Return to Glossary

Assault Definition

Assault is a specific type of crime in which a person does something on purpose to make another person think or fear that they will be hurt or offended soon. It’s important to remember that assault does not have to involve actual contact. Instead, the focus is on the accused person’s thoughts and actions.

Assault in Michigan

Certain things must be present for an act to be called an assault. First, there must be a purposeful act, which means that the person does something on purpose that is likely to scare or hurt another person. The reason why the act was done is very important because it shows how and why the person did it.

Second, the act must give the victim a good reason to think that harm or offensive touch is coming soon. This means that the victim thinks there is a real threat of physical harm or offensive contact, and that this fear is reasonable based on the conditions. It is important to show that a reasonable person in the victim’s situation would have felt the same fear or dread.

It’s important to know that there are different degrees or levels of assault, based on the law and the specifics of the case. These degrees may take into account things like how serious the danger is, if a weapon is used, or if there are other things going on that make the situation worse.


Call us today at (248) 263-6800 for a free consultation or complete an online Request for Assistance Form. We will contact you promptly and find a way to help you.

We will find a way to help you.
We Are Not Afraid to Win!

Contact Us - Michigan Criminal Defense Attorneys