Municipal Police Officers' Education and Training Commission (MPOETC) Act 120 Practice Exam

What charge is typically associated with a scenario where a person attempts to stab someone but misses?

1. Assault with a deadly weapon

2. Aggravated assault or criminal attempt

3. Attempted murder

4. Simple assault

The correct answer is: Aggravated assault or criminal attempt

In a scenario where a person attempts to stab someone but misses, the charge that most accurately reflects the intent and action taken is aggravated assault or criminal attempt. The key element here is the intent to cause serious physical harm or the belief that the act could result in such harm, even if the actual stabbing did not occur. Aggravated assault involves actions that are likely to cause serious bodily injury or involve the use of a deadly weapon, regardless of whether harm was inflicted. In this case, the attempt to use a knife with the intent to stab demonstrates a clear intention to inflict harm, which elevates the seriousness of the act. Criminal attempt acknowledges that the individual took substantial steps towards committing a crime—in this case, the stabbing—indicating their willingness to engage in a criminal act. Therefore, the correct charge reflects the seriousness of both the intent and the potential consequences of the action taken, which is why aggravated assault or criminal attempt is appropriate in this scenario.