East Brunswick Assault Lawyer

Experienced Assault Attorney in East Brunswick, NJ

Getting charged with assault can feel urgent and intimidating. When you’re feeling confused, overwhelmed, or unsure of what to do next, it’s a good idea to speak with an East Brunswick assault lawyer about your situation.

About Michael Rosas Law PC

At Michael Rosas Law PC, a criminal defense firm based in East Brunswick, we provide strong representation and insightful legal counsel for clients facing misdemeanor and felony charges. We understand the severity of facing the criminal justice system. Our founding attorney, Michael Rosas, has over 15 years of experience standing up for the rights and freedom of individuals throughout the state of New Jersey.

Understanding New Jersey Assault Laws

In the state of New Jersey, assault is defined as causing or attempting to cause physical harm to a person or placing a person in reasonable fear of imminent harm, whether intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly. At Michael Rosas Law PC, some of the assault charges we can represent you against include:

• Simple assault. This is the most common and least severe type of assault charge, usually classified as a disorderly persons offense. Simple assault occurs when someone threatens, causes fear of imminent bodily injury, negligently causes injury using a weapon, or attempts to cause bodily injury to someone else.
• Aggravated assault. This is an indictable, or felony-level, offense that ranges from a fourth-degree crime to a first-degree crime. This offense involves causing or attempting to cause serious bodily harm, attempting injury with a deadly weapon, simple assault against a protected class, or recklessly driving and causing bodily injury.
• Assault by auto or vessel. This offense entails operating a vehicle or boat recklessly and causing serious bodily injury to another individual. Normally a fourth-degree crime, it can be elevated to a third-degree offense if the operator was intoxicated or in a school zone.

State crime data from January to July of 2021 reported 27,129 total instances of assault charges. Of these cases, 1,073 involved the use of a firearm, and 1,757 involved the use of hands or fists.

No matter what the specific circumstances may be, you would likely benefit from the representation of a qualified East Brunswick criminal defense attorney.

Why You Should Hire an Assault Lawyer

It is strongly recommended that you hire an assault lawyer because working with a dedicated defense attorney improves your chances of reaching a favorable outcome in your case. A skilled East Brunswick assault attorney is there to advocate on your behalf, including seeking to reduce or drop the charges altogether.

Criminal assault penalties in New Jersey can also be very serious, so it’s advisable to work with a defense professional instead of simply accepting the charges. In the event of a conviction, a qualified defense attorney can negotiate for lesser penalties.

Legal punishment for an assault charge can vary, depending on the type of offense, the severity and nature of the crime, the defendant’s criminal history, and other factors. Penalties often include jail or prison time, fines, and other measures deemed appropriate by the court.

Where Is an Assault Case Handled in New Jersey?

The venue that handles an assault case in New Jersey will also vary based on where you are located and the severity of the offense, among other factors. Simple assault charges typically start at the East Brunswick Municipal Court. This courthouse is located at 1 Jean Walling Civic Center Drive, East Brunswick, NJ 08816.

Aggravated assault or other indictable assault offenses are more likely to be handled by the Criminal Division of the Superior Court of New Jersey for Middlesex County. This venue is located at 56 Paterson Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08903.

Be sure to ask your assault defense lawyer about any important information, such as contact information or addresses, as these details can vary.

FAQs

Does Assault Need to Include Contact in NJ?

In New Jersey, for an action to be considered assault, it does need to include actual physical contact. While it can involve actual contact, assault under New Jersey law must entail an attempt to cause physical harm or cause reasonable fear of imminent physical harm in someone. This includes whether done knowingly, intentionally, or recklessly.

If you’re not sure whether your situation could be considered assault or something else, you can ask a defense lawyer.

How Much Does an Assault Lawyer Cost in NJ?

It’s challenging to know how much an assault lawyer may cost in New Jersey before reviewing the case. Generally, more complex cases take longer to resolve and can cost more in attorney fees. The severity of the offense also greatly influences lawyer costs, with simple assault cases not costing as much as aggravated assault cases. Defense attorneys often offer a flat fee for certain common services, while more complicated situations may warrant an hourly rate.

Can a Simple Assault Case Get Dismissed in NJ?

Yes, a simple assault case could potentially be dismissed in the state of New Jersey, although this is never a guaranteed result. Your strongest chance of getting the assault charge dropped requires the help of an experienced defense lawyer. A skilled attorney understands how to identify possible ways for the case to be dismissed, such as a lack of evidence to bring the case forward, diversionary program options, or effective defense strategies.

How Long Does an Assault Case Take in NJ?

In New Jersey, how long it may take to fully resolve an assault case depends on the severity of the charge. Simple assault cases may only take a few months, while more serious felony charges can take up to a year or even longer to settle. The strength of the evidence available, your defense strategy, and court scheduling can also heavily influence the timeline of an assault case. You can ask a lawyer for a timeline estimate for your case.

Consult an East Brunswick, NJ Assault Defense Lawyer Today

The professional legal team at Michael Rosas Law PC is capable of and confident in taking care of your assault charge. We have successfully guided numerous individuals through the defense process. Reach out to us today to schedule a meeting with a competent and experienced assault defense attorney.