Assault and Battery Overview
Assault and Battery Overview
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Misdemeanor Assault Laws: Crimes and Penalties
A conviction for misdemeanor assault can have serious immediate and long-term consequences that go beyond jail time.
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In the federal criminal system, an assault is an attempt to hit another person or an act that causes someone to reasonably expect impending harm. Throwing a punch is a typical example. So is intentionally pointing a gun at someone. An assault requires neither harm nor physical contact—the crime is
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Simple and Aggravated Assault Laws and Penalties
Assault is a crime of violence, which is defined differently from one state to another. Learn more about how assault is defined in general, and about the assault laws in your state.
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Aggravated Battery Laws and Penalties
Aggravated battery can result in a felony conviction, which can mean prison time, hefty fines, and a criminal record. Learn what can turn a simple battery charge into an aggravated battery charge.
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Assault with a deadly weapon is a felony offense regardless of the actual injuries caused to the victim.
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Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon
Assault is a crime of violence, and is defined differently from one state to another. Some states define assault as the intentional use of force or violence against another, such as punching a person or striking the victim with an object. In other states, assault need not involve actual physical contact, and is defined as an attempt to commit a physical attack or as intentional acts that cause a person to feel afraid of impending violence.
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Felony Assault & Battery Laws and Penalties
The crime of battery is the intentional touching of another in an angry manner, or the intentional use of force or violence against another. Assault is defined very differently from one state to another.
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Assault Charges in the Workplace
Assault in the workplace is not only a crime; it also results in civil liability for employers and employees.
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Plea Options for Simple Assault Charges
Several plea options and other alternatives to trial are available to a person charged with simple assault. The specific options depend on state laws and the policies of the local court in which the defendant is charged.
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As any mail carrier can attest, aggressive dogs can be hazardous. Most courts would agree, as there is a trend in judicial findings that, depending on the circumstances, dogs can be every bit as dangerous as guns and knives.
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Interfering With a Flight Attendant or Crewmember
These days, air travel rarely brings out the best in anyone. But hitting, threatening, or interfering with a crewmember working on an airplane violates federal law and can result in a felony conviction. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) can also impose substantial fines.
Questions & Answers About Assault Crimes
Questions & Answers About Assault Crimes
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The Human Body: A Deadly Weapon?
Use of a deadly or dangerous weapon during the commission of a crime is often an aggravating circumstance that can increase punishment.
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