Assault & Threat Attorney in New Jersey

Assault charges in New Jersey can involve anything from a heated argument or misunderstanding to a serious accusation of assault with a deadly weapon. When you’re facing assault charges, your future and freedom are at risk. Even charges that sound minor, like simple assault or threats, can result in a criminal record and possible jail time. More severe cases, including felony assault charges, aggravated assault, or domestic battery, often have life-changing consequences — especially if you’re without an experienced attorney on your side.

William Fay, Esq., is an experienced New Jersey assault defense lawyer who understands what is at stake. As a former Deputy Attorney General with the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General, he has prosecuted and investigated countless cases. That insider knowledge gives him a unique perspective on how prosecutors build charges — and the best ways to challenge them.

If you’re facing assault or battery charges in New Jersey, call today for a free consultation with a New Jersey assault defense attorney who puts your future first.

Why Hire William Fay for Your Assault & Threats Defense in New Jersey?

When you’re up against the criminal legal system, the attorney you choose can make all the difference. As a seasoned lawyer, Mr. Fay combines a strategic, aggressive defense in court with an approachable and compassionate style for clients. He is a born-and-bred New Jersey citizen who is results-driven and client-focused.

Mr. Fay knows that every case is unique, and every defense should be, too. He meticulously reviews all available evidence, carefully evaluates the specific facts, and develops the most beneficial defense strategy for each client. From intake to courtroom appearance, you will work directly with Mr. Fay, not with a paralegal, junior associate, or assistant. He’s determined to achieve the best results for each client while remaining approachable and reliable.

When you hire Mr. Fay as your New Jersey assault defense attorney, you get a professional advocate who has a reputation for being relentless in court. Contact us today for a free, no-risk consultation and find out how William Fay, Esq. can help build your defense.

Why Do You Need a Lawyer When Facing Assault & Threats Charges?

Assault charges in New Jersey are serious and should not be taken lightly. Even a simple assault is a disorderly persons offense that can result in jail time and a permanent criminal record. More severe charges, like felony assault charges or assault with a deadly weapon, carry far greater consequences under the assault penal code.

Without an assault and battery attorney defending you, you could be sentenced to jail or prison time, probation, and steep fines. Further, if your case involves domestic violence, the consequences could include losing custody rights and permanent firearms restrictions. Should you receive a restraining order, you could be barred from returning to your own home.

Working with a skilled battery lawyer like Mr. Fay is the best way to protect your rights and build a strong defense. He uses his background as a former prosecutor to challenge weak evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and fight for dismissal or reduced charges whenever possible.

What Types of Assault & Threats Cases Does William Fay Handle?

Mr. Fay defends clients against the full range of assault and threats charges in New Jersey. From simple assault to serious homicide allegations, he builds a strategic defense for each unique case. Some of the most common assault and threats cases he handles include the following:

• Simple Assault – Simple assault involves attempts to cause bodily injury, negligent injury with a deadly weapon, or offensive physical contact.
• Disorderly Conduct – Disorderly conduct includes improper behavior or offensive language likely to cause public disturbance.
• Criminal Mischief – Criminal mischief can be a felony or a misdemeanor. This crime involves damaging another person’s property or tampering with property in a way that endangers others.
• Stalking – Stalking is the repeated and unwanted following or monitoring of another person.
• Harassment – Harassment includes behavior like repeated communications, threats, or offensive touching intended to alarm or annoy.
• Aggravated Assault – Aggravated assault is a felony and involves attempts to cause serious bodily injury or using a deadly weapon.
• Aggravated Assault on a Police Officer – Enhanced penalties apply when the victim is in law enforcement and performing official duties.
• Terroristic Threats – This crime involves threats to commit a violent crime or threats that cause the evacuation of a building or public area.
• Manslaughter – Voluntary and involuntary manslaughter are defined as causing death without premeditation.
• Homicide – New Jersey recognizes several degrees of murder, with penalties up to life imprisonment.
• Criminal Restraint – Criminal restraint is unlawfully restraining another person, in circumstances that expose them to a risk of serious injury or for involuntary servitude.
• Trespassing – Trespassing is unlawfully entering or remaining on someone else’s property.
• Assault by Auto – This crime involves causing injury by recklessly operating a motor vehicle.
• Resisting Arrest – New Jersey penalizes attempts to prevent a lawful arrest.
• Obstructing the Administration of Law (Obstruction of Justice) – Acts intended to obstruct law enforcement or judicial processes can be an indictable or disorderly persons offense.

If you’re not sure whether our law firm can defend you against your charges, contact William Fay, Esq. to discuss your case today. Your case review is free and confidential.

What Are the Differences Between Assault and Battery?

Many people confuse battery vs. assault. The following are the differences under New Jersey law:

• Assault generally refers to attempting to or causing bodily injury or offensive contact.
• Battery is not separately defined in New Jersey’s statutes. In other words, there is no New Jersey aggravated battery or battery penal code. This term is often used in other states to describe the actual unwanted physical contact or harm.

Because New Jersey statutes primarily use the term “assault,” charges that in other states might be called battery charges in New Jersey are prosecuted under the assault penal code. That’s why working with an assault and battery attorney who understands both terms and how they apply in New Jersey courts is key.

Regardless of the name, all of the assault-related crimes above can result in severe penalties. Mr. Fay can explain how these charges apply in your case and how he can challenge the prosecution’s theory, then work toward reducing or eliminating the consequences.

What Are the Consequences for Threat and Assault Crimes in New Jersey?

Penalties for assault charges in New Jersey depend on several factors: how severe the charges are, the specific circumstances, and occasionally, who the alleged victim is. The following are examples:

• Simple assault is usually a disorderly persons offense, punished by up to six months in jail and fines up to $1,000.
• Aggravated assault can range from a fourth-degree crime (up to 18 months in prison) to a second-degree crime (five to 10 years in prison).
• Terroristic threats are typically third-degree crimes, punishable by three to five years in prison and up to $75,000 in fines.
• Domestic battery charges often result in restraining orders, firearms forfeiture, and family court consequences, all in addition to criminal penalties.
• A conviction for homicide-related offenses carries the potential for decades in prison, up to life imprisonment.

Beyond incarceration, assault and threat-related charges carry collateral consequences that affect every part of your life. You may have difficulty securing employment and housing. Many people encounter professional licensing issues and suffer long-term reputational harm. Finally, if you’re not a United States citizen, you’re likely to face immigration consequences, and U.S. citizens may be barred from travelling internationally.

Working with a New Jersey assault defense attorney who understands the consequences of these charges and how to defend against them is the most important thing you can do to protect your future.

Can Threat and Assault Charges Be Dropped?

When you’re charged with a crime, the best-case scenario is always dropped charges or an acquittal. Is that possible for threat and assault charges? What if the alleged victim doesn’t want to cooperate?

The reality is that once charges are filed, the decision rests with the prosecutor, not the alleged victim. However, a skilled New Jersey assault defense lawyer like Mr. Fay can often intervene. Your defense lawyer can pursue a number of strategies to get the charges reduced or dropped. This often includes filing motions to dismiss the charges or suppress evidence. If successful, suppressing enough key evidence can prevent the prosecution from moving forward.

Alternative sentencing may also be available. Some crimes are eligible for programs like pre-trial intervention (PTI) or conditional dismissals, which can reduce the consequences or avoid conviction altogether. Mr. Fay’s professional and aggressive advocacy can position his clients for the best possible outcome, whether that means dismissal, charge reduction, or acquittal.