Truly Experienced Defense Of Assault And Threat Charges
It is not uncommon for an argument, a personal misunderstanding or some other situation to lead to criminal charges against one or more participants. This can happen even if no one was hurt. Once the criminal justice process has started, apologies and explanations are no longer enough. You need clear legal advice.
I am Anthony N. Palumbo, a partner at The Law Offices of Anthony N. Palumbo and a New Jersey criminal defense attorney with more than 35 years of legal experience in assault and battery cases. Contact me to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your legal options when facing criminal charges. Call 908-272-9700 or send me an email today.
Defending Clients Against Charges Of Threatening Behavior
We have all heard the phrase “assault and battery.” What many people do not know is that these are two different crimes. Battery is when you actually physically strike someone, and assault is the crime of causing someone to fear bodily harm, usually through threats. Depending on the facts, you may be charged with:
- Simple assault
- Aggravated assault
- Personal harassment
- Stalking
Although many people do not consider threats to be violent, they are technically considered violent crimes. Whether they arise during a bar fight or a domestic dispute, threats can lead to criminal charges.
While assault (with or without battery) is the most common criminal charge involving threats, certain statements intended to intimidate someone can be considered terroristic threats, and threats to kill (for instance, threats with a deadly weapon such as a gun or knife) can also carry stiffer penalties. Violence against a family member can involve charges of domestic assault.
Help From A Proven Assault And Battery Lawyer
Assault charges have a wide range of penalties, all of which you want to avoid having on your record. A simple assault that occurred between consenting parties may result in a small disorderly persons offense, with a penalty of up to 30 days in prison. On the other side of the spectrum, a serious aggravated assault can land you in prison for up to 10 years.
Some assault and fighting charges carry mandatory jail sentences if you are convicted. I have the experience to help you tell your side of the story and pursue the best possible results, whether that means acquittal, dismissal of the charges, or a lesser charge or penalty.
Defense Against Harassment And Stalking Charges
Harassment and stalking are criminal charges involving threatening behavior toward someone, even if you did not make verbal or physical threats. For instance, frequent angry phone calls may be considered harassment, and following someone may be considered stalking. Sexual harassment can also lead to criminal charges in some situations.
Harassment may seem like a lesser crime than assault, but the penalties may actually be more severe depending on the circumstances. Harassment can typically result in up to 6 months in prison and up to $1,000 in fines. In some cases, however, such as when you are on parole or have a previous criminal conviction, you may be facing up to 18 months in prison and $10,000 in fines.
When you are accused of these crimes, always consult an experienced harassment lawyer before moving forward with your case. I dedicate over 35 years of criminal defense experience to ensure my clients are treated fairly under the law, often reducing or eliminating the unfair charges they are facing.
Learn More About How I Can Assist
As an assault lawyer, I understand what the prosecutor needs to prove in order to convict someone of harassment or stalking and can defend you against these charges.
If you’ve been charged with assault, assault and battery, harassment, stalking or some other threatening criminal act, contact me online or by calling 908-272-9700 right away to discuss your criminal defense options.