Common Places Where Aggravated Assault Occurs

Aggravated assault is a relatively common felony offense that can tear families apart and irrevocably alter lives. While aggravated assault offenses declined by two percent over the past year, this doesn’t change the fact that a person is assaulted every 36.9 seconds in the United States.

In the State of Florida, aggravated assault is classified as a third degree felony. Penalties include up to five years in prison or probation and a $5,000 fine. Even first-time offenders can be issued harsh judgments. If you have been charged with aggravated assault, it’s important to acknowledge the severity of this crime and consult an aggravated assault attorney in St. Petersburg. In this article, we will explore the places where aggravated assault commonly occurs. We will also break down the specific types of aggravated assault that tend to transpire in locations like the home, the bar, and the car.

The Elements of Aggravated Assault

Aggravated assault is not the same as assault or battery. To qualify as aggravated assault, a perpetrator must meet certain criteria, including:

• Intent to instill fear in another person
• Obvious behavior that could lead to the use of deadly force or other means that could cause serious bodily injury
• The ability and willingness to commit such an act
• The use of a deadly weapon

Aggravated Assault at Home

Conflict at home can escalate quickly, even turning violent in some situations. Domestic assault and battery are relatively common crimes, but determining whether or not these acts qualify as aggravated assault can be difficult, especially when you include the complex family dynamic that lies beneath. That said, two particular acts that would most likely transpire in the home, causing intentional injury to a pregnant woman or young child, generally qualify as aggravated assault. An aggravated assault attorney in St. Petersburg may be able to protect a defendant who unknowingly commits an act of violence against a pregnant woman by claiming that they were unaware of the pregnancy.

Aggravated Assault at the Bar

Alcohol consumption impairs judgment, increases self-confidence, and reduces coordination, which can be a volatile concoction that leads to aggravated assault. Fights are common at the bar and have a tendency to escalate if left unmanaged. While many drunken fights don’t lead to criminal charges, if a police officer were to intervene and you struck them, you could be charged with aggravated assault. Even leaving the bar with a buzz can lead to aggravated assault, as driving under the influence (DUI) can lead to an incident.

For a free consultation with the best aggravated assault attorney in St. Petersburg, please contact The Rickman Law Firm today.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.