Union County Assault, Battery & Threat Attorney

The New Jersey criminal justice system treats violence-related offenses, including assault, battery, and threat charges, with severity, imposing harsh penalties ranging from heavy fines to lengthy prison sentences.

The prosecution will aggressively pursue a conviction on Union County assault, battery, and threat charges, making experienced legal representation critical for protecting your legal rights and future.

Contact William Proetta Criminal Law to schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced assault defense lawyer in Union County who is prepared to fight to protect your interests. Our experienced criminal defense lawyers want to dedicate our knowledge and resources to seeking the best possible outcome, providing the personalized attention your case deserves.

Our Defense Attorneys Help People Facing Assault Charges in Union County

Our legal team brings decades of combined experience successfully dismissing and downgrading assault charges for clients in Union County and throughout New Jersey.

Founding partner William A. Proetta has earned recognition as a New Jersey criminal defense attorney, receiving multiple professional honors, including Top 40 Under 40 from the National Trial Lawyers and a perfect 10.0 rating on Avvo. His track record demonstrates a commitment to excellence that benefits every client he represents.

Types of Assault and Battery Charges in Union County

New Jersey recognizes several categories of assault and battery offenses. The charges you face depend on factors including the severity of injuries, your intent, and the victim’s identity. Common assault and battery charges include:

Simple assault
Aggravated assault under N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1(b)
Assault on a law enforcement officer
Assault with a deadly weapon
Domestic violence assault
Terroristic threats
Harassment

The specific charge against you can affect the potentially long-lasting consequences and available defense options. Let an attorney from our law firm analyze the details of your case to determine which charges the prosecution may pursue and how we can challenge their evidence.

Potential Punishments if Convicted on Assault Charges

The penalties for assault convictions in New Jersey vary significantly based on the degree of the offense and aggravating circumstances. Potential penalties for assault charges in Union County include:

Simple assault (disorderly persons offense) – Simple assault typically involves attempting to cause or purposely, knowingly, or recklessly causing bodily injury to another person. As a disorderly persons offense, conviction carries a penalty of up to 6 months in county jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
Fourth-degree aggravated assault – Fourth-degree charges apply when someone recklessly causes bodily injury with a deadly weapon or causes bodily injury to certain protected individuals. Conviction results in up to 18 months in state prison and fines up to $10,000.
Third-degree aggravated assault – Third-degree assault involves purposely or knowingly causing bodily injury or recklessly causing bodily injury under circumstances showing extreme indifference to human life. Penalties include imprisonment for three to five years in state prison and fines of up to $15,000.
Second-degree aggravated assault – Second-degree charges apply when someone causes serious bodily injury purposely or knowingly, or when someone uses or displays a firearm during the commission of certain offenses. Conviction carries a sentence of 5 to 10 years in state prison, with a presumption of incarceration, and fines of up to $150,000.

In addition to jail time and fines, assault convictions result in permanent criminal records that can affect employment, professional licenses, housing applications, and firearm ownership rights, among others. Courts may also require probation, community service, anger management programs, and restitution payments to victims.

Court Procedures for Assault Charges in Union County

Assault cases move through several distinct stages from initial arrest to final resolution. The Union County Superior Court process typically includes:

Arrest and initial appearance – Following your arrest, officers transport you to the police station for processing, which includes fingerprinting and photographing. You then appear before a judge who explains the charges, informs you of your rights, and makes decisions regarding bail or release conditions.
Pre-indictment conference – The prosecutor and defense attorney meet to discuss the case and explore potential resolutions before a formal indictment is issued. We can negotiate for charge dismissals, downgrades, or favorable plea agreements during this stage when appropriate.
Grand jury presentation – For indictable offenses, prosecutors present evidence to a grand jury, which determines whether sufficient proof exists to charge you formally. We may present evidence to the grand jury or challenge the indictment if there are legal grounds to do so.
Arraignment and discovery – At arraignment, you enter a formal plea, and both sides exchange evidence through the discovery process. We can scrutinize police reports, witness statements, video footage, and forensic evidence to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
Pre-trial motions and hearings – We can file motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence, dismiss charges lacking probable cause, or exclude prejudicial testimony. Successful motions often lead to case dismissals or significantly weakened prosecution positions.
Trial or plea negotiation – Cases proceed to trial when we cannot negotiate acceptable plea agreements or when fighting the charges serves your best interests. We prepare thoroughly for trial while continuing plea discussions up until jury selection begins.

Each stage offers opportunities to challenge the prosecution’s case and pursue favorable outcomes. A criminal defense attorney from our law firm can guide you through every step while protecting your constitutional rights.

Potential Defenses Available in Union County Assault Cases

Multiple defense strategies may apply to assault charges depending on the specific facts of your case. Our Union County battery defense attorney can thoroughly investigate every aspect of the alleged incident to identify the strongest arguments for your defense. Some examples of potential defenses include:

Self-defense or defense of others – New Jersey law permits reasonable force to protect yourself or others from imminent harm.
Lack of intent – Our lawyers show that any injuries resulted from accidents, misunderstandings, or reckless behavior rather than intentional violence.
Mistaken identity – We can challenge identification procedures and present evidence showing you were not present or involved in the alleged assault.
False accusations – People sometimes fabricate assault claims due to personal disputes, custody battles, or desires for revenge.
Constitutional violations – We can file motions to suppress evidence obtained through illegal searches, coerced statements, or violations of Miranda rights.

Selecting the right defense strategy requires a careful analysis of witness statements, physical evidence, police reports, and relevant laws. Our Union County battery defense attorney is ready to develop customized approaches that address the unique circumstances of your case.

Reasons You Should Choose Our Union County Assault Defense Firm

Our attorneys have successfully resolved thousands of criminal cases, building a reputation for exceptional client service and courtroom results.

William Proetta Criminal Law recognizes the anxiety and uncertainty that criminal charges create in your life. We provide compassionate support, clear guidance throughout the legal process, and aggressive advocacy that challenges every aspect of the prosecution’s case against you.

Our clients consistently rate us with five-star reviews and enthusiastic testimonials that reflect their satisfaction with our representation. For example, one of our previous clients wrote:

“William was outstanding! 10 stars if I could! He communicated with me throughout the whole experience and never made any false promises. He laid down the facts and kept me updated every step of the way. I recommend to anyone.”

Contact an assault defense attorney at William Proetta Criminal Law today for a free consultation in complete confidence and without further obligations. Let our experienced Union County criminal defense attorney safeguard your constitutional rights and present a powerful defense on your behalf.