Assault and Battery Lawyer Bergen County — What Are Your Defense Options?
Assault and battery in Bergen County are prosecuted as disorderly persons offenses or indictable crimes under N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1, carrying penalties from 6 months to 10+ years in jail. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for clients at the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage in Hackensack. Our firm-wide experience includes 4,739+ documented case results.
New Jersey Assault and Battery Law
In New Jersey, assault and battery are defined under the New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice, specifically N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1. Simple assault is typically a disorderly persons offense (misdemeanor equivalent), while aggravated assault is an indictable crime (felony equivalent). The severity hinges on factors like the victim’s identity (e.g., law enforcement), the use of a weapon, or the extent of bodily injury caused. An experienced assault and battery lawyer Bergen County can analyze the specific allegations against you.
Last verified: March 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the official statute, refer to N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1 (official New Jersey Legislature). Court procedures and forms can be found at the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage website.
Handling an Assault Case in Bergen County
Bergen County handles simple assault charges in Municipal Court, while aggravated assault is heard in the Criminal Division of Superior Court in Hackensack. New Jersey’s bail reform means release is based on a risk assessment, not cash. An early intervention by an assault and battery defense lawyer Bergen County is critical to challenge the prosecution’s case before formal charges are solidified in an indictment.
- Secure representation immediately after arrest or receiving a complaint.
- Your attorney will obtain discovery (police reports, witness statements, video) from the prosecutor.
- File pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges if procedural errors exist.
- Negotiate with the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office for a favorable disposition, such as Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) for first-time offenders.
- Prepare for trial in Superior Court if a just plea agreement cannot be reached.
Potential Penalties for Assault in New Jersey
In Bergen County, a simple assault conviction can bring up to 6 months in jail, while aggravated assault can lead to 5-10 years or more in state prison.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simple Assault | Disorderly Persons | Up to 6 months | Up to $1,000 | None | Criminal record, possible restraining order. |
| Aggravated Assault (3rd Degree) | Indictable Crime | 3-5 years | Up to $15,000 | None | State prison, Graves Act penalties if a firearm is involved. |
| Aggravated Assault (2nd Degree) | Indictable Crime | 5-10 years | Up to $150,000 | None | Presumption of imprisonment, significant state prison term. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Defense
Founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to each case. Our approach is built on a deep understanding of both sides of the courtroom. We have a documented record of achieving favorable outcomes for our clients.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
While specific local results are proprietary, our firm-wide record demonstrates our commitment to vigorous defense. We have handled 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. These results include matters where we secured an assault charge dismissed for clients in Bergen County and across our service regions.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Assault and Battery Lawyer Near Bergen County
Our New Jersey location serves clients facing charges at the Bergen County Courthouse in Hackensack. We represent individuals from Hackensack, Fort Lee, Teaneck, Paramus, Englewood, Ridgewood, Fair Lawn, Bergenfield, Garfield, Mahwah, Ramsey, and Lyndhurst.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Location — 44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (732) 651-3900
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does New Jersey have cash bail?
No. NJ abolished cash bail in January 2017 under the Criminal Justice Reform Act. Pretrial release in Bergen County is determined by a Public Safety Assessment (PSA) — a computerized risk score, not money. There are no bail bondsmen in NJ.
What is Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) in Bergen County, New Jersey?
PTI is a diversionary program for first-time indictable (felony) offenders in Bergen County. Successful completion of 1-3 years of supervision results in complete dismissal of charges. Applications are processed through Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage. Conditional discharge is the Municipal Court equivalent for first-time drug possession.
Can I get my NJ criminal record expunged?
Yes. NJ allows expungement after waiting periods: 5 years for indictable crimes, 2 years for disorderly persons. NJ’s Clean Slate law expanded eligibility. PTI completions result in automatic dismissal. Petitions are filed in Bergen County Superior Court.
What is a disorderly persons offense in Bergen County, NJ?
A disorderly persons offense is NJ’s equivalent of a misdemeanor — up to 6 months jail/$1,000 fine. Heard in Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage. Petty disorderly persons: up to 30 days/$500. Indictable crimes (felonies) are heard in Bergen County Superior Court.
What should I do if I’m charged with assault in Bergen County?
It depends. Do not speak to law enforcement without an attorney. Contact an assault and battery lawyer Bergen County as early as possible. Your lawyer can secure your release, analyze the evidence, and begin building a defense strategy, which may include seeking an assault charge dismissed.
Related Legal Information
If you need a New Jersey criminal defense lawyer, explore our statewide resources. For other local matters, consider a Bergen County DUI lawyer or an immigration lawyer in Bergen County.
Page Last verified: March 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Your case in Bergen County, New Jersey
Indictable charges are heard in the Criminal Part of the Law Division; disorderly-persons offenses are heard in the municipal court where the charge was filed. In Bergen County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage (2nd Vicinage), 10 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601, telephone (201) 527-2700, open Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4:30PM. Court procedures change; confirm the current schedule on the official vicinage website or with the clerk before you file or appear.
The governing law for this topic is the New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice, N.J.S.A. Title 2C. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles Bergen County matters from its New Jersey location at 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724; meetings are by appointment. Request a New Jersey consultation at (888) 437-7747 or (609) 983-0003.
Related New Jersey pages: Bergen County NJ lawyers directory · Assault and Battery Defense Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Assault and Battery Defense Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.