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.
In Iowa, assault is defined under Iowa Code section 708.1. The law characterizes assault as any act which is intended to cause pain or injury to another, result in physical contact which will be insulting or offensive to another, or place another person in fear of immediate physical contact which will be painful, injurious, insulting, or offensive. Notably, actual physical contact is not required for an act to be considered assault; the mere threat or attempt, with the apparent ability to carry out the threat, can constitute assault if it puts the other person in reasonable fear of imminent harm. The severity of an assault charge in Iowa can range from a simple misdemeanor to a felony, depending on factors such as the intent behind the assault, the use of a weapon, and whether the victim suffers any injury.