In Michigan law, which circumstance does NOT convert an assault into domestic violence?

• A. Dated or have dated
• B. Married or have been married
• C. Lived directly next door to each other
• D. Have a child in common

Answer: (C)

In Michigan, assault is boosted to domestic violence when the victim is in a recognized domestic relationship with the offender. That includes spouses or former spouses, parents or children, people who have or have had a dating relationship, or someone with whom the offender shares a child, or someone who lives or has lived in the same household. The crucial point is the relationship context, not mere proximity.

So the situation that does not convert is when the two people simply live next door to each other. Neighbors aren’t automatically considered a household member or in a dating relationship, so an assault against them wouldn’t automatically become domestic violence based on that neighborly relationship. The other scenarios—dating relationship, marriage, or having a child in common—fit the statutory domestic-relationship criteria.