When I point a gun at someone without speaking, what offense am I committing?

Pointing a gun at someone, even without any verbal threats, constitutes deadly conduct. This offense specifically addresses actions that involve knowingly pointing a firearm at another person in a way that exposes them to imminent danger. The critical element of this offense is the recklessness exhibited by the person pointing the gun; they should be aware that their actions could provoke a reasonable person to fear for their life or safety.

Deadly conduct underscores the severity of the situation where a firearm is involved, prioritizing the potential for serious outcomes that may not exclusively rely on the perpetrator's intent to cause harm. In legal terms, the act of pointing a gun inherently carries a presumption of danger, fulfilling the criteria for this particular offense.

While assault might involve similar conduct and applies to various forms of intentional harm or threats, it typically requires a specific intention to cause physical contact or fear. Aggravated assault amplifies this notion by including elements such as serious bodily injury or using a deadly weapon, suggesting an escalation of intent beyond what is involved in the scenario described. Threatening behavior, although related, doesn't encompass the specific use of a deadly weapon in the direct manner indicated by pointing a gun.

Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why the action of pointing a gun is appropriately