Expert: Robin Sexton - 9/1/2009

Question
Hello Robin. Is beating up a disabled man considered a felony? If it makes any difference the location is Puerto Rico. Thanks for any help you may provide.

Answer
Moses,

I guess it is kind of a shame that this question even needs to be asked.  There will be some jurisdictional differences to this type of assault.  However there is some commonality in the crime.
1) Assault no matter the degree is a crime however minor assaults are normally a misdemeanor
2) Once the assault progresses past a certain injury degree or there is use of a weapon it normally ramps up to felony status
3) Some states and jurisdictions have specific statutes that define and offer specific protections to "vulnerable adults".  Making those specific incidents felonies.

The determination is therefore very fact specific with in the jurisdiction where it occurs.

Hope this helps

good luck

robin