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 Vermont, assault is defined under Vermont Statutes Title 13, Chapter 23. Assault is generally considered an attempt or threat to do bodily injury to another person, with the apparent ability to cause the injury at the time. This means that even without physical contact, a person can be charged with assault if they intentionally put someone else in fear of imminent harm. The severity of the charge can range from simple assault, which is a misdemeanor, to aggravated assault, which is a felony, depending on factors such as the use of a deadly weapon, the severity of the threat, and the intent behind the action. Vermont law distinguishes assault from battery, with battery involving actual physical contact and harm to another person.