Aggravated Assault on a Police Officer

Aggravated Assault on a Police Officer Mount Holly NJ

It only takes a momentary lapse in judgment for us to end up in handcuffs and in the backseat of a police car. Regardless of what you initial intentions were, you could find yourself facing felony Aggravated Assault charges if you seriously injure someone or strike a police officer in the heat of the moment. When this happens, you will be facing the full force of the New Jersey Penal Criminal Code and could be looking at mandatory incarceration. Aggravated Assault charges, under N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1(b) should not be taken lightly. In those instances where your have been charged with Aggravated Assault on a Police Officer, contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer. Whenever officers are the “victims”, the State will move swiftly and harshly. Having an experienced lawyer to defend you in these cases can prevent overreaching by the Prosecutor and Police Department. If you or someone you love have been arrested and charged with Aggravated Assault, Simple Assault, Harassment, Terroristic Threats, Resisting Arrest or Eluding, contact the law firm of Proetta, Oliver & Fay. We are conveniently located in Mount Laurel and our office can be reached by phone 24/7. Call (609) 850-8284 today and speak with Firm Partner and Former New Jersey Deputy Attorney General, William C. Fay, IV, about your case.

Assault on a Pemberton NJ Police Officer

New Jerseys Law for Aggravated Assault on a Police Officer states the following:

“N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1(b)(5)(a): ‘A person is guilty of aggravated assault if he or she attempts to cause or purposely, knowingly or recklessly causes bodily injury to any law enforcement officer acting in the performance of his or her duties while in uniform or exhibiting evidence of his authority or because of his status as a law enforcement officer.’”

That is a lot to digest, so what does it all mean? Basically, there are three scenarios that can be prosecuted under this law.

Aggravated Assault on a Police Officer Involving Physical Menace

1. That the defendant purposely attempted by physical menace to put the officer in fear of imminent serious bodily injury
2. That the victim was a law-enforcement officer and
3. That the defendant knew that the victim was a law enforcement officer acting in the performance of their duties or while in uniform or exhibiting evidence of  their authority authority

Aggravated Assault on a Police Officer Involving Negligent Infliction of Bodily Injury with a Deadly Weapon

1. That the defendant negligently caused bodily injury to the officer
2. That the defendant caused bodily injury with a deadly weapon
3. That the victim was a law-enforcement officer and
4. That the defendant knew that the victim was a law enforcement officer acting in the performance of their duties or while in uniform or exhibiting evidence of  their authority authority

Aggravated Assault on a Police Officer by Attempting to Cause or Purposely, Knowingly or Recklessly Causing Bodily Injury

1. That the defendant purposely attempted to cause or purposely, knowingly or recklessly caused bodily injury to the victim
2. That the victim was a law-enforcement officer and
3. That the defendant knew that the victim was a law enforcement officer acting in the performance of their duties or while in uniform or exhibiting evidence of their authority

Lesser-Included Offenses

Even in those situations where your attorney beats the State’s case for Aggravated Assault, you may still be convicted of the lesser-included offense of Simple Assault. Consult with your attorney about how lesser-included offenses could impact your criminal case.

What are New Jersey Penalties for Aggravated Assault on a Cop?

Aggravated Assault on a Police Officer will either be treated as a third degree or fourth degree felony offense. As a third degree crime, you will be subject to imprisonment between three (3) and five (5) years and a $15,000 fine. Alternatively, a fourth degree Aggravated Assault charge carries up to eighteen (18) months in the Burlington County Jail, a $10,000 fine, and other ancillary consequences. For more information on penalties and possible diversionary programs like Pretrial Intervention contact our Mount Laurel Office.

Burlington Township Aggravated Assault Lawyers

Lawyers are a dime a dozen. The key is finding an attorney that is not only knowledgeable and experienced in criminal law, but also one who has a client-driven focus. At Proetta & Oliver, we focus our practice on criminal defense. More than that though, we understand that our clients are unique and each must be catered to in an individual and case-by-case manner. We have made ourselves available 24/7 to our clients so that they never have to feel “out of the loop” or insignificant. For an immediate consultation on your Aggravated Assault charges, call our office at (609) 850-8284.