What is Juvenile Assault & Battery in Michigan?
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Children aren’t perfect, and they’re bound to make mistakes. When kids get into confrontations, they sometimes argue, threaten each other, and fight over what happened. If they aren’t careful, some teens could end up being arrested and charged with assault and battery for something as simple as going too far in an argument.
Goldman and Associates Law Firm has litigated hundreds of assault and battery matters in adult and juvenile courts. We have the skills and experience to negotiate at both levels of court and get our clients the best possible outcome.
Juvenile Assault and Battery Charges in Michigan
Assault is when you do something that would make a rational person think you were going to hurt them or rudely touch them. It’s not enough to have an exaggerated sense of dread or a feeling that harm will eventually come. It should be immediate and reasonable at the same time. The mere use of derogatory language does not constitute an act of assault. But a threat like “your wallet or your life” could be considered an assault. Even if the defendant is unable to commit the act, it doesn’t matter as long as the victim has a good reason to believe that they are.
On the other hand, battery is when someone does something on purpose that hurts or offends someone else. The term “harmful” refers to anything that causes pain, injury, or deformity. Yet, “offensive” can be as mild as spitting on someone and still be considered a battery.
Assault and battery are violent crimes that can result in harsh punishments if convicted. When someone is charged with assault or battery, it is because he or she sought to inflict physical injury (assault), which resulted in actual contact, such as punching someone (battery). Depending on how bad the physical attack was, a minor who is charged with assault may be charged as an adult.
Criminal Penalties for Juvenile Assault and Battery in Michigan
The majority of cases involving juvenile offenders are handled by a juvenile court, which has the authority to impose alternative penalties that do not include jail time or permanent criminal records. In many cases, these programs prevent minors from ending up in prison.
Depending on the severity of the arrest, a minor may be tried as an adult for the crimes they committed. When a minor is convicted as an adult, they face significantly heavier consequences than if they were charged in juvenile court. Adult battery charges can result in up to 15 years in prison and fines of up to $5,000.
If a child is punished in this way, they will never have a “normal” life. These changes will hurt their personal and professional reputations, making it harder for them to fit in with society in the future.
Contact Goldman and Associates for Juvenile Criminal Defense
Goldman and Associates‘ criminal defense lawyers will work hard to achieve the best possible outcome in a juvenile assault and battery case. We will advocate for a juvenile’s right to alternative sentencing options that will safeguard their future. Contact us immediately or make an appointment for a free consultation.