Assault & Battery
Assault & Battery Lawyers in Michigan
Kalamazoo Assault and Battery Attorneys
Assault and battery are legally two distinct concepts, even though they are often used together or synonymously. An act of battery is when you touch the person or something closely related to the person of another in a violent, offensive, or forceful manner. Assault on the other hand, is defined as “an act likely to cause a reasonable person to fear or apprehend a battery immediately,” or an attempt to do so.
There are many different types of assault and battery – from minor misdemeanors all the way to major offenses.
Some common forms of assault and battery in Michigan include:
Simple Assault and Battery
Simple assault and battery occurs when you hit someone (or try to hit someone) or if you make the person believe you are about to batter them. You can spend up to 93 days in jail and pay a $500 fine for this misdemeanor. There are several types of assaults and batteries, but this is the simplest – typically more severe forms involve aggravating factors.
Aggravated Assault
When you attempt to physically injure someone and leave them with an “aggravated or severe injury,” you have committed an aggravated assault. Essentially, a “severe or aggravated injury” is defined as “a physical injury requiring immediate medical attention or causing disfigurement, impairment of health, or impairment of a body part.” Aggravated assault carries a fine of $1,000 and a one-year jail sentence.
Assault with Intent to Do Great Bodily Harm Less than Murder
When you intentionally injure someone with the intent of causing them great bodily harm, you will be charged with assault with intent to cause great bodily harm less than murder, or assault GBH. The law defines great bodily harm as “any physical injury that seriously harms the health or function of the body.” GBH is a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
Assault with a Dangerous Weapon aka Felonious Assault
When you commit an assault or battery with a dangerous weapon, you have committed an assault or battery with a dangerous weapon. Frequently, it is called felonious assault. It is defined as “any object that can be used to cause serious physical harm or death.” The most common weapons used are guns and knives, but broomsticks, aerosol spray cans, and even dogs have also been reported in cases. The penalty for felony assault can be up to four years in prison, and it is a felony.
Assault with the Intent to Commit a Felony
When you commit an assault with the intent to commit a felony, you are committing assault with intent to commit a felony. The law does not care if your attempt to commit the felony was successful. Assault with intent to commit a felony is punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
Assault with Intent to Rob while Armed
When an assault is committed with a dangerous weapon and with the intent to rob, it is known as assault and robbery while armed. It is not necessary to complete the robbery for you to be guilty under the law. Assault with intent to rob while armed is a capital offense punishable by life in prison.
Assault with Intent to Murder
Assault with intent to murder, also known as “AWIM,” is a capital offense punishable by life in prison.
Talk to an Assault & Battery Defense Attorney For Help
Don’t risk making a critical mistake or missing an important deadline. If you’ve been charged with a crime, get help right now, before you make any decisions. Just call 269-978-6560. The initial consultation is free.