I've been told that before and doesn't seem consistent...
Arizona’s
assault law can be found in the Arizona Revised Statutes 13-1203.
The statute reads,
A. A person commits assault by: 1. Intentionally, knowingly or recklessly causing any physical injury to another person; or 2. Intentionally placing another person in reasonable apprehension of imminent physical injury; or 3. Knowingly touching another person with the intent to injure, insult or provoke such person. B. Assault committed intentionally or knowingly pursuant to subsection A, paragraph 1 is a class 1 misdemeanor. Assault committed recklessly pursuant to subsection A, paragraph 1 or assault pursuant to subsection A, paragraph 2 is a class 2 misdemeanor. Assault committed pursuant to subsection A, paragraph 3 is a class 3 misdemeanor.
In Arizona, the offense of battery is called
aggravated assault. Depending on the status of the victim or acts committed, it can be charged as a Class 2 to Class 5 felony. If convicted of Aggravated Assault as a dangerous offense, even as a first offense, you will go to prison.
Typically, aggravated assault is charged when the defendant commits an assault in the following manner:
- Causes serious physical injury or substantial disfigurement to another
- Uses a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument to intentionally place somebody in imminent fear of serious physical injury
- Commits an ordinary assault on a public servant, such as a police officer, teacher, prosecutor, hospital staff or prison guard.