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Criminal charges

assault on a police officer

The crime of assault varies from state to state (and under federal law), but is generally defined as intentionally putting another person in reasonable apprehension or fear of an imminent (immediate) harmful or offensive contact. The crime of assault may be committed even if there is no physical contact, as the criminal physical contact constitutes the separate crime of battery. In many states assaulting a police officer or peace officer who is performing official duties (such as making a lawful arrest) is a more serious offense—sometimes a felony.

In Kansas, assault is defined under Kansas Statutes Annotated (K.S.A.) 21-5412 as knowingly placing another person in reasonable apprehension of immediate bodily harm. This means that for an action to be considered assault in Kansas, there does not need to be physical contact; the threat or fear of harm is sufficient. The crime of battery, which involves actual physical contact, is a separate offense. Assaulting a law enforcement officer, as defined in K.S.A. 21-5413, is indeed a more serious crime in Kansas. If the officer is engaged in the performance of their duties and the assailant knows that the victim is a law enforcement officer, the offense is classified as aggravated assault, which is a felony. The severity of the charges and the penalties upon conviction can vary based on the circumstances of the incident and the presence of any aggravating factors.

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Criminal charges

assault on a police officer

Individual & Family Legal Plan

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Kansas State Code

Kansas State Code

Criminal charges

assault on a police officer

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