Assault

The severity of the charge is determined by the circumstances of the incident, whether a weapon was involved, and the extent of injury inflicted on the victim.

• Simple Assault: Occurs when there are no weapons involved, and the victim does not suffer bodily harm.
• Assault Causing Bodily Harm: Involves the use of physical force that causes injury to the victim. Injuries can range from minor, such as scratches or a black eye, to more severe, like sprains or broken bones.
• Assault With a Weapon: When an individual uses or threatens to use a weapon and causes bodily harm. Weapons can encompass firearms, knives, or everyday objects.
• Aggravated Assault: Charged when the accused causes wounding, maiming, disfigurement, or life-threatening injuries to the victim. The resulting injury is typically of a permanent nature.
• Assaulting a Police Officer: Deliberate use of force against a police officer, assaulting an officer during arrest resistance, or assaulting an officer while they carry out a lawful search or seizure.
• Sexual Assault: A non-consensual assault of a sexual nature that violates the victim.

Consequences may involve fines, imprisonment, probation, and a permanent mark on your criminal record. A conviction can also impact your job opportunities, immigration status, and international travel ability.