Causing or attempting to cause bodily harm defines an assault. It is an intentional act that instills fear or injury to another person. People involved in a fight that leads to an assault case usually fall into a blame game. Knowing who hit first in an altercation could heavily impact the outcome of a case.
Determining who instigated the fight
Intent is a critical element in an assault case. If a person intentionally pushes, shoves or hits someone, the court could identify them as the fight’s instigator. When both persons involved in an assault case hit each other, the first one to strike would most likely be identified as the instigator. Even if they argue that the other person provoked them, this is not a strong enough defense against the assault case. Spoken words are not sufficient evidence of assault.
Arguing self-defense
Self-defense is a common and feasible argument in an assault case. If a person used force to protect themself from immediate danger—therefore not instigating the fight—the court could consider their action justifiable. Identifying who struck first in a fight is fundamental in assessing the validity of a self-defense claim. However, there are limitations to this claim. The defendant must prove that there is an actual threat of physical harm and that the force they used matches the level of danger in question. Otherwise, their self-defense claim could fail.
There could be varied reasons why people get in a fistfight, leading to an assault case. Understanding the factors affecting the outcome of a case could help defendants navigate the complexities of their criminal litigation. A criminal charge could impact a person’s life, especially their reputation and personal relationships. It is vital to get the support of an experienced and compassionate criminal law attorney to protect one’s rights and interests.