What characterizes aggravated assault?

Aggravated assault is distinctly characterized by the involvement of a weapon or the intent to inflict serious bodily injury. This definition highlights the severity of the crime, indicating that it goes beyond mere threats or minor injuries. In many jurisdictions, using a weapon enhances the danger to the victim and reflects a more serious criminal intent, which is why aggravated assault is treated with more severity in penal codes.

The other options do not accurately reflect the nature of aggravated assault. For instance, simply threatening harm does not meet the threshold for aggravated assault, and minimal injuries do not align with the definition, as aggravated assault typically involves the potential for significant harm. Moreover, aggravated assault is not always classified as a misdemeanor; it can be categorized as a felony depending on the circumstances, such as the severity of the actions and the presence of a weapon. Thus, the option regarding the use of a weapon is crucial to understanding what elevates an ordinary assault to aggravated assault.