If you or your child has been charged with simple assault in towns like Parsippany, Morristown, Dover, Denville, Madison, Pequannock, Montville or elsewhere in Morris County, it is imperative that you speak to an experienced Morris County juvenile criminal defense attorney immediately. When searching for a defense attorney it is imperative that you seek the assistance of an experienced Morris County criminal defense firm who specialize in juvenile defense.
The way in which the juvenile criminal justice system operates is at odds with the adult criminal justice system. First and foremost, the overall goal of the juvenile criminal justice system is to rehabilitate rather then to punish like the adult criminal justice system. Furthermore, juvenile criminal complaints will be heard in the Family Division of the Superior Court as opposed to the Criminal Division in the adult system. Lastly and probably of most significance, in the juvenile criminal justice system, a juvenile is not afforded the right to a trial by jury. They are only entitled to what is known as a bench trial. In a bench trial the Judge is the trier of fact and they will make the ultimate decision of guilty or not. If your child has been charged with aggravated assault, marijuana possession, shoplifting, robbery, burglary or possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute, the Law Office of Jonathan F. Marshall can help. With over 200 years of combined experience on their are very few situations we have not dealt with. If you would like to discuss your options with any one of our eight juvenile criminal defense lawyers on staff then please contact our office at 973.309.7050. We are available 24/7 to help assist in any way possible.
Simple Assault Attorneys in Rockaway NJ
N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1a
Just like it is in the adult criminal justice system, the governing statute in New Jersey for simple assault is N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1a. The statute states in pertinent part,
2C:12-1. Assault. a. Simple assault. A person is guilty of assault if he:
(1)Attempts to cause or purposely, knowingly or recklessly causes bodily injury to another; or
(2)Negligently causes bodily injury to another with a deadly weapon; or
(3)Attempts by physical menace to put another in fear of imminent serious bodily injury.
Simple assault is a disorderly persons offense unless committed in a fight or scuffle entered into by mutual consent, in which case it is a petty disorderly persons offense. A disorderly persons offense is also known as a misdemeanor. If convicted of simple assault as a juvenile in New Jersey, the juvenile faces up too six (6) months in the Morris County Detention Center, a fine up too $1,000, a criminal record, community service and possibly probation. With that being said, defense counsel may be able to persuade the Judge and prosecutor that you deserve the benefit of a differed disposition. With a differed disposition, if the juvenile completes the probationary period without violating any of the terms imposed, the charges will be outright dismissed. This could be a huge benefit for any one applying to colleges and/or employment.
Juvenile Criminal Defense Attorneys in Madison NJ
If you or your child has been charged with a criminal offense it is imperative that you hire an experienced juvenile criminal defense attorney. A conviction for simple assault, stalking, terroristic threats, fake id, marijuana possession or aggravated assault can severely effect their life. It could prevent them from being accepted into their dream college, obtaining their professional license or even obtain gainful employment. If you would like to come into our Morristown office to discuss your options, please contact us directly at 973.309.7050.