If you’ve been falsely accused of assault after a summer event in South Jersey, you may face serious charges but you have legal rights and options. Here's what to do right away.
Maybe a misunderstanding at a party, bar, or beach event spiraled out of control and now you’re facing assault charges you didn’t expect. You’re not alone. Every summer in South Jersey, tensions run high at festivals, cookouts, and nightspots. What begins as a verbal argument or a chaotic crowd can escalate into something far more serious when police get involved.
At Attorneys Hartman, Chartered, we know that false or exaggerated assault allegations are more common than most people think. Whether you were defending yourself, misidentified in the confusion, or wrongly accused by someone trying to shift blame, these charges can have serious consequences.
In this blog, we’ll break down what you need to know if you’ve been accused of assault after a summer event in South Jersey. You’ll learn how assault charges arise, what your legal rights are, and what steps you should take to protect your future.
What Counts as Assault in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, assault is legally defined as intentionally or recklessly causing, or attempting to cause, bodily injury to another person. You can be charged even if no serious injury occurred.
There are two primary categories:
Simple Assault - N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1(a)
This is the most common charge in summer-related altercations.
Examples include:
- Pushing someone during an argument
- Throwing a drink or object at someone
- Swinging and missing during a fight
- Threatening someone with harm
Penalties:
Simple assault is typically a disorderly persons offense, which may result in:
- Up to 6 months in jail
- Fines up to $1,000
- Possible probation or anger management counseling
If the incident occurred during a mutual fight (such as a bar brawl), the charge may be downgraded to a petty disorderly persons offense.
Aggravated Assault - N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1(b)
Aggravated assault is more serious and often charged when:
- A weapon was allegedly involved (even something like a bottle or chair).
- The alleged victim suffered significant injuries.
- The victim is a protected party, such as a police officer, EMT, or teacher.
Penalties:
Aggravated assault is an indictable offense (felony) and can lead to:
- 18 months to 10 years in prison, depending on the degree
- Significant fines
- A permanent criminal record
Additional Consequences Under the No Early Release Act (NERA)
As of June 2025, a conviction for second-degree aggravated assault may trigger sentencing under New Jersey’s No Early Release Act (NERA). This means that if the offense involved serious bodily injury or met other statutory criteria, you would be required to serve at least 85% of the imposed prison term before becoming eligible for parole.
This mandatory minimum applies to certain violent crimes and significantly limits your chances of early release, even with good behavior. The implications of a NERA-eligible conviction are severe, and another reason why building a strong legal defense from the outset is critical.
Why Do False Assault Accusations Happen?
Assault charges can be filed based on one person’s version of events. In the heat of the moment, details get blurred, and accusations may be made hastily or without context.
Common causes of false or mistaken accusations include:
- Mutual fights where only one person is charged.
- Misidentification during crowded or chaotic events.
- Revenge accusations following arguments or breakups.
- Overzealous prosecution based on assumptions or missing facts.
- Attempts to shift blame by the real aggressor.
The reality is that you don’t have to throw a punch to be arrested for assault. Even if you were trying to walk away or protect yourself, you may still find yourself facing serious allegations.
What to Do If You’re Falsely Accused of Assault in South Jersey
If you’ve been falsely accused of assault, don’t assume the truth will come out on its own. The steps you take now are critical to your defense.
Here’s what to do immediately:
- Do not confront the accuser. Any attempt to “clear things up” may be misinterpreted and used against you.
- Stay off social media. Do not post photos, comments, or opinions about the event, even if you feel wronged.
- Preserve any evidence. Save text messages, screenshots, video footage, or contact info of potential witnesses.
- Write down your version of events. Memory fades quickly. Document everything you remember while it’s still fresh.
- Consult a criminal defense attorney immediately. The sooner your attorney gets involved, the faster they can begin investigating your side of the story.
Don’t Wait to Get Legal Help
If you’ve been accused of assault, early legal representation can make a major difference. Call Attorneys Hartman, Chartered for a confidential consultation.
How an Attorney Can Help Defend You
When facing a false accusation, your attorney may use several defense strategies, including:
- Self-defense: Establishing that you were protecting yourself or another person.
- Lack of intent: Showing that the contact was accidental or did not meet the legal threshold for assault.
- Mistaken identity: Challenging unreliable witness statements or surveillance footage.
- Inconsistent testimony: Exposing contradictions in the accuser’s story.
- Insufficient evidence: Pressing the prosecution to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
In many cases, your defense begins before charges are even filed which is why early legal counsel is crucial.
What’s at Stake If You’re Convicted
Even a simple assault conviction can result in:
- Jail time
- A criminal record
- Loss of employment opportunities
- Problems with child custody or immigration status
- Lasting personal and professional damage
If you're charged with aggravated assault, the consequences are even more severe. Don’t risk navigating this alone or waiting to see what happens. Being proactive may help reduce or dismiss the charges altogether.
Charged with Assault After a Summer Incident? Get Help Now.
At Attorneys Hartman, Chartered, we understand that summer gatherings can quickly spiral into legal trouble. If you’ve been accused of assault in Mount Holly, Camden, Cherry Hill, Glassboro, Trenton, Vineland, or anywhere across Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Mercer, or Cumberland County, we’re here to defend your side of the story with clarity, diligence, and respect.
We offer confidential, no-pressure consultations to help you understand your options. Whether you're facing a disorderly persons offense or defending against a felony-level aggravated assault allegation, we’re ready to help protect your rights.
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is different, and legal outcomes depend on the specific facts and circumstances involved. For personalized guidance, please contact a licensed New Jersey criminal defense attorney.