Assault involves a crime of violence against another person. In Minnesota, assault charges are prosecuted according to the severity of the injury suffered and the relationship between the victim and the accused. Minnesota assault statutes contain six major categories of assault crimes:
First Degree Assault
Whoever assaults another and inflicts great bodily harm; or uses deadly force against a peace officer or correctional employee; or attempts to use deadly force against the officer or employee while the officer or employee is engaged in the performance of a duty imposed by law is guilty of first-degree assault in Minnesota.
Second Degree Assault
Whoever assaults another with a dangerous weapon and inflicts substantial bodily harm is guilty of second-degree assault in Minnesota.
Third Degree Assault
Whoever assaults another and inflicts substantial bodily harm; or who assaults a child and has a pattern of assaultive behavior upon a child is guilty of third-degree assault in Minnesota.
Fourth Degree Assault
An individual who assaults a peace officer, firefighter, emergency room doctor or nurse, natural resources employee, correctional employee or secured facility employee; or who engages in assaultive behavior driven by bias is guilty of fourth-degree assault in Minnesota.
Fifth Degree Assault
Whoever commits an act with intent to cause fear in another of immediate bodily harm or death; or intentionally inflicts or attempts to inflict bodily harm upon another is guilty of a fifth-degree assault in Minnesota.
Domestic Assault
Whoever commits an act with intent to cause fear in a family member of immediate bodily harm or death; or intentionally inflicts or attempts to inflict bodily harm upon another is guilty of domestic assault in Minnesota.
You should act promptly if you’ve been arrested or charged with assault in Minnesota. The earlier you involve an attorney, the sooner we can gather evidence, interview witnesses, and address other important issues in your case. Call our law firm now for a consultation: (218) 346-4995.