What is simple assault?
A simple assault can occur with a mere threat of committing a violent injury to another person. For example, you are at a party and have words with another person. The conversation quickly escalates, and you threaten to take the other person outside to settle things once and for all. This could be the basis for a simple assault charge. Similarly, an assault can also occur when someone commits an act that places another person in reasonable apprehension of immediately receiving a violent injury. For example, you are at a party and again have words with another person. Things quickly escalate. You grab a nearby chair and smash it to the ground. This action could be the basis for a simple assault charge.
What is the punishment for simple assault?
Under Georgia law, simple assault is a misdemeanor. That means that if you’re convicted of simple assault, you will be facing up to twelve months in jail and a maximum fine of $1,000. However, in certain instances, a simple assault is punished more harshly as a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature. If you’re convicted of a simple assault in a public transit vehicle or station, you will be punished for a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature. If you’re convicted of a simple assault with a past or present spouse or someone who lives in your household (excluding siblings), you will be punished for a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature. If you’re convicted of a simple assault and the victim is either pregnant or 65 years of age or older, you will be punished for a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature. Finally, if you’re convicted of a simple assault and the victim is an on-duty employee of the public school system, you will be punished for a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature.
Don’t let a simple assault wreak havoc on your future! Call The Turner Firm today for a free analysis of your case.