3 Things You Must Know About Aggravated Assault Charges

When it comes to aggravated assault, many people are perplexed by the details that define it. They often question what identifies aggravated assault and specifically distinguishes it from other forms of assault.

Aggravated assault is designated as a serious offence that involves causing serious physical harm to another knowingly and with the intent to commit a crime. In many instances, crippling injuries, and a threat to a person’s life exists.

A charge for this offence is designated by Section 268 (1) of the criminal code. Here, it states that: “Everyone commits an aggravated assault who wounds, maims, disfigures or endangers the life of the complainant.” Below, clarity is given on aggravated assault and its charges.

Maims or Wounds

As iterated, aggravated assault charges have been identified by three distinctions. Under this offence, maims are injuries that hinder the victim’s ability to defend themselves. Hence, damages to bones, limbs, fingers, muscles, or tendons due to cuts or stabs or strikes are considered maims.

Wounds have been acknowledged as severe or detrimental bodily harm with enduring effects. These inflictions cause lasting distress that impairs the health and wellbeing of the victim. In some instances, inflictions stemming from assault with bodily harm and those sustained from aggravated assault. However, the distinction lies in the cruelty of the injuries. Fleeting or short-lived, minor injuries are not considered.

Disfigurements

Disfigurement involves the alteration or distortion of someone’s appearance. Scars or marks produced by punctures, deep wounds, or the loss of any part of the body is disfigurement under aggravated assault. The injury sustained harms the person’s appearance causing them to look different. Permanent disfigurement or short-term mutilation are both considered. However, long-lasting disfigurement is prone to receive harsher punishment.

Endangerment of One’s Life

Endangerment is the act of putting someone’s life at risk. In these reckless undertakings, a person carelessly harms another person, putting them in grave danger. This is performed without a lawful explanation and is done to gravely harm a victim. Acts under this classification can include, bullet wounds, brutal stabbings, and any intentional doing that compromises the life of the victim even if no serious harm is committed.

Consequences Resulting from Aggravated Assault

Once medical evidence and other information have been substantiated to prove the effects of aggravated assault, severe penalties are likely to follow. Unlike other forms of assault, aggravated assault generally carries considerably higher sentences. Hence, a person charged with this can expect to receive up to 14 years in prison. Aggravated assault is a serious conviction therefore pardon, or a conditional sentence is typically not permitted.

Contact an Aggravated Assault Lawyer

Are you in need of an aggravated assault lawyer? Our experienced criminal defence lawyer and team of attorneys can assist. We understand the seriousness of violent crimes. We can work with you to ensure that you receive the advocacy you require. When it comes to aggravated assault, question the law, not your defence! Call or text 647-295-6499 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.