Women Charged With Assault of Fast Food Employee

 Posted on June 18, 2016 in Uncategorized

Three women have been arrested following an incident that took place outside of a McDonald’s restaurant in Sandusky, Ohio. All three women, who appear to be smiling and unconcerned in their booking photographs, were charged with assaulting a store employee, two were charged with child endangerment, and one faces an additional charge for theft.

According to news reports and the Sandusky police department Facebook page, the assault occurred in the parking lot of the restaurant. The women were allegedly frustrated by the speed of service offered by the employee, who they felt was working too slowly. Though complete details are not yet available, the children of two of the women participated in the attack, leading to the endangerment charges.

Assault and Battery in Illinois

While this particular incident occurred along Lake Erie in Northern Ohio, it can serve as a reminder of the seriousness of assault charges here in Illinois. Assault is an offense that frequently misunderstood, as it is often confused with the related offense of battery. The definition of assault, in fact, depends on that of battery, so the confusion may be justified.

Under Illinois law, a person commits battery when he or she:

• Causes bodily harm to another individual; or
• Makes physical contact of a provoking or insulting nature with another individual.

The offense of assault, by comparison, occurs when a person engages in conduct or activities that place another person in reasonable apprehension of receiving a battery. This means that assault could include, for example, throwing a punch or approaching another person aggressively, while battery occurs only when physical contact is made

The seriousness of an assault or battery charge depends on a wide variety of factors, including the age, status, and occupation of the victim, as well as the circumstances of the situation. Other considerations I include whether a firearm was present, threatened, or discharged, and the extent of the injury caused. Charges can range from a Class C misdemeanor up to a Class X felony for the most serious aggravated assault or aggravated battery offenses.

Facing Assault Charges?

If you have been arrested and charged with assault in or around Will County, you need an attorney who will fight to protect your rights. Contact a skilled Joliet criminal defense lawyer to schedule a free consultation today. Attorney Jack L. Zaremba is a former prosecutor ready to put his experience to work for you. He will help you understand your options and ensure you get the reliable representation you deserve.