Information about summons dates, hearings, and trial dates and what to do if you plan to contest charges against you and plead “not guilty.” Also, information about defending yourself by affidavit if you live outside the state of NJ and cannot appear in court. Read more…
FAQs About New Jersey Law
What does it mean when an attorney is certified?
A certified attorney is more than just an attorney who specializes in a particular area of law. A New Jersey attorney who is certified by the Supreme Court as a criminal trial attorney must have:
- been a member in good standing of the New Jersey bar for over 5 years (Mr. Clark has been a member in good standing for 15 years);
- fulfilled ongoing continuing legal education requirements;
- demonstrated a substantial level of experience in criminal trial law;
- been favorably evaluated by other attorneys and judges familiar with his work; and
- taken and passed a written examination in criminal trial law.
Attorney Charles Clark is one of only 250 lawyers in the State certified by the New Jersey Supreme Court as a criminal trial attorney. To put that number in perspective, there are over 70,000 lawyers in the State of New Jersey but only 250 certified criminal trial attorneys. Read more about certified criminal trial lawyers…
In New Jersey charges of lesser offenses are heard by the Municipal Court in the municipality, city, or township where the offense allegedly took place. If you are convicted of a petty disorderly offense, disorderly persons offense, or disorderly other conduct you can be sentenced to up to 6 months in jail, required to perform community services, and be subject to fines, restitution, and probation.
Municipal Disorderly Persons (DP) Offenses: Up to 6 months in jail and fine of up to $1,000 for a disorderly persons offense.
Municipal Petty Disorderly Persons (DP) Offenses: Up to 6 months in jail and a fine of up to $500 for a petty disorderly persons offense.
List of examples of 4th degree crimes and possible prison terms (jail time), fines, and penalties for convictions of fourth-degree crimes in New Jersey. For the Best 4th Degree Crime Criminal Defense – Hire the Best Criminal Defense Trial Law Firm in New Jersey. For a free consultation, call 732-303-7857. Our clients can reach us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via our office.
List of examples of 3rd degree crimes and possible prison terms (jail time), fines, and penalties for convictions of third-degree crimes in New Jersey. For the Best 3rd Degree Crime Criminal Defense – Hire the Best Criminal Defense Trial Law Firm in New Jersey. For a free consultation, call 732-303-7857. Our clients can reach us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via our office.
List of examples and 2nd degree crimes and possible prison terms (jail time), fines, and penalties for convictions of second-degree crimes in New Jersey. For the Best 2nd Degree Crime Criminal Defense – Hire the Best Criminal Defense Trial Law Firm in New Jersey. For a free consultation, call 732-303-7857. Our clients can reach us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via our office.
Examples of 1st degree crimes and possible prison terms (jail time), fines, and penalties for convictions of first-degree crimes in New Jersey. For the Best First-Degree Crime Defense – Hire the Best Criminal Defense Trial Law Firm in New Jersey. For a free consultation, call 732-303-7857. Our clients can reach us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via our office.
Criminal Penalties by Degree of Criminal Charges in New Jersey. List of potential criminal penalties, fines, and prison terms for crime convictions in New Jersey. Also, examples of crimes in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th degree and municipal offenses and their possible fines, jail time, and other penalties if convicted.
Simple Assault is a New Jersey Municipal Offense
In New Jersey, charges of lesser offenses are heard by the Municipal Court in the municipality, city, or township where the offense allegedly took place. If you are charged with a petty disorderly offense, disorderly persons offense, or other disorderly conduct your case will be heard by the Municipal Court.
If you are convicted of simple assault you may be sentenced to serve up to 6 months in jail, be required to perform community services, and be subject to fine of up to $1,000, restitution, and probation.
Simple assault is generally charged in one of two ways:
* As a disorderly persons offense; or
* As a petty disorderly offense if a fight was by mutual consent.
Second-Degree Aggravated Assault Penalties
If the defendant is found guilty of inflicting serious bodily injury, the assault is a second-degree crime subject to 5 to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $150,000. Also, if the assault occurred while eluding an officer, then you can be charged with 2nd degree aggravated assault.
A Second-Degree aggravated assault conviction invokes a No Early Release (NERA) provision that requires that 85% of the prison sentence must be served before an individual is eligible for parole.
Third-Degree Aggravated Assault Penalties
If there was no serious bodily injury inflicted, and the attacked was not eluding, a defendant can be sentenced to 3-5 years in prison and can be fined up to $15,000.
Fourth -Degree Aggravated Assault Penalties
If you are convicted of 4th Degree Aggravated assault, you may be sentenced to up to 18 months in prison and be fined up to $10,000.
