What escalates Assault and Battery to a felony level?

The escalation of Assault and Battery to a felony level is characterized by causing serious bodily injury to another person. In legal contexts, serious bodily injury typically refers to substantial physical harm that poses a risk of death, causes permanent disfigurement, or results in protracted loss or impairment of a bodily member or organ. This distinction is crucial because it highlights the severity of the act and the potential for long-term consequences for the victim, warranting a more significant legal response.

In contrast, causing minor injuries may not meet the threshold for felony charges, as these typically only result in misdemeanor classifications unless accompanied by aggravating circumstances. Assault with verbal threats alone does not involve physical harm and, therefore, does not elevate the situation to a felony unless it is coupled with actions that lead to serious injury. Thus, causing serious bodily injury is the defining factor that raises the severity of the offense to a felony level.