Armed Assault with Intent to Murder or Kill

The crime of Armed Assault with Intent to Murder or Kill is the unlawful assault of another, while armed with the intent to cause cause death.  Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 265, Section 18 punishes persons convicted of Armed Assault with Intent to Murder or Kill with commitment to state prison for up to 20 years; and if armed with a firearm, for a term not less than 5 years.

For the crime of Armed Assault with Intent to Murder or Kill the prosecutor must prove:

1. That the defendant was armed with a dangerous weapon;
2. That the defendant assaulted a person; and
3. That he possessed a specific or actual intent to cause the death of the person assaulted.

Whether the defendant possessed a specific or actual intent to cause the death of another means that he had it in his mind to do the act.  Intent involves concentrating or focusing the mind for some period of time to consciously and with determination, to commit an act to cause the death of the person assaulted.  An intent merely to disable or scare off another is not sufficient intent for the crime of Armed Assault with Intent to Murder or Kill, nor is the intent to inflict bodily injury or serious bodily harm.

Boston Criminal Lawyer Lefteris K. Travayiakis has extensive experience in defending persons accused of the crime of Armed Assault with Intent to Murder or Kill, as well as many other Crimes of Violence, and is available 24/7 for consultation.

To schedule a Free Consultation, Contact Us Online or call 617-325-9500.