Assault

Assault Crimes Explained by Federal Defense Attorney

The offense of assault can be either a state crime or a federal offense, depending upon the type of assault you are accused of committing.

If you are charged with a federal assault crime, you should be aware that the charges are often very serious and the penalties could include imprisonment in a federal prison.

You need to make certain you are represented by a federal criminal defense lawyer with experience handling assault cases that has the knowledge and skill to fight for your future. LV Criminal Defense can provide the help you need.

We have represented many defendants accused of different types of federal assault charges including serious offenses such as domestic assault by habitual offenders and female genital mutilation.

We can provide the knowledge and support you need to fight serious charges and to get the best outcomes possible if you live in Arizona, Utah, Nevada, California or surrounding areas and are being charged. Give us a call as soon as you have been charged so we can begin working on your case.

Assault Laws in 18 U.S. Code Chapter 7

Federal assault laws are found within 18 U.S. Code Chapter 7. There are nine different sections within this chapter of the U.S. Code that address different types of criminal conduct that can result in federal assault charges.

You could be charged under 18 U.S. Code Chapter 7 for violating any of the following federal laws related to assault:

• 18 U.S. Code section 111: This statute defines the crime of assaulting, resisting or impeding certain officers or certain employees. You can be charged if you forcibly assault designated individuals who are engaged in carrying out official duties. You can also be charged if you forcibly assault someone who formerly was designated to carry out official duties, provided the assault occurs because of the official duties performed during a term of service. The penalty for the offense could include up to eight years of imprisonment. There is also an enhanced penalty if a deadly weapon is used in the assault or if serious bodily injury is inflicted.
• 18 U.S. Code section 112: This statute provides protection to foreign officials, official guests, or any internationally protected persons. Making an attack upon such a person could result in up to three years of imprisonment, or up to 10 years imprisonment if serious bodily injury results or if a weapon is used. This statute also imposes a penalty of up to six months imprisonment for willfully coercing, threatening, or harassing foreign officials or official guests who are performing their duties; or who coerces, threatens, or harasses foreign officials or official guests within 100 feet of buildings or premises used for official business.
• 18 U.S. Code section 113: This statute addresses assaults that occur within the maritime or territorial jurisdiction of the United States. Assault with intent to commit murder in such jurisdictions can result in up to 20 years of imprisonment. Assault with attempt to commit any felony except murder or other specific crimes can result in up to 10 years imprisonment. Assault with a dangerous weapon could result in up to 10 years imprisonment as well, as could assault resulting in substantial bodily injury, while assault by striking, beating, or wounding could lead to up to a year of imprisonment. Simple assault, however, carries a maximum of one year imprisonment.
• 18 U.S. Code section 114: This statute prohibits the crime of maiming within the maritime or territorial jurisdiction of the United States. Maiming within these locations can result in up to 20 years imprisonment and a fine. Maiming is defined to include disfiguring, maiming, bruising, cutting, or slitting the ears, nose, throats or lips. Cutting out someone’s tongue; destroying an eye; and attacking with caustic substances such as scalding water or corrosive acid are also considered maiming.
• 18 U.S. Code section 115: Influencing, impeding, or retaliating against federal officials by threatening family members is prohibited within this section of the U.S. code. Assault, kidnapping, or murdering immediate family members of U.S. officials, or threatening to do so, can result in punishment under this statute. Penalties vary depending upon the nature of the assault. If there is physical contact with the victim, the penalty is up to 10 years of imprisonment if no injury resulted. If bodily injury resulted, the penalty is a maximum of 20 years imprisonment. If serious bodily injury occurred, the penalty is a maximum of 30 years imprisonment. Simply making a threat with no bodily contact could result in a sentence of six years imprisonment.
• 18 U.S. Code section 116: This statute prohibits female genital mutilation and imposes a penalty of up to five years imprisonment if the victim is under the age of 18. Transporting a young woman from the U.S. for purposes of female genital mutilation can also result in up to five years imprisonment.
• 18 U.S. Code section 117: Domestic assault by a habitual offender can result in charges under this statute. The penalty can include up to a maximum of five years imprisonment to 10 years imprisonment for committing a domestic assault within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States if the defendant has past convictions. The maximum prison term will depend upon the nature of the assault.
• 18 U.S. Code section 118: Interference with certain protective functions can result in being charged under this statute. The maximum penalty is a year imprisonment.
• 18 U.S. Code section 119: You can be charged under this statute for making restricted personal information about protected persons available with the intent to intimidate or with the knowledge that the information will be used so a crime may be committed against the protected person. The maximum penalty is up to five years of imprisonment.

If you have been charged with any of these offenses, you need to ensure you are represented by an attorney with in-depth knowledge of the law and familiarity with handling federal criminal cases. LV Criminal Defense is ready to help.

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