An assault in law refers to an attempt made by an individual to cause physical injury to another or to make a threat to harm someone. The term assault is often used by the average person as an actual physical contact, but the legal meaning is different. However, when an assault results in serious injury to the victim, the offense is elevated from simple assault to aggravated assault.
In Michigan, aggravated assault does not include the use of a weapon and is charged as a misdemeanor. It is differentiated from felonious assault, which includes the use of a weapon.
To better understand aggravated assault, it is important to note what constitutes a serious injury. Serious or aggravated injury will include physical harm that: