assault concept with mans hands strangling a woman's neck

Aggravated Assault Defense Attorneys in Edison, NJ

If you face aggravated assault charges in Edison, New Jersey, you need the best defense possible. An aggravated assault defense attorney at William Proetta Criminal Law has the experience and dedication to help you through this difficult time. We know how to fight for your rights and work towards the best outcome for your case. We have successfully handled many cases involving aggravated assault charges.

Let us help you with experienced, responsive legal representation. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your circumstances. The case review is confidential and comes without further obligations. We are available 24/7 at (201) 992-5891.

Why You Need Our Edison Aggravated Assault Defense Lawyer

Facing aggravated assault charges in Edison is a serious situation that requires experienced legal assistance.

Here’s how our team at William Proetta Criminal Law can help you:

  • Demonstrate reasonable doubt – In a criminal matter, the burden of proof is on the prosecution. If your case goes to trial, we use our experienced litigation skills to identify weaknesses in the state’s case that raise a reasonable doubt about your guilt, provide expert defense witnesses, and cross-examine prosecution witnesses to push for a favorable verdict.
  • Negotiate plea deals – An experienced attorney from our law firm can negotiate for a plea deal to reduce your charges to a lesser offense, such as simple assault. This can significantly lower the potential penalties you face, making a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
  • Explore alternative sentencing options – We can explore alternative sentencing options, like probation, community service, or diversion programs, which might be available depending on the specifics of your case. These options can help you avoid prison time and allow you to rehabilitate while still contributing to the community.
  • Protect your rights – Our lawyers protect your rights throughout the legal process. We’ll challenge any civil rights violations, such as unlawful searches or coerced confessions, which could weaken the prosecution’s case against you.

Understanding Aggravated Assault Charges in Edison

Understanding your NJ aggravated assault charges, the potential penalties, and some common aggravated assault defense strategies can help reduce anxiety and prepare you for the future.

New Jersey law distinguishes between simple assault and aggravated assault. While simple assault might involve injuries or the threat of them, aggravated assault involves more severe harm or the use of a weapon. Aggravated assault can be an indictable crime under New Jersey law.

Here are some actions that could qualify as an aggravated assault offense rather than a simple assault:

  • Starting or engaging in a fight
  • Pointing a gun or brandishing a weapon at someone, especially a law enforcement officer
  • Driving recklessly through a school crossing or on school property
  • Starting a fire in a populated area, injuring firefighters or first responders
  • Attempting to flee from police in a vehicle or on foot
  • Setting off explosions in populated places
  • Chasing someone with a car or ramming another vehicle
  • Assaulting specific individuals, including judges, healthcare workers, emergency rescue workers, school board members, or Child Protective Services employees

Penalties for an Aggravated Assault Conviction in New Jersey

New Jersey aggravated assault is categorized as a fourth-degree crime, third-degree crime, or second-degree crime, depending on the circumstances:

Fourth Degree Aggravated Assault

  • Examples – Recklessly causing injury with a weapon or pointing a gun at someone, even if unloaded
  • Penalties – A fourth-degree aggravated assault carries up to 18 months in state prison, probation, fines, and a permanent criminal record

Third Degree Aggravated Assault

  • Examples – Causing or attempting to cause serious bodily injury, brandishing a weapon, or using an imitation firearm to intimidate a police officer
  • Penalties – 3-5 years in state prison and a permanent criminal record

Second Degree Aggravated Assault

  • Examples – Causing or attempting to cause serious bodily injury with extreme indifference to human life, injuring someone while fleeing from police, or causing serious injuries as a drunk driver (assault by auto)
  • Penalties – 5-10 years in state prison with mandatory incarceration, even for first-time offenders

There may be other possible consequences of an aggravated assault conviction in Edison, NJ. Depending on the specifics of your case, penalties might include:

  • Heavy fines, with or without restitution
  • Probation with strict conditions
  • Permanent criminal record
  • Loss of certain civil rights

Depending on the degree of the charge, minors can face 1 to 3 years in a juvenile detention center.

Potential Defense Strategies in Edison Aggravated Assault Cases

Every case is unique, so an aggravated assault criminal defense lawyer will investigate the incident and tailor a defense to your situation. Some common strategies include:

  • Mistaken identity – You are not the person who committed the assault.
  • Self-defense – You were protecting yourself or others.
  • Lack of intent – You did not intend to cause serious harm to the alleged victim.
  • False accusation – The allegations against you are false.
  • Alibi – You were not at the crime scene when it occurred.
  • Lack of evidence – The Middlesex County prosecutor’s office does not have enough evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed the crime.

What to Expect from Your NJ Aggravated Assault Defense Attorney

When you work with William Proetta Criminal Law after you’ve been charged with second-degree aggravated assault, third-degree aggravated assault, or fourth-degree aggravated assault, you can expect:

  • Comprehensive case evaluation – We thoroughly examine all aspects of your case, including physical evidence, witness statements, and arrest records, to craft the strongest possible defense.
  • Strategic planning – We develop a clear strategy based on the specifics of your aggravated assault charge, aiming to achieve the best possible outcome, whether through negotiation, a plea deal, or trial.
  • Personalized attention – We take the time to understand your case and your needs, ensuring that our approach is appropriate for your specific situation.
  • Legal knowledge – Our law offices regularly handle aggravated assault cases in New Jersey and bring deep understanding of the law and local court systems to your defense.
  • Prompt communication – We keep you informed about your case every step of the way, answering your questions and addressing your concerns promptly.
  • Aggressive defense – Our criminal defense attorneys fight hard to protect your rights and seek the best outcome for your case, using every legal tool available to challenge the prosecution’s evidence and arguments.

Our aggravated assault lawyers in Edison, NJ, stand ready to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build a strong defense before crucial evidence disappears or memories fade. Acting quickly is absolutely essential in aggravated assault cases. Early intervention by our skilled criminal defense lawyers can also improve the chances of negotiating favorable terms or getting the charges against you dismissed altogether.

Facing an aggravated assault charge is a stressful and overwhelming experience, but you don’t have to do it alone. Contact William Proetta Criminal Law today for a free initial consultation. Let us help you through this challenging time and work together toward a brighter future. Available 24/7 at (201) 992-5891