Understanding Assault:
An Overview

Classified as a misdemeanor in Florida, the Assault offense occurs when an individual, through words or actions, intentionally threatens violence towards another person.  

Types of Assault Charges:

• Child Abuse: Involves intentionally causing physical or mental harm to a child, ranging from second to third-degree felonies, with aggravated child abuse as a first-degree felony for severe actions. 
• Harassment: A repeated course of conduct causing significant emotional distress without a legitimate purpose, leading to first-degree misdemeanor charges and escalating to a third-degree felony as aggravated stalking when coupled with a credible threat. 
• Sexual: First-degree felony sexual battery in Florida occurs when a victim over 12 years old is subjected to force, coercion, incapacitation, or abuse by a law enforcement officer, carrying a potential prison sentence of up to 30 years. 
• Aggravated Assault: Involves an intentional, unlawful threat with apparent ability, constituting a second-degree misdemeanor, but escalates to a third-degree felony if a deadly weapon or intent to commit a felony is involved, carrying a potential prison sentence of up to five years.