Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Practice Exam

Is aggravated assault considered a felony?

1. True

2. False

3. Depends on the circumstances

4. Only in certain states

The correct answer is: True

Aggravated assault is generally classified as a felony due to the nature of the offense, which involves an intent to cause serious bodily harm or the use of a weapon during the assault. The classification as a felony signifies that it is a more serious charge compared to simple assault, which may be classified as a misdemeanor. In many jurisdictions, the factors that elevate assault to aggravated assault include the use of a deadly weapon, the intent to cause more severe injury, or the victim's status (such as being a law enforcement officer). The felony designation often carries higher penalties, including longer prison sentences and more significant fines than would be imposed for a misdemeanor. This underscores the legal system’s intent to deter violent behavior and protect public safety. Although there could be varying degrees of assault defined by different states that might affect prosecution and sentencing, the fundamental structure recognizes aggravated assault as a felony. Therefore, the true nature of aggravated assault justifies its classification as a felony in appropriate circumstances.