Bill
Bill > A2957
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill provides for a enhanced gradation scheme fir certain assaults against a person, in the course of committing an act of domestic violence, or in the course of committing contempt of a domestic violence restraining order. This gradation scheme will take into account the infliction of serious bodily injury or bodily injury in the course of violating a domestic violence restraining order. The penalties range from a crime of the fourth degree to a crime of the first degree, depending on the circumstances: · It would be a crime of the first degree if a person commits an aggravated assault by attempting to cause serious bodily injury to another or causing such injury purposely or knowingly or under extreme indifference to the value of human life recklessly causing such injury. (Subparagraph (a) of paragraph (13) of subsection b.)· It would be a crime of the second degree if a person commits an aggravated assault by attempting to cause or purposely or knowingly causing bodily injury to another with a deadly weapon. (Subparagraph (b) of paragraph (13) of subsection b.)· It would be a crime of the third degree (but the presumption of non-imprisonment would not apply) if a person recklessly causes bodily injury to another with a deadly weapon or if the person knowingly, under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life, points a firearm at or in the direction of another, whether or not the actor believes it to be loaded. (Subparagraph (c) of paragraph (13) of subsection b.)· It would be a crime of the fourth degree (but the presumption of non-imprisonment would not apply) if the person commits a simple assault. A person is guilty of simple assault if he attempts to cause or purposely or knowingly 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. (Subparagraph (d) of paragraph (13) of subsection b.) A crime of the first degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of 10-20 years, a fine of up to $200,000, or both. A crime of the second degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of five to 10 years, a fine up to $150,000, or both. A crime of the third degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of three to five years, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. A crime of the fourth degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to 18 months, a fine of up to $10,000, or both.
AI Summary
This bill enhances penalties for domestic violence-related assaults by creating a tiered system of offenses, ranging from a fourth-degree to a first-degree crime, depending on the severity of the assault and whether it occurs during a violation of a domestic violence restraining order. Specifically, it elevates aggravated assault to a first-degree crime if it involves attempting to cause or causing serious bodily injury with extreme indifference to human life, a second-degree crime if bodily injury is caused with a deadly weapon, a third-degree crime if bodily injury is recklessly caused with a deadly weapon or a firearm is pointed at someone with extreme indifference to life, and a fourth-degree crime if a simple assault is committed. These new provisions apply when an assault occurs while violating a domestic violence restraining order, which is a court order designed to protect victims from abuse. The bill also clarifies that causing serious bodily injury during such a violation is a first-degree crime, causing bodily injury with a deadly weapon is a second-degree crime, and other forms of aggravated or simple assault during a violation carry third or fourth-degree penalties, respectively, with some exceptions to the usual leniency for first-time offenders.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (4)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Judiciary Committee (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/A2957 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A3000/2957_I1.HTM |
Loading...