What is the difference between an aggravated assault and a simple assault?

Aggravated assault and simple assault are both violent crimes that are taken very seriously in North Carolina, and they have a few key differences that set them apart. Simple assault is defined as an attempt or threat to harm someone else, either with or without a weapon. Simple assault is typically classified as a Class 2 misdemeanor in North Carolina, and the maximum punishment for a conviction is 60 days in jail. Aggravated assault, on the other hand, is defined as an attempt or threat to harm someone else with the use of a weapon that can cause serious bodily injury. Aggravated assault is typically classified as a Class D felony in North Carolina, and the maximum punishment for a conviction is up to 25 months in prison. Overall, the primary difference between aggravated assault and simple assault lies in the use of a weapon. If a weapon is used, then it is considered an aggravated assault, and this type of crime is much more serious than a simple assault. Additionally, the punishments for aggravated assault are much more severe than those for simple assault, so it is important to understand that the two crimes are not the same.

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