During a night out with your friends, things can get carried away. Someone might misinterpret a joke, a playful scrap can become serious or there could be a disagreement over a game. Before you know it, fists are flying and someone gets hurt.
There may be times when fighting does not seem to be a big deal, or perhaps a confrontation feels justified. No matter what way you look at it, fighting is a crime in most situations.
What is assault?
In Iowa, you are committing assault if you do anything to hurt another person, even if the act does not result in an injury. You are also committing assault if you try to offend or insult another person through physical contact. On top of this, if you try to make a person fearful of physical action, that too could qualify as assault. This is especially the case if you threaten someone with a weapon.
What are the charges for assault?
Charges for assault depend on the circumstance. If you intend to seriously injure another person but fail to, a court may land you with an aggravated misdemeanor. On the other hand, if you only intend to hurt someone a little but end up causing a serious injury, you could have a felony on your hands. You may be able to get charges bumped down if you can prove that you were defending yourself or that the act was a complete accident.
You cannot predict a fight before it happens. One shove could lead to a catastrophe with long-term consequences. Oftentimes, the best way to win a battle is by walking away.
