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 Maine, assault is defined under Title 17-A, §207 of the Maine Criminal Code. It is considered a crime when a person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes bodily injury or offensive physical contact to another person. The state differentiates between simple assault, which is a Class D crime, and aggravated assault, which is a more serious offense and can be classified as a Class B or Class A crime, depending on the circumstances, such as the use of a weapon or the extent of injury caused. Maine law recognizes that assault can occur without actual physical contact, as the threat of harm can be enough to instill fear in the victim, provided it is immediate and the fear is reasonable. The penalties for assault in Maine vary based on the severity of the offense and can include fines, imprisonment, and probation.