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Criminal charges

assault on a police officer

The crime of assault varies from state to state (and under federal law), but is generally defined as intentionally putting another person in reasonable apprehension or fear of an imminent (immediate) harmful or offensive contact. The crime of assault may be committed even if there is no physical contact, as the criminal physical contact constitutes the separate crime of battery. In many states assaulting a police officer or peace officer who is performing official duties (such as making a lawful arrest) is a more serious offense—sometimes a felony.

In Maine, assault is defined under Title 17-A, §207 of the Maine Criminal Code as intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing bodily injury or offensive physical contact to another person. The state distinguishes between simple assault, which is a Class D crime, and aggravated assault, which is a more serious offense and can be classified as a Class B or Class C crime depending on the circumstances, such as the use of a weapon or the severity of injury caused. Assaulting a police officer or peace officer in Maine is considered a more serious offense and is classified under Title 17-A, §752-A as assault on an officer, which is a Class C felony if the person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes bodily injury to an officer while the officer is performing official duties. The law recognizes the heightened risk to public safety when officers are attacked and thus imposes stiffer penalties for such offenses.

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Criminal charges

assault on a police officer

Individual & Family Legal Plan

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Maine State Code

Maine State Code

Criminal charges

assault on a police officer

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