What is a Federal Assault on Law Enforcement Charge?
There is a specific federal law (18 U.S.C. § 111) addressing federal assaults on law enforcement, employees, and members of the military. Federal Assault on an Law Enforcement is more severely punished than general assault.
This law is also more expansive than the general assault law because it applies to acts beyond assaults. It applies when a person “forcibly assaults, resists, opposes, impedes, intimidates, or interferes with” any federal officer, employee, or military member while engaged in or on account of the performance of official duties.”
Former federal officers, employees, and military members are also protected against people who forcibly assault or intimidate them on account of the performance of official duties while during their time of service.
Federal assaults on an officer is up to 1 year in jail. This is twice the punishment as for normal assault charges in federal court. If the assault involved physical contact with the victim, or was done with the intent to commit another felony, the potential imprisonment can be up to 8 years. If you used a deadly weapon or inflict actual bodily harm, the punishment can up to 20 years in jail.
Outside of Fines and Prison, How Could a Federal Conviction Impact my Life?
In addition to criminal and administrative penalties, a federal conviction under 18 U.S.C. 111 can result in a numerous other consequences. Depending upon the nature of the conviction, these consequences could include detrimental impacts to a person’s:
- Immigration status
- Security Clearances
- Professional Licenses
- Firearm Ownership
- Public Housing Eligibility
- Driving Privileges
- Eligibility for Federal Benefits
Do I need an Attorney?
Yes. A federal criminal conviction can result not only in a prison sentence, it can also cause significant consequences for other facets of your life. If you are convicted of it, the charge will remain on your record and will show up on background checks. It is extremely important to have an experienced federal attorney look at the facts of your case to assess the facts of your case, analyze possible defenses and help minimize both the direct criminal consequences and collateral consequences.
