Aggravated assault is a serious criminal offense that involves the intentional infliction of severe bodily injury or the use of a deadly weapon in an assault. It typically involves a violent attack or threat of violence against another person with the intent to cause serious harm, and it may result in severe physical injury, permanent disfigurement, or death. Aggravated assault is distinguished from simple assault by the presence of additional factors that increase the severity or danger of the offense, such as the use of a weapon, the infliction of serious bodily injury, or the victim’s vulnerable status, such as being a child, elderly person, or law enforcement officer. Aggravated assault is punishable by significant criminal penalties, including imprisonment, fines, and other sanctions, and may be prosecuted as a felony offense in many jurisdictions.
n. the crime of physically attacking another person which results in serious bodily harm and/or is made with a deadly or dangerous weapon such as a gun, knife, sword, ax or blunt instrument. Aggravated assault is usually a felony punishable by a term in state prison.
Aggravated Assault: noun
Definition: A serious and intentional act of physical violence committed against another person, typically involving the use of a deadly weapon or resulting in severe bodily harm. Aggravated assault is considered a more severe offense than simple assault due to the presence of aggravating factors such as the intent to cause serious harm, the use of a weapon, or the victim’s vulnerability. This criminal act is often accompanied by a higher degree of violence, which may lead to long-term physical or psychological consequences for the victim. Aggravated assault is punishable by law and may result in significant penalties, including imprisonment and fines, depending on the jurisdiction and the severity of the offense.
Aggravated assault is a serious criminal offense that involves intentionally causing serious bodily harm to another person. It is considered a more severe form of assault than simple assault, and is often accompanied by the use of a deadly weapon or other dangerous instrument. Aggravated assault can result in significant legal consequences, including imprisonment, fines, and a criminal record. The severity of the punishment will depend on the specific circumstances of the offense, including the severity of the injuries inflicted, the use of a weapon, and the defendant’s criminal history.
A person is guilty of aggravated assault if he or she attempts to cause serious bodily injury to another or causes such injury purposely, knowingly, or recklessly under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life; or attempts to cause or purposely or knowingly causes bodily injury to another with a deadly weapon. In all jurisdictions, statutes punish such aggravated assaults as assault with intent to murder (or rob or kill or rape) and assault with a dangerous (or deadly) weapon more severely than “simple” assaults.
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This glossary post was last updated: 29th March, 2024.
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