Newark Assault Attorney

Newark is the largest city in New Jersey and, like most cities, it has a high crime rate. Assault crimes are some of the most prevalent in a city this large because they can result from some many different instances such as domestic violence complaints, bar fights, and altercations between neighbors. If two people get into a fight and shove or punch each other, the police will normally charge anyone involved with Simple Assault, which is a disorderly persons offense (also known as a misdemeanor). Disorderly persons offenses are punishable by up to 6 months in jail and are handled in the Newark Municipal Court.

However, under certain circumstances a simple assault will be upgraded to a more serious charge of Aggravated Assault, which is an indictable crime. These circumstances include whether there was a weapon used, if the victim was a police officer, or if the victim suffered a serious injury such as a broken nose or laceration requiring stitches. All indictable crimes are handled in Superior Court so that means if you are charged with aggravated assault anywhere in Essex County including Belleville, Newark, Fairfield, South Orange, Montclair, Nutley, or West Orange then you will be required to appear in Essex County Superior Court in downtown Newark. Aggravated assault crimes are serious and can be graded as either fourth, third, or second degree depending on the facts alleged. An experienced criminal attorney can be pivotal to a success defense in securing probation, Pre-Trial Intervention or even a dismissal altogether. At William Proetta Criminal Law, our lawyers have successfully defended clients against hundreds of assault charges and related crimes. If you would like to learn more about how we can help you, contact our office today for a free consultation.