Assault Via Peanut Butter?

A Battle Creek woman who is highly allergic to peanuts reportedly came home during her lunch break last Friday and found an envelope in the mailbox addressed to her husband. Oil was soaking through the envelope and on it was writing indicating that the envelope contained peanut butter. Apparently, the husband's ex-wife smeared peanut butter on a bill and sent it to her ex-husband. The ex-wife claims she didn't mean any harm but just wanted to keep her ex's current wife from reading mail that did not involve her. The allergic woman would like for assault charges to be filed against the ex-wife and the case is being reviewed by the Calhoun County Prosecutor's Office.

Assault and battery, although often used interchangeably or grouped together, are actually two separate criminal offenses. Assault is defined as the attempt or threat of bodily injury or violence to another person. Battery is the actual act of violence – the striking, hitting or touching of another person against their will.

A simple assault and battery case may be charged as a misdemeanor in Michigan. The offender would face, as maximum penalties, up to 1 year in county jail. However, when a deadly weapon is used, the potential penalties may escalate.

At Freedman & Freedman, we understand just how important a criminal defense attorney will be to your future, particularly in the face of violent crime charges such as assault and battery. Our firm takes on these cases throughout Warren, Sterling Heights, Troy, Rochester Hills and Royal Oak, Michigan. With over 34 years of collective legal experience and a practice wholly dedicated to our clients, we are able to accurately address each client's particular concerns and handle their case with the utmost professionalism.

Talk to a Michigan assault and battery defense lawyer today about your case and what we can do to help you. Call us today.