What is the definition of mayhem?
The definition of mayhem refers to serious assaults on individuals that leave a lasting physical impact. Additionally, a person convicted of aggravated mayhem – a felony – can receive a sentence of up to life in prison with the possibility of parole. Punishments for the crime of mayhem will vary by state. Enter your ZIP code below to speak with a local attorney about your state laws.
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Written by
Jeffrey Johnson
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UPDATED: Jul 15, 2021
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The crime of mayhem refers to serious assaults on an individual that leave a lasting physical impact. The legal definition of mayhem makes a crime any serious infliction of injury to a victim’s body part in way that removes it or renders it useless.
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What is the definition of mayhem with specifics?
In the United States, most state laws have incorporated the definition of mayhem into the crimes of assault and battery. However, some state statutes still define mayhem in their criminal codes as a separate offense. In California, for example, every person who maliciously deprives another human being of a body part, or renders it useless is guilty of mayhem. Other examples of mayhem include permanent injuries such as cutting out an eye or the tongue, or slits the nose or a lip. Additionally, if the person commits the act under circumstances exhibiting an extreme indifference to the physical or psychological well-being of the victim, he is guilty of aggravated mayhem. For the offender to receive a mayhem conviction, the bodily injury must be permanent and not a temporary loss.
Under California law, a person convicted of mayhem can receive a sentence of two, four or eight years in prison, depending on the nature and circumstances of the offense. Additionally, a person with an aggravated mayhem conviction — a felony — can receive up to a life sentence in prison with the possibility of parole. In Massachusetts, a person convicted of mayhem can receive up to twenty years in prison.
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How can you go about getting legal help?
Mayhem is a serious crime that has tremendous consequences to anyone convicted of it. If you are facing a charge of mayhem, you should consult immediately with a competent criminal defense lawyer in your area.