People v. Killarney

Per Curiam. The people appeal as of right from an order of the Jackson Circuit Court granting defendant’s motion for directed verdict in a prosecution for felonious assault, contrary to MCL 750.82; MSA 28.277. The court granted the motion on the ground that the people had failed to show that the defendant’s actions had placed anyone in fear. While this element may suffice to establish that an assault took place, it is not a necessary element of assault. People v Sanford, 402 Mich 460; 265 NW2d 1 (1978). A criminal assault may occur where there is an intentional attempt or offer to harm another, together with the present ability to act. People v Sanford, supra, at 477, People v Carlson, 160 Mich 426; 125 NW 361 (1910), see People v Syakovich, 32 Mich App 356; 188 NW2d 642 (1971), People v Curtis Williams, 57 Mich App *398 612; 226 NW2d 584 (1975). Moreover, felonious assault may be established by the showing of an intent by the defendant to put the victim in reasonable fear or apprehension of an immediate battery. See People v Joeseype Johnson, 407 Mich 196; 284 NW2d 718 (1979). The trial court erred when it granted defendant’s motion for directed verdict. However, defendant may not be retried for this offense. The trial court’s erroneous decision was a determination of guilt or innocence on the facts of the case. Therefore, retrial is barred by the constitutional prohibition against placing defendants in double jeopardy. People v Smith (On Rehearing), 89 Mich App 478; 280 NW2d 862 (1979), Sanabria v United States, 437 US 54; 98 S Ct 2170; 57 L Ed 2d 43 (1978), Fong Foo v United States, 369 US 141; 82 S Ct 671; 7 L Ed 2d 629 (1962), United States v Scott, 437 US 82; 98 S Ct 2187; 57 L Ed 2d 65 (1978), People v Killingsworth, 80 Mich App 45; 263 NW2d 278 (1977). Thus, we hold that the trial court erred, but that the double jeopardy provisions of the Michigan and Federal Constitutions prevent the retrial of defendant.