If you were accused of assault in Vineland, NJ, you can face serious consequences. The criminal penalties you may face can vary depending on the type of assault you are being charged with.
People can be charged with simple assault, vehicular assault, or aggravated assault. Thankfully, there are several potential defense strategies that can be employed by those facing these offenses. Our lawyers can evaluate your specific case and explain how to proceed.
In the aftermath of an assault accusation in Vineland, NJ, get help from our assault defense attorneys at the Law Offices of John J. Zarych today by calling (609) 616-4956.
What Are the Three Main Types of Assault in Vineland, NJ?
There are three forms of assault that defendants in Vineland can face. First, according to N.J.S.A. § 2C:12-1(a), you can face criminal penalties for behavior that constitutes “simple assault.” In general, any contact that is offensive or unwarranted may be considered simple assault. For example, grabbing or hitting another person would be a form of simple assault. Furthermore, you can even be charged with simple assault for threatening to hit someone. Our legal team can further explain the definition of simple assault during your free case assessment.
Additionally, as established by N.J.S.A. § 2C:12-1(c), defendants can also be charged with vehicular assault/”assault by auto.” This charge will be brought against those who cause injury to others through reckless operation of automobiles or water vessels. Those who are found guilty of vehicular assault can face costly fines and jail time. Support from our assault defense attorneys can be very helpful when fighting charges for vehicular assault in your case.
Lastly, under N.J.S.A. § 2C:12-1(b), you may also be convicted of “aggravated assault.” This type of assault can pertain to several acts of dangerous conduct. In most cases, people are charged with aggravated assault because they caused a severe injury or tried to use a deadly weapon to harm another. There are ways that criminal defendants can have their charges for aggravated assault changed to simple assault charges. Get in touch with our assault defense attorneys to determine whether you can have your charges reduced.
What is the Maximum Amount of Jail Time You Can Serve for Assault in Vineland, NJ?
The penalties for assault can differ drastically from case to case. In general, the amount of jail time you serve depends on the degree of crime you are alleged to have committed. Typically, the worst penalties for assault are associated with second-degree offenses. If you are convicted of a second-degree crime, you can face a prison sentence between 5 and 10 years.
Additionally, there are further penalties that can accompany an accusation of assault. For instance, defendants who are convicted may be placed on probation, forced to attend counseling, or restricted from seeing their children. Support and guidance from our assault defense attorneys can be highly beneficial when seeking to avoid such penalties in your case.
Can You Have Your Assault Charges Expunged from Your Criminal Record in Vineland, NJ?
Those who have criminal records can be unjustly prevented from living a normal life. For example, convicted criminals can have trouble attaining careers, finding places to live, and acquiring government aid. There is no reason that you should be punished a second time for a crime you committed long ago. Therefore, certain crimes may be “expunged” from your criminal record. When records are expunged, they are essentially sealed from public view.
Whether your assault charge can be expunged from your record depends on the type of assault you committed and how your case was resolved. Still, 5 years must have passed before you can seek to have an assault charge expunged. If you wish to seek an expungement for an assault charge, then you can contact our assault defense lawyers for assistance.
Preparing Your Defense to Assault Charges in Vineland, NJ
There are multiple defenses that may be used to dismiss accusations of assault in Vineland. For example, you may avoid criminal penalties for assault if you can establish that you acted in self-defense. Your actions are justified if you reasonably believe they are immediately required to protect yourself. Our legal team can help support a claim of self-defense in your case.
Furthermore, you may have a chance to avoid an assault conviction if you can prove that you acted in defense of others. Like self-defense, conduct that may constitute assault may be warranted if it is necessary to prevent harm to other people.
Defense of property is another potential defense to assault accusations in Vineland. Often, this defense is utilized by people who acted with force to protect their homes from being invaded. Our assault defense lawyers can help determine if this defense will prevail in your case.
There are several other defenses that may protect you from assault charges. Guidance from our attorneys can be crucial when identifying your specific defense and gathering evidence to support it.
Examples of Aggravated Assault in Vineland, NJ
Aggravated assault is the most serious form of assault you can be accused of in Vineland, NJ. As previously discussed, this type of assault mostly applies to cases where defendants caused serious injuries or attempted to cause injuries with deadly weaponry. Still, there are many examples of conduct that constitutes aggravated assault. For instance, committing any of the following actions could result in an accusation of such a crime:
- Pointing a firearm at someone else
- Committing simple assault against a police officer, public employee, or disabled person
- Assaulting someone with intent to commit an additional felony such as theft
- Exhibiting behavior that displays an extreme indifference to human life
If you are convicted of aggravated assault, you can face severe penalties with long-lasting impacts. Contact our assault defense lawyers for help preventing a conviction in your case.
Defendants in Assault Cases in Vineland, NJ Can Contact Our Law Firm for Assistance
If you were charged with assault in Vineland, NJ, seek help from our assault defense attorneys at the Law Offices of John J. Zarych by calling (609) 616-4956.
