Aggravated assault is the crime of attacking another person with a deadly or dangerous weapon, such as a gun, knife, or blunt instrument, in a manner that is likely to produce serious bodily harm. The use of other “weapons” can also constitute aggravated assault. The crime would apply, for example, to an assault with caustic chemicals.

Also, it’s not necessary that serious bodily harm actually results from an aggravated assault when there is use of a gun, knife, or other weapon that could or probably would result in serious injury if the attack were successfully completed. Aggravated assault is often connected with the commission of another crime, such as beating a clerk during a robbery. The crime of aggravated assault is usually a felony punishable by a term in state prison.