HB 4179
To create felony charge for individuals who assault police officers or police dogs
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- Passed House of Delegates
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill proposes to create a felony charge for individuals who assault police officers or law enforcement officers, as well as police dogs, while they are acting in their official capacity. The penalties for malicious assault range from 3 to 15 years in prison, while unlawful assault carries a potential sentence of 2 to 5 years. The bill also clarifies the definition of ‘law-enforcement officer’ to include those trained to assist law enforcement.
Key provisions
- Creates a felony offense for maliciously assaulting a law enforcement officer or police dog while acting in their official capacity.
- Defines ‘law-enforcement officer’ to include officers trained to assist law enforcement.
- Establishes penalties of 3-15 years for malicious assault and 2-5 years for unlawful assault.
- Clarifies the definition of ‘government representative’ and ‘emergency service personnel’.
- Addresses penalties for repeat offenses, increasing potential prison time.
- Specifies that assault must occur while the victim is acting in their official capacity.
- Addresses sentencing for offenders incarcerated in correctional facilities when the victim is a correctional employee.
- Defines battery as unlawful physical contact with a government representative, health care worker, utility worker, emergency service personnel, correctional employee or law-enforcement officer acting in his or her official capacity.
Who is affected
- Law enforcement officers
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