What Happens If I Plead Guilty To Assault In Bergen County?
If you face criminal charges for assault in Bergen County, you might consider pleading guilty. This is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in your criminal case, and it could have lasting consequences. Is this really the right move? What if you pleaded not guilty instead? Are there any other options aside from pleading guilty? These are questions you might want to ask a defense lawyer in Bergen County.
The Consequences of Guilty Pleas Depend on the Specifics of Your Situation
There are many different types of assault charges in Bergen County, and you may face various consequences depending on your unique situation. For example, you might face a charge of “simple assault” in New Jersey. This involves causing bodily injury to another person, either with intent or reckless conduct.
Simple assault is a crime of the fourth degree, roughly equivalent to a low-grade felony in other states. It is one step above a “disorderly persons offense,” which is equivalent to a misdemeanor in other states. That being said, the maximum penalty for simple assault in New Jersey is typically six months in jail, not prison.
Some argue that it is best to plead guilty to pursue a more lenient sentence for simple assault. This may push the jail sentence down much lower than six months, and some defendants may be able to avoid incarceration altogether. Probation without incarceration may be more likely if you have no prior criminal offenses.
That being said, even a few days in prison is worth avoiding if possible. If you have a legitimate defense to your assault charge, you may want to plead not guilty. For example, you might have acted in self-defense. Perhaps your charges stem from a case of mistaken identity. It doesn’t make sense to plead guilty if you are innocent.
More serious assault charges may result in heightened penalties. Aggravated assault involves serious bodily injury, bodily injury with a deadly weapon, pointing a firearm at someone, causing an injury while fleeing from police, causing arson-related injuries, and many other acts. Unlike simple assault, aggravated assault can lead to years in prison.
Pleading guilty to aggravated assault will likely result in incarceration, although defendants may experience more lenient sentences. Some might argue that it makes sense to fight these charges and plead not guilty with the hope of acquittal.
Defendants may face overwhelming evidence of both simple and aggravated assault charges. If this evidence seems impossible to refute, pleading guilty might be the only viable option. In this situation, a defense lawyer can help you negotiate with prosecutors for a positive plea deal.
Can a Bergen County Defense Lawyer Help With Assault Charges?
A Bergen County defense lawyer may be able to help if you face assault charges. Your lawyer may be able to explain the pros and cons of pleading guilty in more detail. In addition, a defense attorney can help you understand your alternative options. Speak with Phillip J. Murphy, Attorney at Law today to continue this conversation in more detail.
Source:
njcourts.gov/sites/default/files/charges/assault1.pdf
