police assault accident
Car accident and now charged Assault
<p>This took place in NJ.
So I was in a minor fender bender car accident with a mid age woman. 
I was at fault being that I hit the rear bumper.
I right away asked her if she was ok and she asked me to call her husband since she didnt have her phone. So I dialed the number and gave her my phone (Galaxy s10 XL). 
She just walked off with it When I asked for my phone back she said NO...had to wait 30 min for the cops to come so I can get it back?
At one point she was holding it by the edge I attempted to grab my phone. 
Now she's claiming I assaulted her, and she has a bruise. I didn't touch her, none of this is on the initial police report, but I received a summons for assault charges. 
Im freaking out, could anyone make an assault claim just like that? What is going to happen, could I get fined, placed in jail etc? </p>

<blockquote>
  <p>What is going to happen, could I get fined, placed in jail etc? </p>
</blockquote>

<p>Your summons should have explained the specific violation you're being charged with, and you could look up the relevant sections of the law.</p>

<p>Assault is defined in <a href="https://law.justia.com/codes/new-jersey/2018/title-2c/chapter-12/section-2c-12-1/" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Chapter 12 of the New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice</a>.  There are several types, and again, your summons should explain which one you are being charged with.  My guess is it will probably be "simple assault", paragraph (a) (right at the beginning).  This is defined as a "disorderly persons offense".</p>

<p>Upon conviction, a disorderly persons offense is punishable in New Jersey by a term of up to 90 days in jail and probation, (<a href="https://law.justia.com/codes/new-jersey/2018/title-2c/chapter-43/section-2c-43-2" rel="nofollow noreferrer">section 2C:43-2 (b) (2)</a>), and a fine of up to $1000 (<a href="https://law.justia.com/codes/new-jersey/2018/title-2c/chapter-43/section-2c-43-3/" rel="nofollow noreferrer">section 2C:43-3 (c)</a>).  </p>

<p>This represents the maximum.  I do not know what kind of sentence is actually likely.  It could depend on common practice in the state, the prosecutor's opinion of the severity of the crime, and the judge's discretion.</p>

<p>A lawyer would be best qualified to help you find out how to contest the charge, or to receive a lesser sentence if convicted.</p>
