Understanding Violent Crimes in New Jersey: Legal Insights and Defenses

Business Apr 24, 2025 18 Add to Reading List

Violent crimes in New Jersey carry the most severe penalties available under state law, up to and including life in prison without the possibility of parole. These crimes are illegal acts that involve the use of force and infliction of bodily harm against another individual or threatening another person with bodily harm.

When it comes to the most egregious cases, conviction properly leads to lengthy terms of imprisonment. In this article, you will get a deeper understanding of violent crimes in New Jersey, from penalties to defenses.

Common Types of Violent Crimes

Some of the most common types of violent crimes in New Jersey include:

· Aggravated Assault

· Simple Assault

· Assault and Threat Crimes

· Assault by Auto

· Carjacking Charges

· Disorderly Conduct

· Resisting Arrest

· Disarming a Police Officer

· Hindering Apprehension or Prosecution

· Domestic Violence

· Harassment

· Stalking Offenses

· Restraining Order Violations

· Terroristic Threats

· Weapons Offenses

Penalties for Violent Crimes in New Jersey

Depending on the crime you are being charged with, you could be facing extremely harsh punishment under the New Jersey law. There are many crimes that are classified as involving threat or imposition of bodily harm, and the degree or level of crime you may be charged with varies according to the allegations against you.

Most violent crimes, such as murder and kidnapping, are statutory crimes, meaning their punishment is defined by law. For example, carjacking is by law a first-degree offense punishable by 10 to 30 years in prison, which requires the individual to serve 85 percent of any sentence imposed before becoming eligible for parole.

Other punishments for crimes of violence are levied according to New Jersey’s general classification of crime and punishment, and punishment may be increased according to the circumstances of the case.

Here are the violent crime penalties in New Jersey:

1. First-Degree Offense: 10-20 years in prison; a fine of up to $200,000.

2. Second-Degree Offense: 5-10 years in prison; a fine of up to $150,000.

3. Third-Degree Offense: 3-5 years in prison; a fine of up to $15,000.

4. Fourth-Degree Offense: Up to 18 months; a fine of up to $10,000.

5. Disorderly Persons Offense: A fine of up to $1,000.

6. Petty Disorderly Persons Offense: A fine of up to $500.

Potential Defenses Against Violent Crime

Some of the defenses that can be used against violent crime include:

1. Acting in self-defense against an attack.

2. Acting in the heat of passion.

3. Lack of intent to harm or being incapable of forming the requisite intent due to impairment.

4. Mental illness at the time of the alleged crime that prevented distinguishing right from wrong or the consequences of the individual’s actions.

Conclusion

If you have been arrested for a violent crime in New Jersey, you have the right to remain silent and defend yourself. Being indicted for such crimes requires strong, dedicated legal representation by experienced criminal defense lawyers from The Law Offices of Jonathan F Marshall. You are advised not to fight your case alone and instead, opt for the services of a knowledgeable defense attorney who can defend your case successfully.