We hear the word “assault” used in many different ways. Two types of assault we often hear about are felonious assault and aggravated assault. There’s no telling if what happened actually is an “assault” by definition. So what is the difference between felonious assault and aggravated assault? Is there a difference at all?
Well, let’s start with some definitions.
• What is a felony?
A felony is a crime that is punishable by more than one year in prison.
While there are hundreds of possible felonies, some of the most common felonies in Michigan include those related to using and transporting narcotics; larceny from a building; assault with a dangerous weapon (felonious assault); armed robbery; attempted murder; criminal sexual conduct in the first degree; and auto theft.
There are several categories of felonies, from Class A to Class F. Class A felonies are the most severe, while Class F felonies are punishable by up to two years in prison and may even be considered misdemeanors.
• What is assault?
Simply stated, an assault is the threat of bodily harm while having the ability to carry out the threat. It means someone was afraid of being harmed.
The Difference Between Felonious Assault and Aggravated Assault
A felonious assault is when someone is assaulted with a weapon that can cause serious injury or death.
An aggravated assault is when someone intends to do more than scare the victim. Aggravated assaults could include such things as an intent to kill. Aggravated assaults are punishable as felonies or misdemeanors.
Therefore, while the difference between felonious assault and aggravated assault may be about the intent and results, the terms can actually be used to enhance each other. Someone who committed an aggravated assault could be charged with felonious assault, while the felony that the person committed could be described as aggravated.
In fact, the state of Michigan defines them as one, stated as:
“Aggravated/Felonious Assault is an unlawful attack by one person upon another wherein the offender uses a weapon or displays it in a threatening manner, or the victim suffers obvious severe or aggravated bodily injury involving apparent broken bones, loss of teeth, possible internal injury, severe laceration, or loss of consciousness.”
Contact Detroit Bail Bonds for More Information
If you want more information about the difference between felonious assault and aggravated assault as legal terms, contact your attorney or let us know. We can help you understand the differences or point you in the right direction.
We can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through our Detroit Bail Bonds website or by phone at 313-244-0669.
Tags: Aggravated Assault, Felonious Assault, Legal Terminology