It depends on the crime. You will likely need to appear in court for out-of-state cases, but you may not need to do so in person. For minor infractions, you may be able to resolve them by mail, online, or by hiring an attorney to appear for you. Serious matters, such as felonies, typically require in-person attendance. You will likely need to attend all hearings for felony charges. There is no excuse for failing to appear, as that can result in a bench warrant, even if you live in another state.
Courts may allow telephone or virtual appearances, including Zoom, if you cannot travel to the state due to distance. However, if you must appear in person, you might delay the process by requesting a new date, but you will still likely need to address the case eventually.
Most crimes that happen out of state tend to be traffic tickets. New Jersey is a busy travel destination. Many out-of-state travelers enter New Jersey to reach New York or the ocean. Because of this, it is not uncommon for drivers to get speeding tickets or other traffic-related citations.
However, if you receive a traffic ticket while driving in another state, you are still responsible for resolving it. When you have a driver’s license in the United States, you are allowed to drive across state lines, but you must follow the traffic laws of the state you are visiting.
If you ignore an out-of-state ticket, you may face additional penalties. When a driver fails to pay a ticket or respond to the citation, the state that issued the ticket may notify the driver’s home state. In many cases, the home state can suspend the driver’s license until the violation is resolved.
Because of this, ignoring the ticket is never a good idea. It is easiest to just pay the fine, but challenging a citation could result in reduced penalties or even dismissal of the charge.
Challenging a ticket from another state can be more complicated. Your options may include going to court in the other state, submitting a written statement, or hiring an attorney to appear on your behalf.
While a court appearance may be necessary for more severe crimes, in many cases, you can appear virtually without having to return to New Jersey.
Take control of your future, contact us at (609) 904-6262 or online now to schedule your confidential consultation and discuss your legal options
]]>With the huge crowds and constant excitement, crime can happen quickly on the boardwalk. Stay alert, disorderly conduct charges are common and can happen before you know it. A criminal defense attorney from Melissa Rosenblum can help if you have been arrested.
Disorderly conduct is outlined in New Jersey Statute § 2C:33-2. The law generally applies when a person intentionally or recklessly causes public disturbance, annoyance, or alarm.
Trespassing is also common among bar patrons who refuse to leave when asked to do so. The law also addresses offensive language in public places. A person may commit a disorderly conduct offense if they use unreasonably loud, abusive, or offensive language in a public setting to offend others or with reckless disregard for others.
Just because you are on vacation, visiting the boardwalk does not mean you will not be arrested. When visiting New Jersey, the laws are the same for everyone, whether you are a resident or a visitor. You must follow the same rules, and you are subject to the same penalties as everyone else if you fail to do so. Tourists face the possibility of paying fines, going to trial, and serving time in a New Jersey jail if they commit a crime.
If you are arrested on a New Jersey boardwalk, the process moves quickly. You will be processed through the local municipal court and may be required to return to New Jersey for hearings. This can quickly disrupt your life and travel plans.
Even as a non-resident, the tourist will likely have to appear in a New Jersey municipal court. While some misdemeanor cases allow a lawyer to appear on the tourist’s behalf, this is not guaranteed. If a tourist returns home and ignores the charges, a bench warrant will be issued. This can lead to arrest in their home state and extradition back to New Jersey.
Boardwalk crimes are alarmingly frequent. Both property and violent offenses like stabbings, shootings, robberies, and assaults happen every year. You cannot afford to take any criminal charge lightly.
If you have been arrested, act promptly. Speak with an Atlantic City criminal defense lawyer from the Law Offices of Melissa Rosenblum, LLC today. We are ready to guide you, whether you are a New Jersey resident or a tourist. Call (609) 904-6262 or contact us online now to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward protecting your rights.
]]>Key Takeaway
The assault case timeline in Atlantic County courts depends on whether the charge is a disorderly persons offense or a more serious indictable crime, but it generally involves distinct stages from the initial arrest and First Appearance to potential indictment and trial.
Initial Steps: The first 48 hours involve arrest processing, a First Appearance in Central Judicial Processing (CJP) court, and a critical detention hearing. Case Path: Charges are either handled in the local Municipal Court or, if indictable, transferred to the Atlantic County Superior Court in Mays Landing.
This guide provides a detailed, hyper-local roadmap to help you understand each step of the process in Atlantic County.
Facing an assault charge is an overwhelming experience that instantly triggers anxiety and confusion. The most pressing question on everyone’s mind is often, “How long will this take?” While there is no single answer, understanding the assault case timeline in Atlantic County is the first step toward regaining control of your life. The legal process can be complex, but knowing what to expect can help reduce the fear of the unknown.
At the Law Offices of Melissa Rosenblum, LLC, we have deep, localized experience navigating the Mays Landing courthouse and the surrounding municipal courts. This guide is designed to demystify the timeline, explain the roles of key players like the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, and detail exactly what you can expect at each hearing. Below is a roadmap through the legal journey ahead, helping you understand the procedures and milestones you will face.
👤 Written by: Law Offices of Melissa Rosenblum, LLC Content Team Reviewed by: Melissa Rosenblum, Certified Criminal Trial Attorney Last updated: 3 March 2026
ℹ️ Disclaimer: The materials on this site are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Legal advice must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case, and nothing provided on this site should be used as a substitute for advice of competent counsel. Past outcomes do not predict future results.
The immediate aftermath of an arrest is often the most stressful period. In Atlantic County, the process begins the moment you are processed by law enforcement. You will typically be issued either a Complaint-Summons (a notice to appear in court at a later date) or a Complaint-Warrant (which results in you being held in custody). If you are held on a warrant, the clock starts ticking toward your initial hearings.
In Atlantic County, the hub for initial appearances is the Central Judicial Processing (CJP) Court. This centralized court handles the intake of criminal complaints to streamline the early stages of the legal process. Regardless of where the arrest occurred within the county, your first interaction with the judicial system often happens here.
Within 48 hours of your commitment to the county jail, you will have your First Appearance for assault. It is crucial to understand that this is not a trial. You will not be asked to testify or present evidence. Instead, the judge will formally inform you of the charges against you and advise you of your rights, including your right to counsel. This procedural step ensures you are aware of the legal situation you are facing.
If the prosecutor files a motion to detain you, a Detention Hearing will be scheduled, typically within three business days of your first appearance. This is a critical moment in the timeline. New Jersey has largely eliminated cash bail, replacing it with a risk-based assessment. During this hearing, a judge will decide whether you can be released pending trial or if you must remain in custody. The judge considers factors such as the severity of the charge, your criminal history, and the risk of flight or danger to the community. Securing release at this stage is a primary goal, as it allows you to fight your case from the outside.
One of the most important factors influencing your case timeline is the classification of your charge. In New Jersey, crimes are not classified as “felonies” and “misdemeanors,” but rather as “indictable crimes” and “disorderly persons offenses.”
A Disorderly Persons Offense, such as simple assault, is considered a lower-level offense. These cases are generally handled in the local Municipal Court of the town where the incident occurred. While less severe than indictable crimes, they still carry significant penalties, including up to six months in jail and fines of up to $1,000.
More serious allegations are classified as an Indictable Crimes. Charges like aggravated assault fall into this category. These cases are prosecuted by the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office and are heard in the Superior Court. The difference between Simple Assault vs. Aggravated Assault is substantial, not just in potential penalties but in the complexity of the legal defense required.
Under the official New Jersey Assault Statute N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1, assault can be classified into different degrees, each with specific sentencing guidelines:
Fourth-Degree: Up to 18 months in prison. Third-Degree: 3 to 5 years in prison. Second-Degree: 5 to 10 years in prison.
Understanding the severity of your charge is vital. For example, a second-degree assault sentence carries a presumption of incarceration, meaning a prison term is likely if convicted. These charges often arise in domestic violence situations or incidents involving significant bodily injury. If you are facing a more serious indictable charge, the timeline will be longer and more procedural than a municipal case.
Many online resources provide a generic overview of the legal process, but they fail to explain the journey of an assault case through the Atlantic County courts. Navigating the local system requires knowing where you need to be and who will be handling your case.
If your charge is a disorderly persons offense, your case will stay in the local Municipal Court—whether that’s in Atlantic City, Galloway, or Egg Harbor Township. However, if you are charged with an indictable crime, your case moves to the Atlantic County Superior Court in Mays Landing.
This distinction changes who prosecutes you. In Municipal Court, a municipal prosecutor handles the case. In Superior Court, your case is handled by the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office. The main objective of the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office is to prosecute serious criminal offenses within the county, meaning you will face a team of prosecutors with significant resources.
Walking into the Mays Landing courthouse for a hearing can be intimidating. For a Pre-Indictment Conference, you will likely wait in a courtroom with many other defendants and attorneys. When your case is called, you will stand before the judge with your attorney. The judge will ask procedural questions about the status of discovery (evidence) and plea negotiations. Your attorney acts as your voice, ensuring the court understands your position and protecting your rights during these brief but critical interactions.
A unique aspect of the Atlantic County Superior Court criminal process is the potential for a “remand.” Sometimes, a case begins as an indictable charge in Superior Court but, after a review of the evidence or successful negotiation, the prosecutor agrees to downgrade the charges. The case is then “remanded” (sent back) to the local Municipal Court to be resolved as a disorderly persons offense. This is often a strategic victory for the defense, as it removes the risk of a state prison sentence and a felony-level conviction.
When a case remains in the Superior Court, it follows a structured timeline governed by the New Jersey Rules of Court. These rules ensure a fair process as the case moves toward trial.
The Pre-Indictment Conference is one of the first major milestones in Superior Court. This is a meeting between your defense attorney and the assistant prosecutor assigned to your case. The goal is to review the initial evidence and discuss a potential resolution before the case is presented to a Grand Jury. The prosecutor may extend a plea offer at this stage, which is often the best offer available.
If no agreement is reached at the PIC, the case proceeds to the Grand Jury process. The Grand Jury is a panel of 23 citizens who review the evidence to determine if there is “probable cause” to believe a crime was committed. If they vote to indict, they issue a “true bill,” formally charging you. Importantly, neither you nor your attorney is typically present during this proceeding.
Following an indictment, you will attend an Arraignment. This is a formal hearing where the judge reads the charges in the indictment, and you enter a plea of “not guilty.” This hearing marks the beginning of the post-indictment phase, which includes the exchange of discovery (evidence) and the filing of pre-trial motions.
Throughout the stages of an indictable crime case in NJ**, plea negotiations continue. Your attorney may negotiate a plea bargain for the assault charge** to minimize penalties. If no plea agreement can be reached, the case will proceed to trial, where a jury will decide the verdict based on the evidence presented.
While the timeline can seem daunting, there are multiple paths to a positive resolution. A charge is not a conviction, and experienced counsel can explore various strategies to protect your future.
One of the most common defenses in assault cases is self-defense. Self-Defense Laws allow individuals to use force to protect themselves if they reasonably believe it is necessary to prevent injury. Successfully raising this defense often requires a detailed investigation to gather witness statements, video footage, or other evidence that supports your version of events.
For eligible defendants, diversionary programs offer a way to resolve charges without a criminal conviction.
Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI): The Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) Program is designed for first-time offenders facing indictable charges. PTI focuses on rehabilitation rather than punishment. If accepted, you will undergo a period of supervision (similar to probation). Upon successful completion, the charges against you are dismissed, leaving you with no conviction on your record.
Understanding how to get assault charges dropped in NJ often involves leveraging these programs or identifying procedural errors in the prosecution’s case. Eligibility for these outcomes is not automatic and typically requires skilled advocacy.
The punishment for assault in NJ depends on the severity of the charge. Simple assault, a disorderly persons offense, can result in up to 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine. Aggravated assault, an indictable crime, is much more serious, with penalties ranging from 18 months in prison for a fourth-degree offense to 5-10 years for a second-degree offense, along with significant fines.
While up to 6 months of jail time is possible for a simple assault conviction in New Jersey, it is not always mandatory. First-time offenders, especially with skilled legal representation, may receive alternative sentences like probation, fines, or anger management classes. However, the risk of incarceration exists, and the outcome depends heavily on the case’s specific facts and the defendant’s prior record.
A conviction for simple assault in New Jersey will stay on your criminal record permanently unless it is expunged. An individual is typically eligible to apply for an expungement five years after the completion of their sentence, including payment of fines. If the charge was dismissed through a program like Conditional Dismissal, you may be eligible to apply for expungement much sooner, often after a six-month waiting period.
After assault charges are filed in New Jersey, the case begins its journey through the court system. You will receive a Complaint-Summons or be arrested on a Complaint-Warrant, followed by a First Appearance in court. The case will then be classified as either a disorderly persons offense (heard in Municipal Court) or an indictable crime (transferred to the County Superior Court for prosecution).
Yes, simple assault charges can be dropped, but this decision is up to the prosecutor, *not* the alleged victim. A prosecutor may decide to dismiss a case due to a lack of evidence, witness issues, or in the interest of justice. An experienced defense attorney can often negotiate with the prosecutor, highlighting weaknesses in the case to encourage a dismissal.
The main stages of an indictable crime (often referred to as a “felony” in other states) case in Atlantic County NJ include the First Appearance, Pre-Indictment Conference, Grand Jury review, and, if indicted, an Arraignment. Following the arraignment, the case enters a phase of discovery, pre-trial motions, and plea negotiations. If no plea agreement is reached, the final stage is a jury trial.
A Pre-Indictment Conference (PIC) is a crucial early hearing in New Jersey for indictable crime-level cases. It is a meeting between the defense attorney and the county prosecutor to discuss the evidence. The prosecutor may extend an initial plea offer to resolve the case before it is presented to a Grand Jury for a formal indictment.
New Jersey largely eliminated cash bail in 2017, so there is no set bail amount for simple assault. Instead, after an arrest on a warrant, a judge conducts a detention hearing to assess the defendant’s risk of flight or danger to the community. Based on this assessment, the defendant is either released on their own recognizance, released with conditions, or, in rare cases, detained until trial.
You should never plead guilty to simple assault without first consulting with a qualified criminal defense attorney. Pleading guilty results in a permanent criminal record and other penalties. An attorney can evaluate the evidence against you, identify potential defenses, and advise you on all your options, which may include fighting the charge or negotiating a more favorable outcome.
The main difference is severity and where the case is handled. A disorderly persons offense is a minor crime (like a “misdemeanor”) handled in Municipal Court with a maximum penalty of 6 months in jail. An indictable crime is a serious crime (like a “felony”) handled in the County Superior Court, with potential penalties of over a year in state prison.
Beating a simple assault charge in Atlantic County involves building a strong legal defense. This can be achieved by challenging the prosecutor’s evidence, asserting self-defense, proving a lack of intent, or identifying procedural errors made by law enforcement. Success often depends on a thorough investigation and the strategic guidance of an experienced criminal defense lawyer.
At a First Appearance hearing in Atlantic County New Jersey, a judge formally informs you of the charges against you and advises you of your constitutional rights, including the right to an attorney. This is not a trial and you will not present evidence. The judge will also address pre-trial release conditions, determining if you will be released or scheduled for a detention hearing.
It is important to recognize that every assault case is unique. The timeline described above serves as a general roadmap, but individual cases can vary significantly based on the complexity of evidence, court backlogs, and specific legal motions filed by your attorney. While data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) provides context on national case processing times, local factors in Atlantic County will ultimately dictate the pace of your proceedings.
Alternatives to a full trial, such as the Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) program or Conditional Dismissal, offer constructive paths for many defendants. When available, these programs can lead to positive outcomes without the uncertainty and stress of a trial. However, acceptance into these programs is not guaranteed and depends on the prosecutor’s discretion and statutory eligibility requirements.
Finally, this article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal advice from a qualified attorney. The legal system is complex, and the stakes in an assault case are high. An experienced local attorney can provide guidance tailored to the specific facts of your case, protect your rights, and help you navigate the nuances of the Atlantic County court system.
Navigating an assault charge in Atlantic County involves moving through a series of critical stages, from the initial 48 hours in CJP court to the complex proceedings at the Mays Landing courthouse. Whether your case is a disorderly persons offense or an indictable crime, understanding the process is the first step toward managing the situation. While the assault case timeline in Atlantic County courts can be lengthy, knowing what to expect at each turn can help reduce anxiety and allow you to make informed decisions.
Outcomes depend heavily on the specific facts of each case and the quality of your defense. Navigating this process requires more than just legal knowledge; it requires local experience. If you or a loved one is facing an assault charge and needs to understand your options, our team is here to help. Protect Yourself by scheduling a consultation to discuss your case.
Cheating in a casino is taken very seriously in New Jersey and is prosecuted under the Casino Control Act (N.J.S.A. 5:12-113 to 5:12-115). Cheating involves any attempt to gain an unfair advantage through deception, tampering, or manipulation. It includes:
New Jersey’s gaming laws are among the strictest in the country. Cheating is generally an indictable crime in New Jersey, punishable by up to 18 months in prison, fines up to $10,000, and permanent exclusion from all New Jersey casinos.
If you are accused of cheating, you need to take the accusation seriously because even a misunderstanding can lead to an arrest. Here is what you should do:
Cheating in a casino is a serious crime. If you have been accused of such a crime, you need to understand the charges and possible defenses.
Contact an Atlantic City casino crimes lawyer, Melissa Rosenblum, for help with your case. We have decades of experience protecting our clients’ legal rights. To schedule a consultation with our office, contact us at (609) 904-6262 or online.
]]>Whatever the situation, it is essential to understand your rights. When you have been arrested for a crime, you have legal rights. This is true whether or not you are a patron of a casino.
If you have been accused of a casino crime in New Jersey, you have certain legal rights under both New Jersey law and the U.S. Constitution.
The state has various criminal laws and rights outlined under the Rules of Court. Some important ones include:
Regardless of the crime, people accused of crimes have several fundamental rights derived from the U.S. Constitution:
A lot of illegal conduct goes on in a casino, such as underage gambling, cheating, assault, and disorderly conduct. If you have been accused of a crime, you need to understand the charges against you.
As an experienced Atlantic City casino crimes lawyer, Melissa Rosenblum can defend you. We have a long track record of aggressive fighting to protect our clients’ legal rights. Contact us via (609) 904-6262 or online here to schedule a consultation.
]]>In a casino setting, if you are involved in a situation where physical harm or the threat of bodily harm occurs, it’s more likely to be simple assault. If the behavior is purely disruptive or verbal but doesn’t involve a direct physical threat, it is more likely to be disorderly conduct.
Understanding how New Jersey law distinguishes between disorderly conduct and simple assault is essential for anyone facing criminal charges after a casino incident. Simple assault is defined under N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1(a). A person commits simple assault if they:
In a casino, examples might include:
Simple assault is usually a disorderly persons offense, punishable by up to six months in jail and fines up to $1,000. However, it can be elevated to a more serious offense if certain aggravating factors are present (such as assaulting a police officer).
Disorderly conduct is defined under N.J.S. 2C:33-1. This statute defines disorderly conduct as behavior intended to cause public inconvenience, annoyance, or alarm, or recklessly creating such a risk. It typically involves:
In a casino environment, this could include:
Disorderly conduct is a petty disorderly persons offense, punishable by up to 30 days in jail and fines up to $500.
The primary distinction lies in conduct versus harm:
While both can damage your reputation and future opportunities, simple assault is considered more serious because it involves violence.
Casinos can be dangerous environments because there is a lot of money and alcohol to be found. Disorderly offenses can occur, and while they may not seem serious, they can have long-term consequences.
The Atlantic City casino crimes lawyer at the Law Offices of Melissa Rosenblum, LLC can assist you with your case. We are ready to stand up for you and get you the best outcome possible. To schedule a consultation with our office today, contact us at (609) 904-6262 or online.
]]>And of course, cheating, theft, and scams are also rampant in casinos. People go there to make money, and they will often go to great lengths to do so. However, cheating is a severe crime in New Jersey. Casinos have stringent rules and regulations to ensure fair play. Under the New Jersey Casino Control Act, anyone caught cheating can face severe penalties, including prison time and fines up to $75,000.
You may think you can “beat the system” and get away with a casino crime, but you need to know that casinos have security measures in place, including surveillance video. If you are accused of a casino-related crime, one of the first pieces of evidence prosecutors may turn to is surveillance footage. Understanding how this footage can be used can make a significant difference in your case.
Casinos use highly sophisticated monitoring systems. High-definition cameras are positioned throughout the property, including:
Security professionals monitor these systems and often store footage for weeks or even months. Because of the sheer volume of activity in a casino, surveillance footage can capture a detailed record of events leading up to and following an alleged crime.
Surveillance video is often used in New Jersey casino crimes. It is considered direct evidence and is generally admissible in court. Prosecutors usually rely on it because it provides jurors with a visual account of what allegedly happened.
However, just because footage exists does not mean you are automatically going to jail. A skilled defense attorney may challenge casino surveillance by questioning:
In some situations, surveillance can even support your defense by showing that you were not the person involved or that witnesses misinterpreted what happened. So, while prosecutors may use surveillance footage against you in a casino crime case, there are often opportunities to challenge its accuracy and reliability.
Casinos in New Jersey, especially in Atlantic City, are some of the most closely monitored public spaces in the state. Whatever you are doing, you can be sure someone is watching.
There is a lot at stake if you have been accused of a casino crime. Don’t wait. Seek legal help from the Atlantic City casino crimes lawyer at Melissa Rosenblum. We are ready to fight for you and clear your name against casino crimes. Schedule your consultation today. Contact us via (609) 904-6262 or online here.
]]>To prove a disorderly conduct charge, there will need to be sufficient evidence against you–the State must prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt. Here’s a look at the evidence needed. Contact a criminal defense lawyer for assistance.
To prove a disorderly conduct charge, law enforcement must provide evidence, proof beyond a reasonable doubt, showing that you engaged in behavior that disrupted public order, peace, or safety in a public place. The prosecution needs to prove two main things:
To prove the first point, the evidence must show that the behavior took place in an area accessible to a substantial group of people. Examples include highways, transport facilities, schools, prisons, parks, shopping centers, apartment houses, places of business or amusement, or any neighborhood.
For the second point, the evidence must show the defendant engaging in improper behavior such as fighting, threatening, or violent conduct, or creating a hazardous condition. The prosecution may present evidence of the defendant using unreasonably loud, offensively coarse, or abusive language with the intent to offend.
Examples may include:
Types of evidence may include:
Have you been charged with a disorderly persons offense? If so, what evidence is there against you?
The New Jersey criminal defense lawyer at Law Offices of Melissa Rosenblum, LLC, is ready to fight for you. We can fight to clear your name against charges like disorderly conduct. Schedule a consultation with my office today. Contact us via (609) 904-6262 or online here.
]]>Casinos can be rowdy, which means people may be breaking the law. Alcohol can affect a person’s judgment, causing them to start a fight.
A fight or other type of disruptive behavior can result in a disorderly conduct charge. While these charges may not seem major, they can still come with fines and jail time. See how a New Jersey criminal defense lawyer can help you defend yourself.
Disorderly conduct is outlined in NJ Rev Stat § 2C:33-2. The law states that a person is guilty of a petty disorderly persons offense if they cause a public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm, or recklessly create a risk.
A person may be charged with disorderly conduct if they:
First of all, do not admit to the crime. Even if you think you might be guilty, consult with a lawyer first, as a conviction can have lasting consequences.
You’ll want to explore defenses with your criminal defense attorney. Common defenses include:
If you don’t have a criminal defense, there are other ways to reduce the charges. Your attorney may be able to negotiate a plea bargain to reduce the charges or penalties, potentially avoiding a criminal record. You can also seek alternative sentencing:
In any case, you’ll want to act quickly. The sooner you hire an attorney, the faster they can start working on your case. Also, you’ll need to preserve evidence. If possible, gather any evidence that supports your defense, such as videos or witness statements.
If you have been accused of a crime in a casino, you need to take it seriously. While disorderly conduct is a lesser offense, it can still result in severe penalties.
The New Jersey casino crimes lawyer at Law Offices of Melissa Rosenblum, LLC, is ready to fight for you. We can fight to clear your name against charges like disorderly conduct and other casino crimes. Contact us via (609) 904-6262 or online here to schedule a consultation today.
]]>However, each state has different self-defense laws. What you are legally allowed to defend yourself varies from state to state. Self-defense generally allows a certain amount of force, but courts often struggle with determining how much is appropriate. Was breaking the arm of a person excessive? What about shooting them?
Defending yourself can put you in legal hot water. You may be accused of using excessive force or even being the aggressor. A criminal defense attorney can gather evidence to help defend you.
NJ Rev Stat § 2C:3-4 outlines how self-defense can be justified in the state. A person may use force to protect themselves if all the following apply:
A person may not legally resist any arrest made by a police officer, regardless of whether the arrest is legal. The only exception is if that officer uses unlawful force. In any case, the State must disprove a self-defense claim beyond a reasonable doubt.
Some things that can help prove a self-defense claim include:
To claim self-defense, you must prove the following:
While it is legal to defend yourself from another person’s harm, restrictions are involved. Also, the force must be reasonable.
If you used self-defense and are accused of using excessive force, you could face criminal charges. Protect yourself with help from Melissa Rosenblum for legal assistance. We have decades of experience helping New Jersey residents move forward and avoid criminal charges. To schedule a consultation today, complete the online form or call (609) 904-6262.
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