The crime of assault varies from state to state (and under federal law), but is generally defined as intentionally putting another person in reasonable apprehension or fear of an imminent (immediate) harmful or offensive contact. The crime of assault may be committed even if there is no physical contact, as the criminal physical contact constitutes the separate crime of battery.

The crime of assault with a deadly weapon (also known as aggravated assault) occurs when someone uses a deadly weapon (gun, knife, club, tire iron, brass knuckles, etc.) during an assault.

In Florida, assault is defined under Florida Statute 784.011 as an intentional, unlawful threat by word or act to do violence to another person, with the apparent ability to do so, and doing some act which creates a well-founded fear in the other person that such violence is imminent. This means that even without physical contact, a person can be charged with assault if they have put another in fear of immediate harm. Aggravated assault, as per Florida Statute 784.021, is an assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill or with an intent to commit a felony. The use of a deadly weapon, such as a firearm or knife, during the assault elevates the charge to aggravated assault, which is a more serious offense with harsher penalties. Both assault and aggravated assault are criminal offenses in Florida, with the latter carrying more severe consequences due to the involvement of a deadly weapon or the intent to commit an additional felony.