We have all experienced moments where we react in anger. During those times, I think everyone can admit they may have overacted a little bit. Anger causes emotions to run high and sometimes we act without thinking. I believe this man would be able to relate to this experience. At work one day, his co-worker decided to eat a meatball from his lunch. This clearly angered the man, as he reacted by stabbing the co-worker in the arm.
Assault in Greeley, Colorado
There are three different degrees of Assault under Colorado Law.
| First Degree Assault | Using a deadly weapon and causing serious bodily injury |
| Second Degree Assault | Using a deadly weapon and causing bodily injury |
| Third Degree Assault | Knowingly or recklessly causing bodily injury to another person |
There are many factors used to determine how the man in our story would face charges. First, is the degree of injury he caused. The law defines the two levels:
| Serious Bodily Injury | Bodily injury which involves a substantial risk of death, serious permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any part or organ of the body. |
| Bodily Injury | Physical pain, illness, or any impairment of physical or mental condition |
The second factor is whether or not a weapon was involved and what type of weapon it was. The State of Colorado defines “deadly weapon” as:
- A firearm, whether loaded or unloaded; or
- A knife, bludgeon, or any other weapon, device, instrument, material, or substance, whether animate or inanimate, that, in the manner it is used or intended to be used, is capable of producing death or serious bodily injury.
How Does This Apply to the Man Who Stabbed His Co-Worker Over Meatballs?
Considering this man’s case, stabbing the man in the arm probably resulted in bodily injury, not serious bodily injury. This would mean he would not face charges of First Degree Assault. Now, if he used a knife to stab the man, this is considered a deadly weapon. This would mean his crime would meet the criteria for a Second Degree Assault charge in Logan, Weld and Morgan County.
Whatever the circumstances, our attorneys care for you and will provide you with the best defense strategy to protect you and your future.
Your Assault Charges: Why You Need a Lawyer
Okay, so this may seem like an extreme example, but generally the Assault cases we handle at the O’Malley Law Office have the same underlying factor: a reaction without really thinking things through. Maybe it was self-defense or you were provoked and it could be considered a “crime of passion.” Whatever the circumstances, our attorneys care for you and will provide you with the best defense strategy to protect you and your future.
If you or a loved one receives a Criminal Complaint for Assault, be smart and exercise your right to remain silent. Then, contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer at the O’Malley Law Office for a free consultation at 970-616-6009. We can also meet with your friend or family member at the Weld County Jail. Together, we can protect your future.
Image Credit: FreeDigitalPhotos.net – Apolonia