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 Utah, assault is defined under Utah Code § 76-5-102. The statute describes assault as an act committed by an individual who: (1) attempts to do bodily injury to another, (2) threatens to do bodily injury to another with an act constituting a substantial step toward carrying out the threat, or (3) commits an act that creates a substantial risk of bodily injury to another. The crime of assault in Utah does not require physical contact; the threat or attempt is sufficient if it puts the other person in immediate fear or apprehension of harm. Assault can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances, such as whether the victim was seriously injured or if a weapon was used. It is important to note that battery is not a separate offense in Utah; rather, it is encompassed within the assault statute, with physical contact resulting in injury being treated as an aggravated form of assault.