A latch assembly a method resists inadvertent movement from a latched state to an unlatched state in a crash condition. Latch assembly includes a strength plate unit, with a ratchet supported by the strength plate unit for pivotal movement within a ratchet pivot plane between a striker release position and a striker capture position. A pawl is supported by the strength plate unit for pivotal movement within a pawl pivot plane between a ratchet holding position, whereat the pawl holds the ratchet in the striker capture position, and a ratchet releasing position, whereat the pawl permits pivotal movement of the ratchet within the ratchet pivot plane to the striker release position. The strength plate unit prevents movement of at least one of the ratchet out of the ratchet pivot plane and the pawl out of the pawl pivot plane while the pawl is in the ratchet holding position.