The New Jersey State Police website defines domestic violence as, “a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain control over another intimate partner.” Intimate partner violence can be very destructive for victims...
Assault And Threat Crimes
Understanding assault charges and potential penalties in New Jersey
In New Jersey, there are two forms of assault charges: simple and aggravated. Understanding the difference between these two can be difficult because they branch off each other. The main difference between simple and aggravated assault is the severity. Anyone...
What is the legal definition of assault?
The definition of assault in legal terms refers to the attempt to injure another person. In order for an assault conviction to happen, however, it does not require the person to actually commit a physical act of violence. Assault can also include threatening actions...
2 sample defenses against larceny
A charge of larceny means that the defendant has been accused of the unlawful taking of another party's property. Larceny, or theft, is a serious crime, and the punishments become more severe depending on how valuable the allegedly stolen item is. Because larceny...
The elements of a personal harassment conviction
Due to the nature of human relations, it's not uncommon for two people to fall into disagreement, and in extreme situations, those disagreements can lead to yelling and threats. Not all interactions like this, however, are the fault of one person; sometimes both are...
Successful use of a self-defense argument
In one of our previous posts, we dove into some of the commonly used defense strategies to counter assault charges in New Jersey. Topping the list was self-defense, and as we noted at the time, one of the challenges of using it is that it shifts a burden of proof...
Could my New Jersey juvenile be tried as an adult?
The meanings of words can change over time. When the term terroristic threat initially came into use in the legal system in New Jersey, it was generally associated with allegations of domestic violence. That's changed in the past 15 years, though. Now, charges of...
What are common defenses against New Jersey assault charges?
It might not take much to trigger an arrest on a charge of battery in New Jersey. Throwing and landing a punch might be enough. The possibility of being charged with assault can take even less. All you have to do is make a verbal threat. If the person it's aimed at...
Handshakes don’t cut it if a quarrel leads to an assault charge
Back in the day, the rules of etiquette required that if you got into a fight in the schoolyard and a teacher broke things up, you would shake hands with your rival. An apology might even be called for. Does that ever happen anymore? These days in New Jersey and...