Criminal charges for violent crimes such as assault or murder can come with a high cost. If convicted of an assault charge or other violent crime, individuals can face a whole host of serious penalties including jail time and fines. Due to the high cost, New Jersey residents accused of committing violent crimes such as aggravated assault or murder may want to consult with a criminal defense attorney.
New Jersey State Police recently issued a report on the crime statistics from a variety of municipalities throughout New Jersey. One municipality saw a decrease in certain crimes such as strong-armed robbery but a dramatic increase in other types of assault. This included a spike in assaults involving guns, knives and other dangerous weapons. When these crimes were combined with aggravated assault police witnessed an 80 percent boost.
Law enforcement in that same municipality saw a rise in other crime categories as well. Both alleged unlawful entry burglaries and forcible entry burglaries grew between 2012 and 2013, in addition to smaller increases in the crime of simple assault. In addition to armed robbery, police noted that there were also decreases in larcenies. The statistics, however, do not cover the full year of 2013. There is still three months of crime reporting to go.
Still, reports of crimes only tell part of the story, and doesn’t address individual cases where those facing the charges. Individuals facing such criminal charges for violent crimes may want to know what options they have to challenge the evidence against them. To do so, it may be helpful to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney. Because such charges can carry serious consequences, a strong defense is vital to ensure those accused receive fair treatment and work towards the best possible outcome.
Source: Hopatcong-Sparta Patch, “Violent Crime in Hopatcong Up Nearly 70%, State Police Report Shows,” Natalie Davis, Oct. 21, 2013
