Assault is a serious crime that can result in severe consequences. In Georgia, assault is categorized into two types: criminal assault and civil assault. While both are considered legal offenses, they differ in several ways. Understanding the difference between these two types of assault can help you determine your rights as a victim or defendant.
In this blog post, we'll explore what criminal and civil assault mean, how they differ from each other, and what outcomes they entail. We'll also discuss how an attorney can assist you in navigating through these complexities.
What is criminal assault?
Criminal assault is defined as intentionally causing harm to another person without their consent. This type of assault is considered a crime against the state and can result in criminal charges. The severity of the charges depends on various factors such as the extent of harm inflicted, whether a weapon was used or not, and if there was any premeditation involved. The possible penalties for criminal assault include fines, imprisonment, probation, community service, and mandatory therapy.
What is civil assault?
Civil assault refers to any intentional act that causes another person to fear imminent physical harm or offensive contact. Unlike criminal assault that involves state prosecution, civil lawsuits are filed by individuals seeking monetary damages for injuries suffered as a result of the defendant's actions.
