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Domestic Violence: Aggravated Assault


Aggravated Assault: Domestic Violence



Legal Definition:

Aggravated assault (domestic violence) is the commission or attempt to commit aggravated assault by one cohabitant against another.

Aggravated Assault (Domestic Violence)

Utah Code §76-5-102 & Utah Code §77-36-1

Degree

An aggravated assault (domestic violence) is a 3rd degree felony unless the victim suffers a serious bodily injury, in which case it can be charged as a 2nd degree felony.

Elements

The accused commits an aggravated assault (domestic violence) when they commit an assault and use:

  • a dangerous weapon
  • or other means or force likely to produce death or serious bodily injury
Fine

3rd degree felony: A fine not to exceed $5,000, plus a 90% surcharge.
(Utah Code Ann. §76-3-301(a)(b), Utah Code Ann. §51-9-401)
2nd degree felony: A fine not to exceed $10,000, plus a 90% surcharge.
(Utah Code Ann. §76-3-301(1)(a), Utah Code Ann. §51-9-401)

Restitution

The court may order the accused to pay restitution if convicted of this crime.
(Utah Code Ann. §77-38a-301)

Imprisonment

3rd degree felony: A term of imprisonment not to exceed 5 years.
(Utah Code Ann. §76-3-203(3))
2nd degree felony: A term of imprisonment not less than 1 year nor more than 15 years.
(Utah Code Ann. §76-3-203(2))

Enhancement: If the Utah Courts find that a dangerous weapon was used in the commission of a felony, the minimum sentence will be increased by one year. (A minimum sentence of 0 years becomes a minimum of 1 year). Additionally, the maximum sentence for a 2nd or 3rd degree felony may be increased by 5 years.
(Utah Code Ann. §76-3-203.8(2))

Bail

Because of the unique and highly emotional nature of domestic violence crimes, the high recidivism rate of violent offenders, and the demonstrated increased risk of continued acts of violence subsequent to the release of an offender who has been arrested for domestic violence, it was the finding of the Utah Legislature that domestic violence crimes, are crimes for which bail may be denied if there is substantial evidence to support the charge, and if the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that he alleged perpetrator would constitute a substantial danger to an alleged victim of domestic violence if released on bail.
(Utah Code Ann. §76-6-2.5(12))

Addition Sentence for Domestic Violence

In addition to penalties otherwise provided by law, the court may:

  • Order defendant to participate in an electronic or other type of monitoring program; and/or
  • Order defendant to pay all or part of the costs of counseling incurred by the victim and any children affected by or exposed to the domestic violence offense;

The court will:

  • Order cost of any services or treatment provided to the victim and affected children of the victim; and
  • Order the defendant to obtain and satisfactorily complete treatment or therapy in a domestic violence treatment program, that is licensed by Utah’s Department of Human Services, unless the court finds that there is no licensed program reasonably available or that the treatment or therapy is not necessary.
    (Utah Code Ann. §77-36-5(3)(4) and (5))
DNA Specimen Analysis

A defendant convicted of a 2nd or 3rd degree felony aggravated assault (domestic violence) must provide a DNA specimen.
(Utah Code Ann. §53-10-403(2))

Firearms

A defendant convicted of aggravated assault (domestic violence) may not posses, use or have control of a firearm or ammunition for life.
(18 U.S.C. §922(g)(9))


Other Criminal Charges

Learn more about crimes related to Aggravated Assault (Domestic Violence). If you have any questions, please feel free to call our office at (801) 505-1586.