The crime of assault may seem straightforward at first. However, legally speaking it’s quite complicated.
Most people think of an assault as one person causing harm to another. While this is true, there are several elements of assault an attorney must prove. There are also forms and levels of an assault charge.
Each state has its own laws surrounding this crime. However, the following elements apply almost everywhere.
Intent
For a criminal assault to take place, the perpetrator must possess intent. This means they set out to commit the crime.
For an attorney to prove intent, they must show beyond a reasonable doubt that a person’s actions lead to the assault. The crime cannot happen by accident.
However, a person doesn’t always have to target a particular victim. If their behavior was dangerous, this is enough to convict them.
For example, a person may have intended to act violently but wasn’t singling out a particular person. The victim may have been in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Reasonable Apprehension
The second element needed to prove assault involves the victim. They must have had a reasonable apprehension of violent harm or contact.
This is not the same thing as fear. All this means is that the victim was aware that potential injury was imminent.
When trying to prove an assault, things can get a little blurry here. The circumstances that determine whether apprehension occurred can vary. For example, if the victim had no knowledge of the threat against them, it’s not considered assault.
If you feel you were the victim of assault, but aren’t sure how strong your case is, it’s important to get legal help immediately. There’s a good chance an attorney can form an effective case.
Injury
The third element of an assault also involves the victim. They must have sustained some kind of harm or injury.
Victims of most assault cases sustain a physical injury. The prosecuting attorney needs to prove the injuries were a direct result of the behavior of the perpetrator.
In some states, a threat of injury that results in fear is enough to charge a person with assault. Actual harm doesn’t have to take place.
The Different Types of Assault
While all assaults must include the elements discussed above, the severity and circumstances will determine the type of charge.
A simple assault involves a person applying intentional force to the victim without their consent. This could even include prohibiting the victim from leaving the room.
An aggravated assault occurs when the perpetrator intentionally causes bodily harm. This could include wounding, disfiguring, or endangering the victims’ life.
There are also sexual assaults, which involve forcing the victim to engage in sexual content without consent. These are very serious crimes that can damage the victim physically and emotionally.
Understanding the Different Elements of Assault
Whether you were the victim of an assault or have been charged, it’s important you understand what constitutes the crime. This will have a direct impact on the outcome of your case.
Use this article as a guide to the different elements of assault and pay attention to your state’s laws.
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