What are the three required elements of armed assault in a dwelling?

The correct answer identifies the three crucial elements of armed assault in a dwelling, which include armed entry into a dwelling, an assault on a person, and the specific intent to commit a felony.

Armed entry into a dwelling signifies that the assailant is entering a residence while in possession of a weapon, which elevates the severity of the crime due to the potential for violence and intimidation. The act of assaulting a person indicates that there is a direct intention to cause harm or fear, reinforcing the violent nature of the crime. Lastly, the specific intent to commit a felony indicates that the assailant has a predetermined plan to engage in further criminal activity once inside the dwelling, distinguishing this act from lesser offenses which may not involve such a clear intention.

This combination of elements characterizes armed assaults as serious offenses that pose a significant risk to safety and security in residential settings. Understanding these elements helps clarify the legal thresholds that must be established to categorize an incident as an armed assault in the context of breaking and entering.