QUESTION
Can you file assault charges against someone for just looking angry?
Asked on Dec 01st, 2011 on Criminal Law - Michigan
More details to this question:
If someone is depressed/angry, can you file assault charges against them because you feel threatened by their failure to smile, laugh, etc? If someone provokes another can the provoker file assault charges because they feel threatened by being ignored when the victim shuts up and walks away? How can looking and feeling angry be a crime?
8 ANSWERS
Steven D. Dunnings
No,get a life .
Answered on May 31st, 2013 at 12:22 AM
No.
Answered on May 31st, 2013 at 12:20 AM
Criminal Law Attorney serving Howell, MI
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Law Offices of Jules N. Fiani
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No.
Answered on May 31st, 2013 at 12:14 AM
Jacob P. Sartz
Simply because a person is charged does not mean that they will ultimately be convicted. Anyone charged with a criminal offense is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Ultimately, it depends on the proof and the circumstances. I'd recommend you obtain a lawyer. If you cannot afford a lawyer, the court may appoint you a lawyer at the public's expense if you have been charged with a criminal offense. The alleged victim's perception of the incident may be completely different, obviously. The investigating police officer will probably have a different interpretation of the situation as well. The nature of this inquiry is not just on what the alleged defendant supposedly felt. Juries are allowed, when examining offenses, to make certain reasonable inferences depending on the circumstances and facts presented. Ultimately, it's a question of facts and proof and what a prosecutor could potentially prove beyond a reasonable doubt.
Answered on Dec 06th, 2011 at 6:22 PM
Michael J. Breczinski
No there have to be words or actions that indicate a threat to cause an immediate unlawful touching or an unlawful touching (ie being punched, slapped, stabbed, kicked etc)
Answered on Dec 05th, 2011 at 12:36 PM
Criminal charges are authorized by the prosecuting attorney. In the situations given it is unlikely the prosecutor would authorize charges.
Answered on Dec 05th, 2011 at 12:10 PM
Adoptions Attorney serving Lansing, MI
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Austin Legal Services, PLC
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I don't believe you will ever convince any prosecutor to file charges or any jury to convict just based on someone looking angry.
Answered on Dec 05th, 2011 at 12:10 PM
Small Businesses Attorney serving Livonia, MI
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Klisz Law Office, PLLC
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None of this is a crime. Assault is physical contact that is not welcome. Looking or ignoring is not a crime.
Answered on Dec 05th, 2011 at 10:32 AM