the longest prison sentences, but some higher level crimes require mandatory terms of imprisonment and corresponding periods of parole ineligibility. The No Early Release Act is a law in New Jersey that mandates defendants convicted of certain violent offenses to serve 85% percent of their total sentence before parole even becomes an option. This can obviously be a major problem when you are charged with an offense for which the minimum prison sentence is 10 years or more.

The next level of violent crime in terms of severity is second degree, which applies to charges such as aggravated assault when attempting to elude law enforcement. Second degree crimes like this warrant incarceration terms ranging from 5 to 10 years. Then there are third degree assault related crimes, which is a broad category encompassing things like terroristic threats and various acts considered aggravated assault. If your charge is of the third degree, you are facing between 3 and 5 years in jail. The last level of felony crime involving violence is fourth degree, which may arise with charges for resisting arrest, hindering apprehension or prosecution, and obstruction. A fourth degree charge carries a maximum prison sentence of 18 months plus fines not to exceed $10,000.

Then there are disorderly persons offenses, the most common of which is simple assault. Simple assault charges are handled at the Municipal Court level, as opposed to the Superior Court level. These offenses are punishable by up to 6 months in the county jail. Lastly, there are petty disorderly persons charges for offenses like disorderly conduct and harassment. If convicted, you are subject to a criminal record and the possibility of spending the next 30 days in jail.

Charges for Assault in Domestic Violence Cases

Admittedly, it is hard for anyone to fight their case from behind bars. This is even more true in cases involving domestic violence as, in some situations, the accused must attend court for the criminal matter and then appear in a separate court, specifically Family Court, to answer to a restraining order. This can become more complex if you have children as DCPP may become involved and you can even lose the right to see your children during the pendency of the matter. To make matters worse, if you are convicted of a domestic violence related assault, you will lose your right to own a firearm, to get a firearms id card, and you will have to deal with additional financial penalties.

Lawyer for Assault Charge in Hackensack NJ

If you have been arrested and charged with assault, terroristic threats, or another violent crime in Bergen County, it is important to know all of the options you have to get your charges dismissed. Depending upon the facts of your case and whether you have past convictions on your record, our attorneys will aggressively argue your case in court, attempt to negotiate a plea agreement that includes reduced charges, or facilitate your enrollment in a diversionary program as a means by which the have your charges dismissed. For example, you may be eligible for Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI), which allows qualified defendants to avoid prosecution and associated sentencing. If you successfully complete this rehabilitation-oriented program, the original charges will be dismissed and will not appear on your record as a criminal conviction.

For additional information and a free consultation with an experienced criminal defense lawyer who can help, please contact us anytime at (201)-330-4979 or use our online contact form. Our Hackensack office is conveniently located in the heart of Bergen County, just steps from the Hackensack Municipal Court and Bergen County Superior Court. One of our criminal defense attorneys will be happy to discuss your case over the phone or to schedule an appointment to meet with you in person.


NJ CRIMINAL LAW VIDEO LIBRARY

If you’ve been charged with a criminal offense, disorderly persons offense, or traffic / DWI violation, you have the right to an attorney who will defend you against your charges and fight for your best interests. To learn more about how your attorney can fight to have your charges dismissed or reduced, click a link below to see our video library of legal defenses and strategies.