Assault charges in Michigan differ based on the circumstances of the alleged crime, and the differences between charges can get fairly specific. Today’s blog covers the different felony assault charges someone might face in Michigan, and what you can do to protect yourself from conviction if you’ve been arrested.
Keep in mind that felony assault charges are distinct from felonious assault, which most other states simply call “assault with a deadly weapon.” Felonious assault is a felony, but there are plenty of other felony assault charges in the Michigan Penal Code that don’t require a firearm or a weapon.
The 5 types of felony assault in Michigan are:
- Felonious assault (assault with a deadly weapon)
- Assault with intent to do great bodily harm (Assault GBH)
- Assault with intent to commit murder
- Assault, battery, resisting, or obstructing a police officer
- Assault with intent to commit a felony (sexual assault, robbery, etc.)
It’s important to remember that physical contact is not required for felony assault charges at all times. Assault, under Michigan law, also includes the threat of physical contact that causes someone to fear for their life or safety. Brandishing a toy gun would be a form of assault if it was intended to make the victim fear for their life.
About Assault GBH & Assault with Intent to Commit Murder
With assault charges involving intent to commit harm or murder, the prosecutor doesn’t just have to prove that you are guilty of assault—they also have to prove that you intended to commit a specific level of harm. Prosecutors may charge you with assault GBH because it comes with a 10-year prison sentence, as opposed to the 4-year sentence for felonious assault. The line between felonious assault and assault GBH can otherwise be a little blurry.
Speak with a Farmington Hills Felony Assault Defense Attorney
Since 2002, I, Daniel D. Hajji, Attorney at Law, have defended the accused from serious charges involving all types and levels. Being charged with a violent crime like felony assault can end your career, take away your housing opportunities, rob you of your Constitutional rights, and more. The key to protecting yourself is to hire an attorney as soon as possible.
An attorney can challenge the prosecutor on every facet of your case, preventing them from elevating your charges just because they can. Some prosecutors might threaten serious charges to force you into a plea deal; having a defense attorneys protects you from being backed into a corner. Call my office today at (248) 599-0054 for a free consultation.
Learn your options: call me at (248) 599-0054 or contact my office online to discuss your legal options.