“Attempt to Cause Harm” & How Assault Isn’t Always Physical

Physically hurting another person or unborn child is considered assault
in Ohio. However, an individual does not necessarily have to cause direct
physical harm to another in order to be charged with an assault. Ohio
Revised Statute §2903.13 categorizes assault as “knowingly causing or attempting to cause
injury to another or another’s unborn baby.” Ohio’s
Chapter 2903 lists numerous ways in which an individual can be charged
with assault without direct violence.

Assault Charges That Are Not Always Physical

• Felonious Assault – Under C.R.S §
  2903.11.B, if an individual knows they are positive for an immunodeficiency virus
  (such as AIDS or HIV) and engage in sexual conduct without telling their
  partner of their condition, they can be charged with a felonious assault.
  This is considered a first-degree felony.
• Failing to Care for Functionally Impaired Individuals – Under C.R.S §
  2903.16, a caretaker who knowingly or recklessly fails to provide proper care
  to a functionally impaired individual can be charged with an assault charge.
  Such an incident is classified as a fourth-degree felony.
• Aggravated Menacing – If a person leads another to believe they will cause physical harm, injury
  to their loved ones, or damage to their property, through either words
  or conduct, they can be charged with aggravated menacing. Under C.R.S §
  2903.21, this can be classified as a first-degree misdemeanor.
• Menace By Stalking – Under C.R.S. §
  2903.211, if a person knowingly causes someone else to believe they will cause
  physical or mental harm, they can be charged with menace by stalking.
  Under the assault laws, this is considered a first-degree misdemeanor.
• Hazing – Hazing means committing an act or coercing another to perform a mentally
  or physically tasking action in order to gain access into a school club
  or organization. Under C.R.S. §
  2903.31, anyone who engages in hazing can be charged with a fourth-degree misdemeanor.

Any degree of assault charges should be taken very seriously. Not all cases
involve physical violence. If you were accused of any of the charges listed
above, contact our
Ohio assault attorneys today. We review our clients’ situations and build the most effective
cases for them. Call today to schedule a
consultation.

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