MICHAEL L ABERNATHY

Domestic assault is when someone commits assault (hitting, attacking, threatening, or attempting to injure) against a domestic abuse victim—which includes current or former spouses, people living together, dating partners, family members by blood or marriage, or children of people in these relationships. Punishment depends on whether it's a first or second offense and the method used, ranging from the same penalties as basic assault to enhanced felony charges for repeat offenses.

Penalty: Class E felony; 1-6 years; fine up to $3,000

False imprisonment is knowingly removing or confining another person unlawfully in a way that substantially interferes with their freedom of movement. Punishment is up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and up to $2,500 in fines.

Penalty: Class A misdemeanor; 11 months 29 days; fine up to $2,500

It is illegal to intentionally damage someone else's property by destroying it, making it unusable, defacing it, or contaminating it with chemicals or toxic substances. The offense includes damaging merchandise in stores and marking or defacing government property. A violation is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to 11 months 29 days in jail and a $2,500 fine. The charge is enhanced to a Class E felony (1-6 years prison) in certain circumstances, such as for repeat offenses or especially serious property damage.

Penalty: Class A misdemeanor; 11 months 29 days; fine up to $2,500

The offense is intentionally pursuing, contacting, or communicating with another person in a way that alarms or annoys them (including through electronic means or social media), or intentionally threatening another person or a minor. This is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and/or a fine up to $2,500; it is enhanced to a Class E felony if the victim is a minor, if the defendant has prior harassment convictions, or if the harassment involves threats of violence.

Penalty: Class A misdemeanor; 11 months 29 days; fine up to $2,500

Aggravated assault is assault committed with a deadly weapon (a firearm or anything designed to cause death or serious injury) or assault that causes serious bodily injury (substantial risk of death or permanent damage); this is a Class D felony (2 to 12 years in prison, up to $5,000 fine), but can be elevated to a Class C or B felony depending on aggravating circumstances like the severity of injury or use of weapons.

Penalty: Class D felony; 2-12 years; fine up to $5,000