ASSAULT & VIOLENT OFFENSES

Causing physical harm to another person.

What to know:
• Can be charged even with minor injury
• Includes threats or physical contact deemed offensive
• Often charged as a Class A misdemeanor but can be enhanced

Allegations involving a spouse, partner, or household member.

What to know:
• Can lead to protective orders immediately
• May impact child custody and housing
• Penalties increase with prior history

Assault involving serious bodily injury or use of a weapon.

What to know:
• Considered a felony offense
• Includes use or display of a deadly weapon
• Carries significant prison time if convicted

Serious injury or weapon use involving a family or household member.

What to know:
• One of the most serious assault charges
• Often involves protective orders and no-contact conditions
• High-level felony with severe penalties

Reckless behavior that puts others at risk of serious harm.

What to know:
• Does not require actual injury
• Often involves firearms or dangerous actions
• Can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony

Threatening violence with intent to cause fear or disruption.

What to know:
• Can apply even without physical contact
• Often tied to verbal, written, or electronic threats
• Severity depends on the situation and intent

Impeding breathing or circulation during an assault.

What to know:
• Automatically enhanced to a felony
• Taken very seriously by courts and prosecutors
• Often tied to family violence cases