criminal assault

American  

noun

Law.

1. an attack by physical force on a person for which the attacker is liable to criminal prosecution.

2. a similar act with intent to commit rape.

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Example Sentences

However, Qatar reacted with fury, saying the strike was a "criminal assault" that constituted a "blatant violation of all international laws and norms".

From BBC

An investigator’s log shows an entry three months after the statute of limitations expired, noting that time had run out and that a commander was requesting a criminal assault investigation against Kim.

From Los Angeles Times

Devin McRae, partner at Early Sullivan Wright Gizer & McRae, said that even though the case could be prosecuted as criminal assault and battery, at this point legal ramifications seem unlikely — particularly since Rock declined to press charges with the Los Angeles Police Department.

From Washington Post

“In Austin, law enforcement officers defended the state Capitol from criminal assault, protected the Austin Police Department headquarters from being overrun, cleared the interstate from being shut down, and disrupted criminal activity in areas across the city,” Abbott said.

From Seattle Times

“What is the recourse for a businessperson trying to stop something that isn’t a criminal assault?”

From Washington Post