What happens when you are charged with simple or aggravated assault? It has a long-lasting effect on you because you may be looking at not only payment of fines and compensations but also a jail term. You need to know what aggravated assault is and the various forms of it to help in building a strong defense.
What Is an Aggravated Assault Charge?
When you have an aggravated assault charge, it means that you have been reported by a victim, claiming that your actions caused them physical harm or injury. Usually, it indicates that you used a type of force you knew would hurt them or could even cause death. There are so many scenarios that fall under the category of aggravated assault, and the penalties vary based on the seriousness of the matter or the state you live in. Therefore, you could face heavier penalties for the same crime when in a different state.
Read More: What Are The Differences Between Simple Assault Vs. Aggravated
Types of Aggravated Assault
Are you wondering what counts as aggravated assault because you or someone you know is facing the same charges? They come in various types, and each has its own penalty according to the classification and laws of your state.
Assault With a Deadly Weapon
In such cases, it means the person accused used a deadly weapon to attack the victim. It may be a gun, bladed weapon, bludgeoning item, explosives, poison, or even hand-to-hand strikes.
Vehicular Assault
This involves an attack on the victim’s vehicle or an accident, usually caused by reckless driving. It also applies when the “weapon,” in this case, is a bike, water vessel, or even construction or farm equipment.
Assault That Is Not Premeditated
This means that the person or people accused suddenly start attacking each other, probably provoked by anger. However, these actions were not planned in advance.
Assault Against a Child
Even if the same wouldn’t apply to adults, harming a child in any way is still a criminal offense.
Domestic Assault
This occurs when the person causing harm is related to the victim; either they are in a relationship or a family member.
Assault on Protected Victims
Here, the assault is on members of the protected class, which includes the elderly, minority groups vulnerable to hate crimes, first responders, or court officers.
Sexual Assault
Sexual offenses are serious, and the penalties can be even worse if the person uses weapons, causes severe injuries, or attempts to kill.
Contact a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Minneapolis
Aggravated assault comes with heavy penalties, and Lynne Torgerson, an experienced Minneapolis criminal defense lawyer, can help you find a way around your case. Contact Lynne Torgerson today to rely on the services of a qualified and professional criminal defense attorney to help you maneuver your assault case in Minneapolis.