2816 Morris Ave., Suite 32
Union, NJ 07083
t. 908.349.8462
f. 908.325.1646

686 Lafayette Ave.
Hawthorne, NJ 07506
t. 908.349.8462
(by appointment only)

1613 Beaver Dam Road
Point Pleasant, NJ 08742
t. 732.773.6265
(by appointment only)
nace@naumoski.com

Simple Assault and Aggravated Assault

Under N.J.S. 2C:12-1, a person commits a simple assault by attempting to cause, or purposely, knowingly or recklessly causes bodily injury to another, by negligently causing bodily injury to another with a deadly weapon, or by attempting to put another in fear of imminent bodily injury by physical menace.  A simple assault is a disorderly persons offense unless committed during a mutual fight, in which case it is a petty disorderly persons offense. 

Under various circumstances, an assault becomes the much more serious crime of aggravated assault.  For example, an assault is elevated to an aggravated assault if the defendant causes or attempts to cause bodily injury to another under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life; if the defendant purposely, knowingly or recklessly causes bodily injury to another with a deadly weapon; if the victim of the assault is a public officer enumerated in the statute; if the bodily injury is caused while the defendant is fleeing from police; if the bodily injury is caused while the defendant is pointing a real or imitation firearm at a law enforcement officer.  Depending on the circumstances, an aggravated assault can be classified as either a second or third degree crime. 

A conviction for either simple or aggravated assault in New Jersey carries very significant consequences, including possible imprisonment and heavy fines.  Therefore, anyone charged with simple assault or aggravated assault  in New Jersey should contact New Jersey criminal defense lawyer Nace Naumoski for representation.

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