The legal definition for assault varies by jurisdiction.The intent to cause physical injury is what makes assault a crime.The intent to cause physical injury is what defines assault in some criminal statutes.In addition to being a crime, assault is also a violation.It is a civil wrong to put another person in reasonable apprehension of an imminent harmful or offensive contact regardless of whether there is intent to cause physical injury or not.If you believe you have been the victim of an assault, you may want to press charges.
Step 1: Potential witnesses must be gathered.
If the assault took place in the presence of witnesses, contact them as soon as possible.It is important to get this done as soon as possible because it will make it easier to find the witnesses and because the incident is fresh in their minds.
Step 2: The details of the assault need to be written down.
You will need to visit your local police department if you want to press charges against your attacker.Before going to the police department, you should write down the details of the assault, your attacker's name and any other information you have.It will be easier to remember this information if you write it down.
Step 3: Go to the police department.
If you want to press charges against your attacker, you should visit your local police department.Take the information you wrote down with you to the police station.
Step 4: If you can't visit the police.
You might not be able to visit your local police department.You may be afraid of running into your attacker.Tell the police why you can't visit the station yourself.An officer from the police will come to your home to help you file the assault report.
Step 5: Provide information to the police.
The police officer in charge of your case will file an assault report when you visit the police department.Information about the assault and the attacker will be required by the officer to file this report.The information includes your name, address, location, date, and time of the assault.
Step 6: Try to remember as much as possible.
It's possible that you don't remember everything the police need to identify your attacker.If this is the case, the police officer in charge of your case will want you to describe your attacker in as much detail as possible.
Step 7: You can get a copy of the report.
You will get a copy of the assault report once the police officer in charge of your case gets all the information they need.This report should be kept in a safe place.
Step 8: Wait for more information to be given to you.
The prosecutor's office will receive the report after the police file an assault report.If there is enough evidence to prosecute the attacker, the prosecutor will look at the report.An arrest warrant will be issued if there is enough evidence to prosecute.Wait for further communication during this time.
Step 9: Provide further evidence.
The police may want to investigate the crime further after the suspect has been arrested.You could be contacted by the police for further questioning.Try to give the police as much information as possible.
Step 10: If there is an order of protection you should seek it.
You can request an order of protection from the court after filing an assault charge if you are worried about being retaliated against.An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, prevents your attacker from coming closer to you.He can be arrested if he violates the restraining order.
Step 11: If you want an order of protection, you need to apply.
You can apply for an order of protection through your local district or county attorney's office.You have to file the order in the county in which you live.Civil orders of protection in the case of stalking or harassment vary by state, so you should consult local legal experts to find out what the rules are in your state.
Step 12: If a restraining order is violated, call the police.
If your attacker violates an order of protection, immediately call the police.A protective order is a piece of paper and cannot offer complete protection.If you find that your attacker has violated the order, you should immediately call the law enforcement.