Criminal responsibility for causing bodily harm

Today, the most common types of criminal offenses in Ukraine include inflicting various bodily injuries. Most often, bodily injuries are caused in various conflict situations, when there is a need to defend oneself. Therefore, almost any of us can fall under the article for causing bodily harm. In this article, we will consider criminal liability for this offense. We should also note that if you or your loved ones need the help of a lawyer for personal injury, our experts - lawyers Prykhodko and Partners will help with this.

Definition of bodily harm in the Criminal Code of Ukraine

Let's start by defining what personal injury is. We will take the consideration of this issue in the Criminal Code of Ukraine as a basis. So, we are talking about the violation of the natural state of the internal organs/tissues of the victim due to the commission of illegal actions.

Among the categories of physical injuries:

1. Physical injuries of a light degree of severity.
2. Bodily injuries of medium severity.
3. Severe bodily injuries.

How is the severity of injuries determined? The Criminal Code prescribes clear criteria for each of the categories.

In this context, it is worth remembering the following:

• The category of bodily injuries, that is, their degree of severity, is determined only by a forensic medical examination.
• Among the factors that affect the degree of physical injuries: the duration of treatment, the period of limited working capacity, etc.

Liability for bodily injury

Criminal liability for bodily harm can vary. It depends, first of all, on the degree of their severity.

Physical injuries of a light degree of severity (defined by Article 125 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine)

Main symptoms: health disorder caused by bodily injuries lasting from 6 to 21 days. Another sign is a long-term loss of up to 10% of work capacity.

Responsibility:

1. Fines (from 50 to 100 NMDH).
2. Public works (150-240 hours).
3. Limitation of freedom - up to 12 months.
4. Arrest - up to 6 months.

Physical injuries of moderate severity (defined by Article 122 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine)

The main signs: a long-term health disorder of the victim, persistent and long-term loss of working capacity (less than 30%).

Responsibility:

1. Corrective works.
2. Limitation of will.
3. Arrest - up to 3 years.

Serious bodily injury (defined by Article 121 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine)

Main signs: such injuries pose a danger not only to health, but also to the victim's life.

Responsibility:

Provided by Article 121 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine:

1. Imprisonment for a term of 5 to 8 years.

Assistance of a lawyer under Articles 121, 122 and 125 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine

If you are accused of causing bodily harm, you should enlist the help of professional lawyers. Specialists Prykhodko and Partners will be able to analyze the case materials and reveal the presence of hidden circumstances that will ultimately help significantly change the course of the case. For example, a lawyer can change the qualification of the crime, prove that the damage was caused due to carelessness, in a state of emotional outburst, etc. These are very important points that will affect the reclassification of the case.

Lawyers Prykhodko and Partners will examine the materials of the examination and, if there are falsifications, they will find their signs. The next step is the appointment of additional examinations. In addition, the lawyer's investigation is aimed at identifying violations by representatives of law enforcement agencies and investigators.

Do you still have questions? We are waiting for a preliminary consultation! To calculate the cost of a lawyer's services under Articles 121, 122 and 125 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, fill out the form below.