22 Jan Is Throwing a Drink at Someone Assault?
You might have heard about the arrest of a man who threw two cans of White Claw at an unsuspecting politician during a parade in Texas. This incident left many wondering, “Is throwing a drink someone assault?” The answer is yes. Throwing a drink is categorized as assault in many circumstances. It some cases, it could even be a felony.
What Counts as Assault in Arizona?
According to the Arizona penal code, basic assault is the intentional or reckless injury of another person. The definition also includes knowingly touching another person with the intent of harming or injuring them.
More extreme cases may be charged as aggravated assault, which uses the same definition as above but adds a few key details. You can be charged with aggravated assault if you:
- caused severe injury
- used a weapon or dangerous item (like a full can of White Claw)
- had the intent to disfigure
- restrained the victim before committing the assault
A basic assault charge may also be bumped up to aggravated assault if the victim was under the age of 15, a teacher, health care worker, or government official on duty, or there was an active restraining order against the assailant.
Throwing a Drink Could Land You in Jail
Because of the definitions of assault, throwing a can of liquid at someone will most likely be considered aggravated assault. Even throwing water at someone can be considered assault because it may classified as harmful touching. However, if you fail to make contact, throw an empty can or bottle, or just get their shirt wet, it might only be considered basic assault.
The punishments for assault range from misdemeanors to felonies, and often include time spent in prison or jail. Below is a list of the classes of assault charges, the common actions that could lead to an assault charge, and the penalties for each level of crime.
Basic Assault Charges and Penalties
Class 1 Misdemeanor
- Reckless or intentional actions that led to injury
- Up to 6 months in jail, $2,500 in reparations, and 3 years of probation
Class 2 Misdemeanor
- Intentionally placing a person in a position to get hurt
- Up to 4 months in jail, $750 in reparations, and 2 years of probation
Class 3 Misdemeanor
- Intentionally touching a person to cause harm
- Up to 1 month in jail, $500 in reparations, and 1 year of probation
Aggravated Assault Charges and Penalties
Class 2 Felony
- The victim is under 15 years years of age or a prosecutor
- 3 years to 35 years in prison, reparations, and parole
Class 3 Felony
- Assault using a deadly weapon or causing serious injury
- 2 years to 25 years in prison, reparations, and parole
Class 4 Felony
- The victim is disfigured or loses the use or entirety of a limb
- 1 year to 15 years in prison, reparations, and parole
Class 5 Felony
- Taking a firearm from a police officer
- 6 months to 7 years in prison, reparations, and parole
Class 6 Felony
- Assaulting a teacher or healthcare worker while they are on duty, or assaulting someone under a protection order
- 3 months to nearly 6 years in prison, reparations, and parole
Charged with Assault? Contact an Arizona Criminal Defense Attorney
If you are facing an assault charge, then you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer. Hiring an attorney who has experience with the Arizona justice system could help you get a lesser sentence or avoid a felony conviction altogether. Todd Coolidge has over 25 years of experience in criminal defense. Don’t let an assault charge ruin your life—contact us today for a consultation.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (1/21/23). Photo by Marty O’Neill on Unsplash.