Assault - Punishment

damages criminal awarded defendant

A defendant adjudged to have committed civil assault is liable for damages. The question of the amount that should be awarded to the victim is determined by a jury. COMPENSATORY DAMAGES, which are aimed at compensating the victim for the injury, are common. Nominal damages, a small sum awarded for the invasion of a right even though there has been no substantial injury, may be awarded. In some cases, courts allow PUNITIVE DAMAGES, which are designed to punish the defendant for the wrongful conduct.

The punishment for criminal assault is a fine, imprisonment, or both. Penalties are more severe when the assault is aggravated. Many states have statutes dividing criminal assault into various degrees. As in aggravated assault, the severity of the crime, the extent of violence and harm, and the criminal intent of the defendant are all factors considered in determining the sentence imposed.

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User Comments

almost 2 years ago

sarah king

i was assaulted(pushed and kicked while i was down several times,i did press charges he was arrested charged with assault and realsed on bail.he pleaded guilty and is up in court shortly.could u tell me what centance he is looking at

about 2 years ago

I was assaulted (pushed down hard on pavement (was taken to hospital). Do I need to do anything to press charges. I'm assuming my boyfriend was arrested. It happened outside and was pushed down almost in the line of traffice - police thought I had been hit by a car. How long will he stay in jail. Should I file a restraining order?

almost 3 years ago

i was arrested and released for assualt family vilence 1st offense what charges am i looking at victim did not press charges live in texas

about 3 years ago

I was booked and released for assault, but I am supposed to appear in court. What is the penalty for assault if the victim did not press charges and was not hurt from a light blow? Please send me any info. Thank you.