Walk It Through: The Argument in the Driveway
A shove over a fence line, a rifle pointed across the yard, and a shot fired into the air.
A neighbor storms over about a fence line, shouting, and shoves the homeowner in the driveway.
Two things a person in this spot might do. Picking one shows what the law says about it.
A dispute between neighbors in which no one is shot. A claim of immunity after force is used, a protective order between neighbors, and a civil suit over the fence are not worked through here.
A practice walkthrough, not a prediction of how any real one will go. Legal information, not legal advice.
Words this turns on
Terms with a legal meaning that is narrower than the everyday one. Each links to the definition and the authority behind it.
- Aggravated misdemeanorThe highest level of misdemeanor, with up to two years and a fine of $855 to $8,540 where no specific penalty is given.
- Class D felonyThe lowest class of felony, with up to five years and a fine of $1,025 to $10,245; a felony declared without a class is a class D felony.
- Criminal mischiefIntentionally damaging, defacing, altering or destroying property without a right to do so.
- Simple misdemeanorThe lowest level of public offense, carrying a fine of $105 to $855, with up to 30 days in jail in place of or beside the fine.
- AssaultAn act meant to cause pain, injury or offensive contact, or to put someone in fear of it, with the apparent ability to carry it out; or intentionally pointing a firearm at someone or displaying a dangerous weapon threateningly.
- Dangerous weaponAny firearm, a knife with a blade over five inches, a stun device, and anything used in a way showing intent to kill or seriously injure.
- Serious misdemeanorThe middle level of misdemeanor, with a fine of $430 to $2,560 and up to one year in jail.
- Willful injuryAn unjustified act meant to cause serious injury, a class D felony when it causes bodily injury and a class C felony when it causes serious injury.