In New Jersey, a person can be charged with assault if he or she harms or attempts to harm another individual. Under New Jersey law, assault is broken down into different categories. The penalties, fines, and prison sentences you may face if charged with assault will depend on the kind of crime you are charged with. As a seasoned criminal defense attorney could explain, the length of your sentence can have a significant impact on your life after prison, although almost everyone will need help from places like Real Jobs For Felons as it is very rare for employers to consider former convicts.
If you’ve been charged with a crime, it is prudent to contact an Elizabeth assault lawyer to defend you in court. The consequences of any assault charge are immense. You may face years in jail. Having a criminal record can impact your ability to find work and may limit the kind of government benefits you can receive.
Simple assault occurs when another person suffers an injury either due to purposeful or reckless behavior. If another person fears imminent danger, an individual can also be charged with simple assault. Simple assault doesn’t result in any kind of permanent disfigurement or death. For simple assault, a person can be fined or asked to pay restitution to a victim. In some cases, simple assault comes with higher penalties. For instance, if a child under age 16 was present or if the assault occurred while a person was an employee in a care facility.
If you have been charged with these types of crimes, call an assault attorney in Elizabeth like Eric M. Mark to defend your rights.
Aggravated assault is more serious than simple assault. A person must be found to have acted in a way that shows indifference to the value of human life or involve the use of a deadly weapon. In aggravated assault, the victim may suffer a serious or permanent injury, be knocked unconscious, or lose function of a body part or one of the five senses. Yet, making a person feel like his or her life is in danger can also constitute aggravated assault. For instance, under New Jersey law, pointing a gun at another person is considered aggravated assault.
Aggressive driving or injuring another person with a vehicle while fleeing an officer is also classified as aggravated assault. Aggravated assault carries with it a prison term ranging from 18 months to ten years, depending on the nature of the crime and whether the crime is considered a fourth, third, or second degree crime. An Elizabeth assault attorney could protect your rights.
Sexual assault is defined as any unwanted sexual act, either involving sexual penetration or sexual contact. The punishment depends on the age of the victim and the nature of the crime. For instance, aggravated sexual assault carries with it a prison sentence of 20 years. Aggravated sexual assault involves victims under 13 years of age, assault between family members who are between ages 13 and 16, or when the act occurs along with another crime, such as robbery. Use of a weapon also can result in charges of aggravated assault.
If you’re facing charges of aggravated assault, simple assault, or sexual assault, it is important to remember that you are innocent until proven guilty under the law. You have a right to a fair trial and have the right to defense in court. An assault lawyer in Elizabeth can protect your rights and reputation. The Law Office of Eric M. Mark is committed to offering its clients the personalized attention they deserve. Remember that you have the right to remain silent if you are facing questioning, and that you have the right to ask for a lawyer.
If you are charged with armed robbery in New Jersey, you could face a serious prison sentence. Use of a weapon in a crime or threatening a person with a weapon can result in a sentence ranging from 10 to 20 years. Second degree robbery covers all other kinds of robbery and comes with a 5 to 10 year prison sentence.
Robbery is sometimes confused with theft. Theft occurs when someone takes a person’s property, while robbery occurs when a person uses force to harm a person, threatens a person with harm, or threatens to commit a serious crime such as murder, kidnapping, or cause bodily harm. Armed robbery occurs whenever a person uses a deadly weapon in the process of stealing someone else’s property.
Armed robbery is a very serious charge. If you’re facing charges, or are being questioned in connection with an armed robbery in Elizabeth, it is important to understand your rights, and an attorney skilled in assault charges could help.
While the law requires that all individuals receive legal representation, whether they can afford it or not, in many cases, public defenders are overworked and overburdened with cases. Too often, individuals plead guilty. If you’re facing armed robbery or assault charges, you need an Elizabeth assault lawyer on your side who will take the time to understand the facts of your case, build a strong defense, and fight for your rights. The Law Office of Eric M. Mark is here for you. Contact the firm today for a consultation.