Boardwalk Altercation Leads to Assault Charges

NJ.com recently reported that Seaside Boardwalk workers were arrested after assaulting a Whippany man. According to police, the two young workers, aged 16 and 19 respectfully, exchanged heated words with the 21-year-old North Jersey man while working at their stand. After the young pair finished their shift they found and confronted the victim near Blaine Ave. and Ocean Terrace.

The following altercation left the victim unconscious. Passers-by assisted in getting the man emergency medical attention, who was later flown by helicopter to Jersey Shore Medical Center for treatment of his head and facial wounds.

The 16-year-old juvenile was charged with aggravated assault and his accomplice was charged with simple assault.

Aggravated Assault is an indictable offense that is tried at the Superior Court in Toms River. The penalties for aggravated assault vary depending upon the degree of the crime charged.

4th Degree Aggravated Assault occur when one recklessly causes injury to someone with a weapon or recklessly points a gun in the direction of another person even if it is unloaded. If one is found guilty then he faces 18 months in jail, probation, thousands of dollars in fines, and a permanent criminal record.

3rd Degree Aggravated Assault occurs when one causes or attempts to cause significant bodily injury to another, even if it is done recklessly. Additionally, it is automatically a third degree aggravated assault crime when a weapon is brandished. An individual, if guilty, is subject to the penalties of a third degree felony, which may carry 3-5 years in state prison and a permanent criminal record.

2nd Degree Aggravated Assault occurs when one causes or attempts to cause serious bodily injury to another under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life. A second-degree felony is punishable by 5 – 10 years in state prison. There is also a presumption of mandatory incarceration in such cases. This is true even in the case of a first time offender possessing no criminal record.

Seaside Heights is a wonderful summertime destination for families and individuals looking for a fun and safe getaway. Unfortunately, Seaside Heights sees a fair share of assault, drug, and disorderly conduct charges during the summer months.

With more than a decade of experience defending clients against criminal charges, founding partner William A. Proetta has successfully handled and tried thousands of cases, from DWI to murder. As a New Jersey native, he has focused his career on helping people in the area where he grew up, serving Middlesex, Ocean, Hudson, and Union counties.