A person is guilty of aggravated assault if they cause what type of injury?

A person is guilty of aggravated assault primarily if they cause serious bodily injury to another. This legal standard is set to reflect the severity of the actions taken and the resulting consequences for the victim. Serious bodily injury is defined as an injury that poses a substantial risk of death or that causes death, serious permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of a body part or organ.

This classification emphasizes the seriousness of the act and differentiates aggravated assault from simpler forms of assault, which may involve minor injuries or merely put someone in fear of harm without significant physical impact. The presence of serious bodily injury elevates the crime to aggravated assault due to the potential life-threatening consequences and the greater societal impact associated with such offenses.

Therefore, the focus is on the degree of harm inflicted, and in this context, serious bodily injury is a crucial element that confirms the severity of the offense.