Assault is a criminal act that involves harming another person. It can include actions like pushing, shoving, slapping, punching or kicking. It can also include the use of weapons like knives, sticks or bats. Assault can result in injury or even death.
Intent can play a major role in the outcome of an assault case. Demonstrating that you were acting in self-defense or other mitigating circumstances can help have charges dismissed. It can also be helpful to document your actions in detail so that your attorney can build a strong defense.
Different States have different laws regarding Assault but most are similar in that it doesn’t require physical contact between people to be considered an assault. It only needs to make the victim believe that they are about to be harmed. It can be done by spitting, shaking your head at them, or even holding up a weapon and pretending that you are going to hit them.
An assault can be a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the type of harm and the intent. It can be made more serious by adding aggravating factors such as using a deadly or dangerous weapon, assault on a public servant (police, prison officer, custodial worker), assault on a child or assault on a police or peace officer.