Assault cases can pose both short-term and long-term consequences. Most often these cases stem from some type of domestic dispute; however, there are cases where two strangers are involved in a fight. The serving of alcohol at sporting events, combined with passion for one’s team, can lead to an unexpected encounter with a fan from the opposing team, and quickly spiral out of control. Unfortunately, law enforcement has a tendency to believe the first person that they talk to absent other witnesses, and they often times ignore the reality of the situation.
Assault charges do not necessarily require what most folks consider a bodily injury. Rather, the technical definition only requires that a person engage in an act that causes someone fear that they will be harmed. This means that holding a baseball bat and telling someone don’t come near me or else, is technically an assault.
In assault cases where the charge adds a claim of causing bodily injury, the injury does not need to rise to the level that most folks would consider an injury. A simple slap is sufficient to arise to this level, even if it did not leave a mark on the other person. All that is required is that you touch someone and that the touch caused “pain”.
