Experienced Attorney Defending Against Assault Charges In South Jersey
Assault charges in New Jersey often carry severe consequences that extend far beyond potential jail time and fines. A conviction can destroy your reputation, limit employment opportunities, strain family relationships and result in a permanent criminal record. When you face assault accusations in South Jersey, the stakes are too high to navigate the legal system without experienced representation.
I am Stephen R. Piper, and as an experienced and knowledgeable defense attorney based in Moorestown, I will leave no stone unturned in piecing together what led to your charges. I am a combat veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan and a former Camden County Assistant Prosecutor, meaning I know how the state prepares cases. I understand prosecutor strategies and will put my experience to work for you.
Understanding Assault Charges In New Jersey
New Jersey law distinguishes between simple assault and aggravated assault, with dramatically different penalties depending on the specific circumstances of the alleged incident. Understanding these distinctions is critical for building an effective defense strategy.
Simple assault charges arise in various circumstances. Prosecutors may file charges when someone allegedly attempts to cause bodily harm to another person or actually causes such harm through purposeful, knowing or reckless conduct. Injuring another person while using a dangerous weapon also constitutes simple assault. Additionally, attempting to place another person in fear of imminent serious bodily harm through physical threats can trigger assault charges. Simple assault is typically a disorderly persons offense, though fights entered into by mutual agreement are charged as petty disorderly persons offenses.
Aggravated assault represents more serious charges carrying felony-level consequences. These charges apply when someone attempts to cause or actually causes serious bodily harm to another person purposely, knowingly or with extreme indifference to human life. Using or attempting to use a dangerous weapon while causing bodily injury elevates charges to aggravated assault. Recklessly causing injury with a dangerous weapon similarly results in aggravated assault charges. Pointing a firearm at another person under circumstances showing extreme indifference to human life constitutes aggravated assault, regardless of whether the weapon was loaded.
Aggravated assault charges also apply when someone commits simple assault against protected individuals, including law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, teachers, judges, corrections officers or health care workers while they are performing their duties. Causing injury while fleeing from police or driving under the influence also results in aggravated assault charges.
The classification of aggravated assault charges ranges from second-degree to fourth-degree crimes depending on the specific circumstances, with penalties including substantial prison sentences.
How Can I Defend Your Rights
I will conduct a thorough investigation into your assault charges to build the best possible defense. This includes examining whether law enforcement violated your constitutional rights, analyzing witness credibility, reviewing medical evidence and identifying inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case. Self-defense claims, lack of intent, mistaken identity and insufficient evidence all represent potential defense strategies depending on your situation.
Contact A South Jersey Assault Defense Lawyer
Your future in New Jersey may be at risk. Let me help you understand your situation. I will protect your rights and fight for your freedom through every step. The sooner you contact my firm through my online contact form or by calling 856-333-3586, the sooner I can begin preparing your defense strategy.