The term “assault” covers a broad range of criminal offenses that involve physical contact or the threat of physical harm. The punishment you receive for assault will depend on the type of assault crime you commit, and whether the victim is a member of a protected class (police officer, paramedic, social worker, judge, or person over age 65).
Intent is one of the most crucial elements to establish in an assault case. The accused must have deliberately done something to make the victim fear that they will be physically harmed or subjected to offensive contact, and this must be a genuine, reasonable fear. Intent involves scrutinizing the perpetrator’s actions and expressions leading up to the incident.
Some states use the legal term Assault and Battery, which combines the separate charges of assault and battery. Assault refers to the wrong act of causing someone to reasonably apprehend harm or offensive contact, while battery is the actual cause of that harmful or offensive contact.
If you are facing a charge of Assault, it is important that you consult with an experienced New Hampshire defense attorney right away. At Wiberg Law Office, PLLC in Portsmouth, our attorneys will carefully review the facts of your case and build a strong defense to protect your rights and freedom. Assault is a serious crime that can lead to incarceration, fines, fees and restitution if convicted. We will fight hard to get your charges reduced or dismissed.