ASSAULT AND BATTERY HARASSMENT

In everyday speech, the terms “assault” and “battery” are often used together or interchangeably. However, legally, each has its own distinct meaning. In most jurisdictions, “assault” refers to the act of one person unlawfully placing someone in fear of unwanted physical contact. Colorado law incorporates physical crimes into the definition of assault. State statutes also recognize several different categories of assault offenses. Usually, the term “battery” describes the act of one individual making unwanted physical contact with another. Colorado became one of the few jurisdictions in which “assault” took on a definition that includes unlawful physical contact. Battery evolved to describe the act of unlawfully placing someone in fear of unwanted physical contact.

In the case of an assault that causes serious bodily harm, disfigurement, or permanent disability in the victim, the law classifies the offense as first degree assault, which can either be a class 3 or class 5 felony offense. Conviction requires proof that the defendant committed the offense while using a deadly weapon with the intent to cause serious bodily harm, disfigurement, or permanent disability. State law also defines first degree assault as the act of using a deadly weapon to merely threaten a peace officer, an officer of the court acting in his or her official capacity, firefighter, or judge with the intent to cause bodily injury. Colorado also recognizes second degree assault, third degree assault, vehicular assault, sexual assault, and sexual assault on a child.

If you are accused of assault in Colorado, you may be concerned about the potential impact the charge may have on your personal and professional reputation. An assault and/or battery conviction can make it more difficult for a person to obtain housing or employment, particularly if the individual wishes to work with vulnerable populations like children or the elderly. Upscale housing communities may conduct a background check and request references prior to allowing the prospective resident to move in. Therefore, it is imperative that you contact a Grand Junction, CO assault and battery lawyer to help you protect your reputation in the early stages of your pending criminal case. We can protect your privacy and help you present your version of events to allow your story to be told accurately.

A Colorado assault charge should never be taken lightly. Trace Tyler is a Grand Junction, CO assault and battery lawyer with a proven track record of success in helping people who have been accused of a criminal offense to navigate the complex court system. Contact us to learn how we can defend your reputation against a very serious criminal charge and protect your rights. We offer confidential, free case evaluations.