Princeton is well known throughout the State as being one of New Jersey’s wealthiest townships, which also makes it a very desirable place for people to settle down in. It is also home to one of the most prestigious colleges in the Country, Princeton University. With all that being said, it is not immune to its fair share of crime and one of the more common offenses charged in Princeton is assault and not just your typical alcohol driven frat part fights but domestic violence assault.
Need a Lawyer for Domestic Violence Assault in Princeton
Arguments are going to happen, especially between family members and loved ones but when things escalate and become physical, things can spiral out of control in a hurry. In New Jersey, if the police are called to a scene and it is determined that one of the parties placed their hands on another, they will almost certainly be placing that individual under arrest. New Jersey has in essence taken a zero tolerance approach to domestic violence allegations, especially when physical violence is alleged. Anyone charged with assault, even the lowest level, simple assault, will more likely than not see their charges be issued on what is known as a Complaint-Warrant if it classified as an “act of domestic violence“. This is even more important now because bail reform will require that the individual spend at least 24 to 48 hours in the Mercer County Jail so that Pretrial Services can conduct their Public Safety Assessment (PSA). This PSA will be turned over to the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office and it will ultimately help guide them when deciding whether or not they will file a motion to detain the individual in the County Jail without bail, pending trial. If that motions is filed, the individual will not be released at their Central Judicial Processing Hearing, which typically occurs within 24 hours but will await a more formal hearing about a week later. At that point in time, it will be up to the Judge whether or not the individual will be released on pretrial release (bail).
Simple Assault? Aggravated Assault? What are the Differences?
This is just the start of the case, the individual will still need to litigate the charges in court. The court that will ultimately has jurisdiction over the charges will be determined by the specific charge levied against the individual, simple assault or aggravated assault. All simple assault charges that occur within Princeton Township will be litigated in the local municipal court. Conversely, all domestic violence aggravated assault charges that are filed in Princeton Township will be need to be transferred to the Mercer Count Superior Court, which is located in Trenton for disposition. The type of injury caused or attempted to be caused will dictate what degree of assault the individual is charged with. The potential penalties drastically differ between a simple assault and an aggravated assault charge. For more information on each charge, including the potential penalties, please click the corresponding links.
Looking for a Restraining Order Defense Attorney in Princeton?
If the assault charge is classified as an act of domestic violence, meaning the individuals involved where in a domestic relationship, the alleged victim in the case will be able to seek a temporary restraining order (TRO) in addition to the criminal charges. That means that the individual will not only be forced to defend their liberty in criminal court but will also be forced to defend themselves in family court. A temporary restraining order is exactly what it sounds like, temporary. In order for the TRO to become a final order of protection, a final restraining order hearing (FRO) must take place. This is in essence a mini trial whereby the victim will be forced to testify, present their evidence, including their witnesses in order to connivence the judge that a final restraining order is necessary. For more information on temporary restraining orders, including what is required for a final restraining order in New Jersey, please click the link.
Domestic Violence Assault Defense Lawyer in Princeton
As you can see from reading above, domestic violence assault charges are not something to take lightly. The potential ramifications can be catastrophic. That is why we strongly suggest that if you or a loved one has unfortunately found yourself in this type of situation we strongly urge that you contact an experience criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. To set up a consultation today with one of the Princeton domestic violence defense attorneys at Keith Oliver Criminal Law, please contact us at 609-789-0779 or you can try contacting us online. As always, our initial consultations are free of costs, so if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
