The simple definition of aggravated assault is when one person intentionally or recklessly causes bodily injury to another person. But there are many contributing factors to this criminal act, which the New Jersey criminal court may deeply dive into before reaching their verdict against you. With that being said, please continue reading to learn the circumstances in which you might be found guilty of aggravated assault and how one of the experienced New Jersey & Pennsylvania criminal defense lawyers at The Vigilante Law Firm, P.C. can help prevent your having to pay any serious consequences for such.
Under what circumstances might I be found guilty of aggravated assault in New Jersey?
According to the 2023 revised statutes of the New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice, a person may be found guilty of aggravated assault if any or all of the following contributing factors are proven true:
- A person purposefully or knowingly attempts to cause serious bodily injury to another person.
- A person purposefully or knowingly attempts to cause serious bodily injury to another person with using a deadly weapon.
- A person recklessly causes serious bodily injury to another person with using a deadly weapon.
- A person points a firearm at or in the direction of another person regardless of whether they believe it to be loaded.
- A person commits simple fraud against a law enforcement officer, medical first responder, school board employee, or any other person part of a protected group.
- A person causes serious bodily injury to another person while fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer.
- A person purposefully or knowingly starts a fire or causes an explosion and causes serious bodily injury to emergency services personnel in fire suppression activities.
- A person purposefully or knowingly points, displays, or uses an imitation firearm at or in the direction of a law enforcement officer and causes intimidation and fear.
- A person knowingly and recklessly obstructs the breathing or blood circulation of another person who meets the definition of a victim of domestic violence and causes or attempts to cause serious bodily injury.
What are the criminal punishments after committing aggravated assault in New Jersey?
The contributing factors mentioned above vary in degrees of offense. Nonetheless, depending on what activities you were found guilty of participating in, you may be up against any culmination of the following criminal punishments:
- Fourth-degree aggravated assault:
- Up to 18 months of imprisonment.
- Up to $10,000 in fines.
- Anger management classes, prohibition from possessing a firearm, etc.
- Third-degree aggravated assault:
- Anywhere between three to five years of imprisonment.
- Up to $15,000 in fines.
- Anger management classes, prohibition from possessing a firearm, etc.
- Second-degree aggravated assault:
- Anywhere between five to 10 years of imprisonment.
- Up to $150,000 in fines.
- Anger management classes, prohibition from possessing a firearm, etc.
Speaking with a lawyer is never a bad idea, even if you are still unsure whether you require legal representation. At the very least, they may serve as a shoulder to lean on or a listening ear. So when in doubt, please schedule an initial consultation with one of the experienced New Jersey & Pennsylvania criminal defense lawyers today.
