Former Hackensack football star is indicted on Aggravated Assault Charges in Passaic County

A Passaic County grand jury had indicted a former NFL player, Ausar Walcott, with aggravated assault in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1b. If convicted, the once promising athlete could face up to ten (10) years in a New Jersey State Prison. In addition, pursuant to the No Early Release Act, the defendant would have to serve at least 85% of his sentence before he become eligible for parole. When the defendant was originally arrested and charged, it was for the much more serious crime, attempted murder. Attempted murder carries with it up to twenty years in a New Jersey State Prison if convicted.

The charges stem from a fight outside a nightclub in Passaic New Jersey. The reports indicate that the victim suffered some form of a brain injury as a result of a single blow from the defendant. The defendant is alleging that he acted in self-defense. The case will boil down to whether or not the state can prove that the victim suffered serious bodily injury as a result of the defendant’s single punch. Serious bodily injury has been defined by the courts as a type of injury that creates either a substantial risk of death or which causes serious, permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ.

Aggravated assault is very serious offense in New Jersey.  If convicted not only do you face up to ten years in a State prison but your sentence is also subject to the No Early Release Act (“N.E.R.A.”). If you or someone you know has been charged with assault in Bergen County the Law Offices of Marshall, Bonus, Proetta & Oliver can help. We have been representing individuals charged with aggravated assault, death by auto, robbery, cocaine distribution and distribution of marijuana in New Jersey for over fifteen years. Please feel free to contact any one of our Bergen County offices for a free initial consultation with any one of our eight criminal defense attorneys on staff.