Assault and Battery Defense Lawyer | Cherry Hill, NJ

Charged with Assault or Battery in New Jersey? Protect Your Record and Your Future

Facing assault or battery charges in New Jersey can lead to jail time, fines, probation, and a permanent criminal record. Whether the alleged incident occurred during a fight, domestic dispute, or traffic stop, a conviction can carry serious consequences—including long-term damage to your reputation, employment, and immigration status.

At Ratliff Jackson LLP, we defend individuals charged with simple assault, aggravated assault, and related offenses in Cherry Hill, Camden County, and throughout South Jersey. We analyze police reports, challenge unlawful arrests, and negotiate reduced charges or dismissals when appropriate. If you’ve been accused, we can help you assert your rights and build a strong defense.

Understanding Assault and Battery Charges in New Jersey

New Jersey law does not separately define “battery.” Instead, both physical and attempted harm fall under various degrees of assault, including:

• Simple Assault (N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1a): Causing or attempting to cause bodily harm, or putting someone in fear of imminent harm. Typically charged as a disorderly persons offense (misdemeanor).
• Aggravated Assault (N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1b): More serious offenses involving weapons, significant injuries, or attacks on protected individuals (e.g., police officers, teachers, healthcare workers). Charged as an indictable crime (felony).

Even if no weapon was involved and no one was seriously hurt, you can still face harsh penalties. We work to reduce or dismiss the charges early in the process.

Common Situations That Lead to Assault Charges

We defend clients accused of assault in:

• Bar fights or public altercations
• Domestic disputes or relationship conflicts
• School or college campus incidents
• Self-defense cases where both parties were injured
• Traffic altercations or road rage incidents
• Protest or crowd-related arrests
• Alleged threats or attempted harm with no physical contact
• Defending another person during a confrontation

Many of these cases involve conflicting stories, video footage, or alcohol. We focus on the facts—and your legal rights.

What Are the Penalties for Assault in New Jersey?

Depending on the charge and circumstances, penalties may include:

• Simple Assault: Up to 6 months in jail, $1,000 fine, probation, mandatory anger management, criminal record
• Aggravated Assault (3rd or 4th degree): 18 months to 5 years in prison, fines up to $15,000, mandatory parole ineligibility under the No Early Release Act
• Domestic Violence-Related Assault: May include restraining orders, weapon forfeiture, and loss of child custody rights
• Assault in a School Zone or Against Protected Classes: Enhanced sentencing and reduced plea opportunities

A conviction can also affect immigration status, professional licensing, and background checks.

Defenses We Use in Assault and Battery Cases

Our firm builds personalized strategies that may include:

• Self-defense or defense of another
• Mutual combat (both parties agreed to fight)
• Lack of intent or accidental contact
• False accusation or mistaken identity
• Illegal search, seizure, or arrest
• Insufficient evidence or unreliable witnesses
• Improper Miranda warnings or coerced statements

We negotiate with prosecutors to seek conditional dismissals, PTI (Pretrial Intervention), or downgrade charges when appropriate.

Where We Defend Assault Cases in South Jersey

We represent clients in:

• Camden County Superior Court – Criminal Division
• Municipal courts in Cherry Hill, Pennsauken, Voorhees, and Gloucester Township
• Burlington and Gloucester County criminal courts
• Domestic violence courts (for restraining order matters)
• Expungement hearings for past assault convictions

We provide defense from arrest to arraignment, trial, or plea resolution.

Assault and Battery FAQs for New Jersey Defendants

Q: What is the difference between simple and aggravated assault?
A: Simple assault involves minor injuries or threats; aggravated assault involves serious harm, weapons, or protected victims. The latter carries felony charges.

Q: Will I go to jail for a first offense?
A: Not necessarily. Many first-time offenders qualify for diversion programs or probation, especially with legal representation.

Q: Can I claim self-defense?
A: Yes. If you used reasonable force to protect yourself or another person, self-defense may apply. We gather evidence and testimony to support this claim.

Q: Can I expunge an assault conviction?
A: In some cases, yes. Depending on the charge and sentence, you may be eligible for expungement after a waiting period.

Q: Do I need a lawyer even if I plan to plead guilty?
A: Absolutely. A lawyer may help reduce your sentence, protect your record, or find alternatives to jail. Pleading guilty without legal advice is risky.

Contact a Cherry Hill Assault Defense Attorney Today

If you’ve been charged with assault in New Jersey, do not face the court system alone. Prosecutors are trained to push for convictions—but you have rights. At Ratliff Jackson LLP, we fight to protect your freedom, your record, and your future. We serve clients in Cherry Hill, Camden County, and throughout South Jersey.

To schedule a confidential consultation, call (856) 209-3111 or email [email protected]. We’ll review your charges, explain your options, and start building your defense.