Transferred Intent

If one person attempts to harm another person but instead hurts an uninvolved third party (due to any number of reasons – most likely something gone awry), then the term “transferred intent” may be used in this situation. Transferred intent is a term that may be applied in both tort and criminal law scenarios. In civil law, transferred intent is applicable only in circumstances involving intentional torts such as assault, battery, trespassing, and false imprisonment.

Transferred Intent Examples

In criminal law, the phrase “intent follows the bullet” is used to describe transferred intent cases. This can be used literally or metaphorically, since not all intentional crimes involve the intent to harm with a firearm. For example, transferred intent may be applicable to the following situations:

• Attempting to hit another person with a heavy object, but missing and instead harming an uninvolved, third individual
• Firing a bullet at another person with the intent to seriously harm, but missing and instead killing an innocent passerby
• Locking other, outside parties inside a building when trying to imprison one specific person

Transferred intent only applies to harm done to people (not property). If property is harmed unintentionally, the offender will not be charged with transferred intent.

Contact Us

If someone you love has been injured by an act of transferred intent, the Las Vegas personal injury lawyers of William Palmer & Associates, P.C. can help. Call our offices today at 702-888-2222 to speak with a qualified attorney about your case.