Johnathon L Stevenson

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

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

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

Reckless endangerment is when someone acts recklessly in a way that puts another person in immediate danger of death or serious injury. This happens when a person is aware of a serious risk but ignores it anyway—for example, firing a gun into a crowd or driving dangerously fast through a populated area. A basic conviction is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and/or a fine up to $2,500. The offense is enhanced to a Class E, D, or C felony (1-15 years in prison) if the reckless conduct involves using a deadly weapon or firearm.

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

It is illegal to alter, destroy, hide, or create fake records, documents, or physical evidence when you know an investigation or court proceeding is happening, if you intend to affect the evidence or the outcome of the case. A conviction is a Class C felony punishable by 3-15 years in jail and up to $10,000 in fines.

Penalty: Class C felony; 3-15 years; fine up to $10,000