Mississippi Criminal and Family Law BlogThe word “child” can be somewhat misleading in the current day and age. After all, children today are much more likely to be engaged in questionable activities – including crimes. The United States is currently dealing with a serious issue regarding youth gangs who seemingly get away with all kinds of terrible acts, including murder, theft, and much more. But what happens when you assault a child in Mississippi? What happens when you strike a child who you believed was an adult? How bad can this situation get in a legal context?
If you have been charged with assault, child endangerment, domestic abuse, or any related crime, you need to get in touch with a qualified criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. Our legal professionals can help you mitigate any potential penalties you might be facing, and we can assist you as you fight for your rights. It is best to book consultation as soon as possible.
Child Abuse
One of the most common misconceptions about child abuse is that it can only be committed by parents. In fact, you can be charged with this crime if you harm a child that is not part of your family. Simply striking a child on the street can constitute child abuse, and you may face felony charges as a result. Penalties can be especially serious if the child suffers a serious injury as a result of your actions, as you could face a 10-year prison sentence.
Special Victims in Assault Charges
Interestingly enough, a child is not considered one of the various “special victims” under Mississippi assault laws. If you commit assault against those over the age of 64, however, this is considered an aggravating factor. Regardless, you will not win any favors from a judge or jury when it becomes clear that you have assaulted a small child.
Self-Defense
If you are being harassed or attacked by a gang of youths, you are perfectly within your rights to defend yourself. According to Mississippi law, you can use a reasonable amount of force to defend yourself against these attacks. For example, if a young person is attacking you with their bare hands, you would most likely be justified in striking back with your own fists.
But what if a youth is merely calling you names? What if they are running away with your wallet? In this situation, you should resist the urge to assault them – and call the police if you feel a crime is being committed. Resorting to violence will almost certainly result in an assault conviction.
Enlist the Help of a Qualified Attorney Today
If you have been searching for an experienced criminal defense attorney in Mississippi, look no further than Vic Carmody Jr., P.A. Over the years, we have helped many defendants fight for their rights. Book your consultation today, and we can immediately get started on an effective defense strategy.