Juvenile Simple Assault

Mount Holly Simple Assault Attorney

High School can be a difficult time for a lot of kids. Often times, bullying and verbal harassment take a physical turn and children end up in handcuffs for simple assault, aggravated assault, terroristic threats or possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. Most common among these juvenile charges is simple assault. If your child was detained and charged with simple assault under N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1, then your child is facing a disorderly persons offense. As a juvenile matter, your child’s case will be forwarded to the Burlington County Superior Court, Family Division, for prosecution by the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office.

If you or your child were charged with simple assault for an incident that occurred at a local high school or park, contact the Burlington County Juvenile Attorneys at Proetta, Oliver & Fay. We represent juveniles facing charges for incidents in Mount Holly, Evesham, Mount Laurel, Moorestown, Bordentown, Burlington Township, Pemberton, Florence, Medford, Bass River, Cinnaminson, Delran and Lumberton. Firm Partner and Former Deputy Attorney General, William C. Fay, IV, heads our Burlington County Criminal Practice having spent part of his career prosecuting cases for the State. For an immediate and complimentary consultation with Mr. Fay, please call (609) 850-8284 today.

Simple Assault Charges in Evesham NJ

If you or your child have been charged with juvenile simple assault, then it is important that you understand exactly what that means. In New Jersey, simple assault charges (whether adult or juvenile) are prosecuted under N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1. Pursuant to this statute, simple assault involves the “attempt to cause or purposely, knowingly or recklessly causing bodily injury to another.”

Bodily injury is a very broad term under New Jersey laws. Technically, bodily injury can be any physical pain, illness or any impairment of physical condition. That means even a minor scratch or poke could qualify as simple assault. Even if the juvenile is unsuccessful in their simple assault attack, the attempt alone will suffice as a violation.

How Long Will a Juvenile Go to Jail for Simple Assault in NJ?

As mentioned above, Juveniles adjudicated delinquent for simple assault will be subject to serious penalties. Specifically, N.J.S.A 2A:4A-44(d) states that a juvenile found to have committed simple assault is subject to a six (6) month term of detention at the Burlington County Detention Center.

What Types of Penalties Do Juvenile Judges Impose in NJ?

Juvenile cases are sentenced in accordance with N.J.S.A. 2A:4A-21. The underlying goal of juvenile adjudication is to “balance maintaining the public safety while also preserving the unity of the family.” For this reason, there are multiple forms of “punishment” that judges may impose after a juvenile has been found delinquent, including:

→     Deferred disposition
→     Community service
→     Probation up to three (3) years
→     Social Services
→     Mental health or substance treatment;
→     Fines or Financial Restitution to victim;
→     Referral to the Division of Child Protection and Permanency
→     Term of detention at the Burlington County Juvenile Detention Center
→     Suspension of the Juvenile’s Driver’s License
→     No Contact Order

Burlington County Juvenile Detention Center

Located at 620 Pemberton-Browns Mills Road, Pemberton, NJ 08068, the Burlington County Juvenile Detention Center serves as a holding facility for juveniles pending a formal hearing on their case or those who have been sentenced to a term of detention based on a delinquent adjudication. The Burlington County Juvenile Detention Center is strictly regulated and its current Superintendent is Lynn M. Arnieri. If you wish to visit the detention center, please visit the contact the center for information on available visitation hours. 

Juvenile Simple Assault Attorneys in Burlington County, NJ

Proetta, Oliver & Fay is a Juvenile Defense Law Firm that represents individuals throughout Burlington County. If your child is currently detained or if they were released with conditions pending a formal hearing on their simple assault, aggravated assault, unlawful possession of a weapon, terroristic threats or marijuana possession charges, please call (609) 850-8284. We have represented countless juveniles before the Family Division in New Jersey and we can consult with you or your child regarding their pending matter today. We are available 24/7 for your convenience, do not hesitate to call with any questions.