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GlossaryCrime classifications

Simple assault

Simple assault is a defined assault category without the qualifying dangerous-weapon or severe-injury factors for aggravated assault. Learn why simple does not mean harmless.

Simple assault is a reporting classification for an unlawful physical attack that lacks the dangerous-weapon and severe-injury circumstances required for aggravated assault under the applicable standard. “Simple” is a category name, not a judgment that the experience was minor or harmless. Local charging definitions can differ from the FBI's statistical definition.

A specific reporting boundary

NIBRS distinguishes simple assault from aggravated assault and intimidation. The distinction depends on the documented conduct, weapons, and injuries, rather than whether a reader considers the incident serious. The FBI's cited manual also treats assault attempts within its completed-assault reporting framework, which differs from ordinary use of “completed.” FBI assault classification

A statistical code therefore cannot supply every legal element. NCSBI explicitly states that reporting definitions are not charging statutes. A local offense with “assault” in its name must be interpreted under the relevant jurisdiction's law and the document's stage. NCSBI offense definitions

A call initially coded as a fight may later produce an assault report, another classification, or no offense finding. The initial request and offense category are distinct evidence.

Example

Hypothetical example: A report documents an unlawful shove during a dispute, with no dangerous weapon or qualifying severe injury. The agency classifies the offense as simple assault under the reporting standard it uses. A separate case record identifies any later enforcement action.

The category explains the statistical classification given the stated facts. It does not measure the person's distress or determine a penalty. The example assumes the documented agency determination; a short public note about an argument would not, by itself, establish those facts.

Common confusion

Aggravated assault can qualify through a dangerous weapon even without injury. A lack of injury therefore does not automatically establish simple assault. Intimidation is another defined reporting category and should not be treated as every physical attack's synonym.

“Simple” is also not a universal synonym for misdemeanor. Legal grading and statistical grouping answer different questions. A reported simple assault is not an arrest, charge, or conviction merely because the category appears in a table.

Comparing assault totals

Identify whether the source combines simple and aggravated assault, counts victims or incidents, and includes revised classifications. A change in medical or investigative information can alter the category without creating a new incident. When comparing local dashboards, use the included offense definitions and period. A broad “assault calls” total cannot replace a defined count of reported simple-assault offenses.

Sources