Assault and Battery
Assault & Battery: Misdemeanors
Assault and battery is generally treated as a misdemeanor offense in Michigan. The punishment for this offense can include up to 93 days in jail and fines of up to $500.
Aggravated assault, which involves causing serious or aggravated injury without the use of a weapon, is also classified as a misdemeanor. In Michigan, it carries a potential penalty of up to 1 year in prison and fines of up to $1,000. It is important to note that if you have prior assault convictions, the prosecution may seek a more severe sentence, enhancing the punishment for the offense.
Assault & Battery: Felonies
Assault with a dangerous weapon, also known as felonious assault, occurs when someone assaults another person without the intent to cause death or serious bodily harm, but with the use of a gun, knife, or any other weapon. If accused of this offense, you could face up to 4 years in prison and fines of up to $2,000. Reference: MCL 750.82.
Assault with intent to maim involves intentionally causing significant damage or removing a portion of another person's body or face, rendering it unusable. This felony offense carries a potential punishment of up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $5,000. Reference: MCL 750.
Assault with Intent to do Great Bodily Harm (less than murder):
Committing an assault with the intent to cause "great bodily harm" but less than murder is a felony offense. If found guilty, you can face up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $5,000.
Great bodily injury definition:
According to Michigan statute (MCL 750.84), great bodily injury is defined as an injury that causes significant impairment of a bodily function or internal injury, severe burns, serious cuts, poisoning, or multiple puncture wounds.
Assault with Intent to Commit Murder:
Assault with intent to commit murder is a felony offense carrying a potential life sentence if convicted in Michigan. Reference: MCL 750.83.
Assault with Intent to Rob and Steal:
The potential sentence for assault with intent to rob and steal depends on the involvement of a dangerous weapon. If convicted without a weapon, the punishment can be up to 15 years in prison. However, if a dangerous weapon was involved, the sentence can be up to life imprisonment. Both cases are considered felonies. References: MCL 750.88, 750.89.
Additional Penalty Enhancement for Domestic Assault:
It's crucial to note that all assault cases can result in harsher sentences if the crime was of a "domestic" nature. This includes victims who are spouses, ex-spouses, significant others, individuals with whom you share a child, or roommates.