What constitutes an "aggravated assault" in Missouri?

In Missouri, aggravated assault is defined as the intentional infliction of serious physical injury on another person or the use of a deadly weapon during the commission of an assault. This distinction is crucial because it elevates the severity of the offense compared to lesser forms of assault.

The law recognizes that when a serious physical injury occurs or when a deadly weapon is involved, the potential for harm is significantly increased, warranting a more severe classification and corresponding penalties. Serious physical injury typically involves injuries that create a substantial risk of death, cause long-term disfigurement, or result in protracted loss or impairment of a bodily member or organ.

By contrast, options that involve minor injuries or assaults without the intent to cause injury do not meet the criteria for aggravated assault, as the focus is on the severity of the harm or the threat posed by the weapon in question. Consequently, the emphasis in Missouri law on serious injury or the use of dangerous weapons is what makes this specific definition of aggravated assault critical in understanding the legal framework surrounding violent crimes.