Victim needs lawyer?

[Ridddle]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Millburn/Springfield NJ

I think I need a criminal lawyer. I say I "think" I need one because I am not the defendant, I am the victim of an assault (the charge is simple assault to be exact). Someone I knew hit me from behind and then ran. I suffered only a headache and a bump. I filed a police report and signed the complaint and today was the first court appearance. I went and spoke to the DA, he asked what I wanted to have happen aside from the obvious restraining order and I said community service and/or probation. The DA asked me if I wanted money or any medical bills paid, I said no. He went to speak to the defendant (all this happened in the very small court house hallway so I heard almost everything) he offered him a lesser charge of disorderly conduct with the R.O., probation, and he also threw in a fine of $1000 to which the defendant said I want a lawyer. The DA came to me said "he wants a lawyer as is his right, and I suggest you get one too" and walked away.

I am confused. I am guessing I need a criminal lawyer for this, right? I don't understand why I need one though so can anyone explain this? What happens if I can't afford one, is the case dropped? I also don't understand why they kept the victim and defendant together in the same small room where one could attack the other so easily (I was the victim of a crime once in NY and never had to see my attacker in court so very surprised to find myself sitting next to him in court), so all in all it's been a confusing day. The DA said I will receive my next court date in the mail.

ETA If you know of an experienced lawyer can you please give me the name/number? Thanks.

 

[Hot Topic]

If you were hit from behind by (fill in the blank), who then ran from the scene, how can you be sure it was (fill in the blank?) That's probably the first thing you'll be asked by (fill in the blank)'s attorney? See why YOU need an attorney?

 

[Hot Topic]

No one here is going to recommend an attorney. That's not what the forums are for. There are tabs on the website that you can click on, or you could check with your local bar association to see if they have free legal clinics (talk to an attorney for a limited period at no charge).

 

[Ridddle]

If you were hit from behind by (fill in the blank), who then ran from the scene, how can you be sure it was (fill in the blank?) That's probably the first thing you'll be asked by (fill in the blank)'s attorney? See why YOU need an attorney?

I know who (fill in the blank) is because he was in my face a minute before that, witness statements taken by the police identify him, and in his original statement to police he admitted he did hit just said he didn't hit me hard.
So to answer YOUR question, NO I don't see why I need an attorney.

As for the referral didn't realize asking was a no no here.