Atlantic City police arrested a man last month for locking his ex-girlfriend in an apartment crawl space after receiving a report of a woman who claimed she was assaulted, held against her will, and feared for her life. When police arrived at the apartment of the suspect, Gary Lockel, 54, they found he had barricaded himself inside and refused to leave. When negotiations to get Lockel to surrender failed, police forced their way into the apartment. They arrested him and charged him with criminal restraint, terroristic threats, simple assault, obstruction of justice, and unlawful possession of a weapon. If you are facing criminal restraint, assault, or terroristic threats charges, you need an experienced and aggressive criminal defense lawyer who will fight on your behalf. Contact the Lento Law Firm Criminal Defense Team today at 888.535.3686 or through our online form to discuss your case and understand your legal rights.

The Consequences of Criminal Charges

If you have been charged with criminal restraint, assault, or terroristic threats in New Jersey, it is vital to understand the severity of these charges and the importance of having an aggressive criminal defense lawyer on your side.

Criminal Restraint:

In New Jersey, criminal restraint is defined as knowingly restraining another person unlawfully in circumstances that expose them to the risk of severe bodily injury or holding someone in a condition of involuntary servitude. This offense is typically charged as a third-degree crime, and carries a potential sentence of three to five years in prison and fines up to $15,000.

Assault:

Depending on the circumstances, assault charges can range from simple assault to aggravated assault. Simple assault is a disorderly person offense, punishable by up to six months in jail and fines up to $1,000. Aggravated assault, on the other hand, is a more serious charge and can be classified as a second-, third-, or fourth-degree crime, depending on the severity of the offense and harm caused to the victim.

Terroristic Threats:

In New Jersey, a person commits the crime of terroristic threats if that person "threatens to commit any crime of violence with the purpose to terrorize another or to cause evacuation of a building, place of assembly, or facility of public transportation, or otherwise to cause serious public inconvenience, or in reckless disregard of the risk of causing such terror or inconvenience." Terroristic threats are typically charged as a third-degree crime, which is punishable by three to five years in prison and fines up to $15,000.

Contact the Lento Law Firm Criminal Defense Team Today

If you are facing charges of criminal restraint, assault, or terroristic threats in New Jersey, it is essential to have an aggressive and experienced criminal defense lawyer fighting for your rights. These charges can lead to severe consequences, such as lengthy prison sentences, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record that can impact your future employment and housing opportunities.

An aggressive criminal defense lawyer will thoroughly investigate your case, challenge the evidence against you, and develop a strong defense strategy tailored to your unique circumstances. They will also work tirelessly to protect your rights, negotiate with prosecutors to reduce or dismiss charges when possible, and provide you with the guidance and support you need throughout the legal process.

The Criminal Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm has the experience, knowledge, and dedication necessary to effectively defend clients facing charges serious criminal charges in New Jersey. We understand the uncertainty and stress of facing criminal charges. We provide aggressive legal representation to our clients to achieve the best possible outcome in their cases. Contact the Lento Law Firm Criminal Defense Team today at 888.535.3686 or through our online form, and let us fight for the best possible outcome in your case.