As has been discussed in previous posts, “simple assault” is a misdemeanor resulting from a person: knowingly or recklessly causing bodily injury to another, negligently causing bodily injury to another with a weapon, or even threatening a person in such a manor that they fear serious bodily harm. The injuries in simple assault cases are generally not particularly serious, but can still leave you with a conviction on your record and facing penalties such as: up to 6 months in jail and a fine up to $500.00, or both.
While the above listed actions can lead to you being charged with misdemeanor simple assault, if the facts change slightly, you can find yourself facing felony charges even when your actions have not changed. In the event you engage in actions which would be considered simple assault, but the victim is an elected official, law enforcement, emergency medical personnel, a social worker, or a teacher then your actions can be upgraded from a misdemeanor to a felony.