Assault is a broad and common charge in Minnesota. There are several types of assault including Fifth Degree Assault, Fourth Degree Assault, Third Degree Assault, Second Degree Assault, First Degree Assault, Domestic Assault, and Aggravated Assault.
So what’s the difference?

 

Regardless of what assault level a person is charged with, the consequences can be life changing. Understanding the difference between assault crimes is critical. Reading about Minnesota’s different assault laws can be difficult and frustrating, especially when there are exceptions and nuances to the rules.

 

Common Minnesota Assault Cases

 

Minnesota generally divides assault crimes into two broad categories: Assault and Domestic Assault. An assault is any act “intended to cause fear of immediate bodily harm or death,” or is the “intentional infliction of bodily harm upon another.” Domestic assault is the same type of action as a “regular” assault but generally involves a family member. Read more about Minnesota domestic assault laws.

 

Fifth degree assault (also called misdemeanor assault) and domestic assault are the two most common assault charges in Minnesota. A typical assault case involves two people who either mutually fought each other (such as a bar fight) or one person hitting another person – usually a punch or slap. Many of these assault cases are straightforward: one person hits another person on purpose resulting in no serious injury. Common domestic assault cases involve spouses or significant others arguing and one hits the other out of frustration or anger. The assault offense becomes a domestic assault charge based on the nature of the relationship. When assaults involve serious injury or weapons, the charges may be increased to include harsher penalties such as prison rather than local jail, longer probation, and higher fines. These assaults are usually felony level crimes carrying at least 1 year in prison as a potential punishment.

 

Choosing a Minnesota Assault Defense Lawyer

 

Attorney Christopher Keyser focuses his practice on defending assault charges. He has a proven track record of successfully defending and winning assault cases throughout Minnesota. To learn more about his representation or to obtain a free assault case evaluation, call our office at (612) 338-5007. Learn more about Minnesota Assasult Crimes through our InfoGraphic below.