South Jersey Laws
Assault
New Jersey Statutes Annotated 2C:12-1(a): Assault


A person is guilty of assault if he:

  • Attempts to cause or purposely, knowingly or recklessly causes bodily injury to another; or
  • Negligently causes bodily injury to another with a deadly weapon; or
  • Attempts by physical menace to put another in fear of imminent serious bodily injury.


Simple assault is a disorderly persons offense and punishable by:

  • Imprisonment for up to six months;
  • A fine of up to $1,000; or
  • Both.

Simple assault committed in a fight or scuffle entered into by mutual consent is a petty disorderly persons offense, punishable by:
  • Imprisonment for up to thirty days;
  • A fine of up to $500; or
  • Both.

A person who is employed by a nursing home who commits a simple assault upon an institutionalized elderly person is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree, punishable by:
  • Imprisonment for up to 18 months;
  • A fine of up to $10,000; or
  • Both.

Simple assault is a crime of the fourth degree if the person acted with a purpose to intimidate an individual or group of individuals because of race, color, religion, gender, handicap, sexual orientation, or ethnicity and is punishable by:
  • Imprisonment for up to 18 months;
  • A fine of up to $10,000; or
  • Both.
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