Have you ever heard of the term “felony assault”? It sounds like something out of a movie—like someone stabbing someone with a knife or shooting someone with a gun. But in reality, many ordinary people can also be charged with a felony due to a moment of impulse. Last week, I came across a news article: A person got into an argument with a neighbor over the placement of a trash bin, ended up pushing the neighbor, and was subsequently arrested by the police and faced felony charges. I was stunned: Could such a minor incident really be considered a felony?
What kind of behavior is considered a felony assault?
At first, I didn’t understand either, thinking that only using a weapon to attack someone would qualify. So I looked up some public court records and legal explanations. It turned out that the matter was much more complicated than I had imagined. The key isn’t whether you used a gun or a knife, but whether your actions caused someone to be injured or made them feel their life was threatened.
For example, if you push someone during an argument and they fall and hit their head, causing a concussion, that could be considered a felony. Another example is if you casually throw a bottle, even if it doesn’t hit anyone, but the other person is scared and thinks you might hit them, that could also constitute a “threatening assault.”
You don’t have to actually hit someone to be charged with a felony
Another important point is that you don’t have to actually hit someone. As long as the police or court believe you had “intent to attack” and the other person genuinely felt afraid, you could be convicted. For example, if you raise your fist or swing a stick during an argument, even if you don’t actually strike anyone, you could still be prosecuted.
My friend’s cousin experienced something like this. He was provoked in a bar, got angry, stood up, and slammed the beer bottle he was holding onto the table. He didn’t intend to hit anyone, but the people around him were scared, and someone called the police. In the end, he was charged with “threatening with a dangerous object.” Although he didn’t go to jail, he now has a criminal record.
Once convicted, the consequences are severe
Many people think that the worst that can happen is a fine or a few days in jail. However, once convicted of a felony, the consequences can last for many years. When applying for a job, you have to fill out a form stating whether you have a criminal record. If you check “yes,” most companies will immediately screen you out, especially banks, schools, and hospitals.
Renting a place is the same. Landlords who see you have a felony conviction will likely refuse to rent to you. Some people end up living in their cars or staying with friends. Forget about pursuing licensed professions like electrician, beautician, or caregiver—many states will directly revoke your eligibility.
Financial issues are also significant
In addition to losing your job and having nowhere to live, there are financial issues. Court-imposed fines can reach tens of thousands of dollars. Add to that several years of probation supervision fees, counseling fees, and community service management fees, and the total may exceed the fine itself. Some people already have low incomes, and this leaves them burdened with debt, making their lives even more difficult.
I also came across a case where a young man was charged with a felony for fighting with a classmate and received a five-year probation sentence. He had to pay 200 yuan in supervision fees each month and report regularly. He barely earned enough from his part-time job to cover these fees, let alone save money for a house or marriage.
How to avoid getting into such trouble?
After understanding these consequences, I began to seriously consider: how can I avoid getting into such a situation? I found that most felony assault cases are not premeditated but result from emotional outbursts. Therefore, the most critical thing is to learn to control your emotions and step back promptly.
The simplest method is: as soon as you feel the atmosphere is off, walk away immediately. Don’t engage in verbal sparring, and don’t think, “I’ll show him who’s boss.” Winning an argument might cost you your entire life.
Tips for calmly handling conflicts
When someone is yelling at you or even cursing at you, don’t yell back. The more excited you get, the more excited the other person will become. The best approach is to stay silent, turn away, or find an excuse to say, “I don’t want to talk about this right now.” This way, you maintain your dignity while avoiding escalation.
If you witness someone losing their temper in public, don’t gather around or cheer them on. Sometimes a glance or a word can unintentionally involve you in the situation.
Don’t touch other people’s belongings
Another often overlooked point: don’t take other people’s belongings, and don’t give the impression that you’re trying to take them. For example, during an argument, grabbing someone’s phone or keys—even if you’re just trying to stop them from recording—could lead the police to believe you’re using force.
Similarly, holding an object like an umbrella, backpack, or even a stick could be interpreted as a “potential weapon.” So when you’re tense, it’s best to keep your hands by your sides and avoid making large movements.
Call the police immediately if you feel in danger
If you feel the other person is about to attack you, don’t wait for something to happen before reacting. Immediately call the police on your phone or run to a crowded area for help. Remember, keeping a record is important. Surveillance footage, recordings, or witnesses can all help prove you’re the victim, not the aggressor.
I know a woman who was harassed by a drunk man at a subway station. She didn’t retaliate verbally; she immediately called the police and recorded the incident. After the police arrived, they reviewed the surveillance footage and confirmed she was acting in self-defense, so she wasn’t charged. The drunk man, however, was charged with harassment and threats.
A summary of my insights
After learning all this, my biggest takeaway is: a five-second impulse could ruin five years of your life. That neighbor who got into a fight over a trash can can’t even rent a place near his child’s school now. He regrets it, but the record can’t be changed.
Now, when I go out, even if someone insults me, I tell myself: Forget it, it’s not worth it. Avoiding one argument might help you avoid a lawsuit. Life is already tough enough; don’t burden yourself with something you can’t shake off for the rest of your life.
