What Is Simple Assault?

Quick Summary:

Simple assault is a criminal charge that refers to the act of intentionally causing or attempting to cause bodily harm to another person. It is considered a less severe form of physical assault compared to other forms of assault such as battery or aggravated assault. Simple assault can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the jurisdiction and the specific circumstances of the case. It is punishable by fines, community service, and/or a short term in jail.

Potential Consequences for Committing Simple Assault

Potential consequences for committing simple assault can include:

  1. Criminal charges: If Maria is charged with simple assault, she may face criminal charges and penalties such as fines and/or imprisonment. The specific charges and penalties will depend on the laws of the jurisdiction where the incident occurred.
  2. Probation: In some cases, Maria may be placed on probation instead of serving time in jail. Probation typically includes conditions such as regular check-ins with a probation officer and the completion of community service.
  3. Restitution: Maria may be ordered to pay restitution to the victim for any damages or medical expenses incurred as a result of the assault.
  4. Anger management classes or counseling: Maria may be ordered to complete anger management classes or counseling as a condition of her probation or sentence.
  5. Criminal record: A conviction for simple assault will result in a criminal record, which can have a negative impact on Maria’s future job prospects and other opportunities.
  6. Civil lawsuit: The victim of the assault may choose to file a civil lawsuit against Maria for damages, which could result in a significant financial penalty.
  7. Community service: Maria may be sentenced to complete a certain number of hours of community service as part of her punishment.
  8. Restraining orders: A judge may also issue a restraining order which would prohibit Maria from having any contact with the victim.

Is Simple Assault a Felony or a Misdemeanor?

Whether simple assault is considered a felony or a misdemeanor depends on the laws of the jurisdiction where the incident occurred and the specific circumstances of the case.

In general, simple assault is considered a less severe form of physical assault compared to other forms of assault such as battery or aggravated assault. As a result, simple assault is typically charged as a misdemeanor.

However, the severity of the charge could vary depending on the jurisdiction, the specific circumstances of the case, and the extent of injury or harm caused to the victim. For example, if the simple assault results in serious injury or if the victim is a protected class like a law enforcement officer, elderly person, or a child, the charges may be elevated to a felony.

It’s worth noting that the specific laws and penalties for simple assault can vary from state to state, so it’s important to check the laws in your jurisdiction if you have any questions.

How does simple assault differ from other forms of assault?

Here is a comparison chart that shows how simple assault differs from other forms of assault:

Simple AssaultAggravated AssaultBattery
Intentionally causing or attempting to cause bodily harm to another person.Intentionally causing serious bodily harm or using a deadly weapon in the commission of an assault.Intentionally causing bodily harm to another person through physical contact.
Misdemeanor chargeFelony chargeFelony charge
Less severe punishmentHarsher punishmentHarsher punishment
No weapon usedWeapon usedPhysical contact and weapon used

Actions That Can Warrant A Simple Assault Charge

Activities that can result in a charge of simple assault include:

  1. Physical actions: Intentionally causing or attempting to cause bodily harm to another person through physical actions, such as hitting, punching, or pushing.
  2. Verbal threats: Making verbal threats to physically harm another person, even if no physical contact is made.
  3. Reckless actions: Engaging in reckless actions that put another person at risk of harm, such as driving under the influence or playing with a loaded firearm in the presence of others.
  4. Spitting: Spitting on another person can be considered as a form of simple assault, as it can cause physical harm and is considered as a degrading and insulting act.
  5. Harassment: Harassment can be considered as a form of simple assault if it puts the person at risk of harm.

Defending Yourself Against a Simple Assault Charge

There are a few ways to defend yourself against a charge of simple assault, depending on the specific circumstances of the case. Here are a few possible defenses:

  1. Self-defense: If you were acting in self-defense, this can be used as a defense against a charge of simple assault. This means that you were protecting yourself or another person from imminent harm and that your actions were reasonable under the circumstances.
  2. Lack of intent: To be charged with simple assault, the prosecution must prove that you intended to cause harm. If you did not intend to cause harm, you may be able to argue that your actions were accidental or unintentional, and therefore not a criminal act.
  3. False accusation: If you are falsely accused of simple assault, you can argue that you did not commit the act and that you are innocent. This can be done by presenting evidence such as an alibi, witness testimony, or video footage.
  4. Insanity: If the defendant was suffering from a mental illness at the time of the incident, they may be able to argue that they were not in a state of mind to understand the nature of their actions, or that they were unable to control their actions.
  5. Duress: If the defendant was under threat or coercion from someone else, they may be able to argue that they were not acting of their own free will and therefore not responsible for the act of simple assault.

It’s important to note that these are just examples of possible defenses and the specific defenses that may be available to you will depend on the facts of your case

Can Simple Assault be Expunged From Your Record?

Whether simple assault can be expunged from your record depends on the laws of the jurisdiction where the incident occurred and the specific circumstances of the case.

Expungement is the process of legally destroying, sealing, or otherwise getting rid of a person’s criminal record. The laws regarding expungement vary by state and jurisdiction, some states do not allow for simple assault to be expunged, while others may allow it under certain circumstances.

For example, in some states, a person may be able to petition for expungement of a simple assault conviction if they have completed their sentence and have not been convicted of any other crimes. Other states may have a waiting period before a person can apply for expungement, or may only allow expungement in certain circumstances, such as if the person was a first-time offender or if the victim consents to the expungement.

It’s important to check the laws in your jurisdiction regarding expungement and to consult with a criminal defense attorney to understand the process and your eligibility for expungement. Keep in mind that even if your record is expunged, it does not mean that the record is completely erased, it will still be available to certain parties such as law enforcement agencies and employers in certain fields.

When To Seek An Attorney

It is advisable to seek an attorney if you have been charged with simple assault or if you are being investigated for simple assault. An attorney can help you understand the charges against you, advise you of your rights and options, and represent you in court. An attorney can also help you navigate the legal system and negotiate with prosecutors to potentially reduce or dismiss the charges against you.

If you have been accused of simple assault, it’s important to seek legal representation as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected and to give your attorney enough time to prepare a defense. An attorney can help you understand the legal process, help you avoid self-incrimination, and advise you on the best course of action.

If you are contemplating filing an expungement for a simple assault conviction, you should also seek an attorney for legal advice and representation. An attorney can help you understand the process and guide you through the legal requirements.

It’s important to remember that criminal charges and their consequences can be severe, and it is in your best interest to have an attorney represent you in court.