At times, it is easy for anyone to lose their temper and become aggressive. People get into arguments with friends, family members or strangers and they can easily become physical. While at the time, people in Oregon may feel like they have justification for their behavior, people should understand that physically lashing out -- or even threatening harm -- can have criminal consequences and lead to violent crime charges.
Under criminal codes, an assault is an intentional act meant to cause harm, or inflict injury to another person that causes the other person some apprehension of bodily harm in that other person. In these cases, people don't actually have to be touched or get hurt, but they do need to think that they are going to be touched, hurt or injured.
In a recent Oregon case, a 50-year-old man has been arrested and charged with fourth-degree felony assault following an incident with his daughter. According to police, the man applied pressure to his 10-year-old daughter's neck and throat during an incident in late July. The man, a basketball coach and high school teacher, was arrested after police received a referral from the Department of Human Services. Apparently, the girl's mother took pictures of the injuries caused by the alleged incident. He has also been charged with one count of strangulation.
As a result of the charges, the man has been placed on paid administrative leave from his position with a local high school.
Felony assault charges, like those seen in this case, can have serious consequences if people do not have the right criminal defense help. Even from the time charges are filed, people can see repercussions at work and in their day-to-day lives. Sentences for felony assault charges include prison time, probation and a criminal record. A criminal record can affect people's rights, their employment and their housing situation for the rest of their lives -- including after their release from prison.
Source: The Daily Astorian, "Astoria coach indicted for strangulation, felony assault," Ted Shorack, Aug. 30, 2013
