Legal Definitions - attempted assault

Definition: Attempted assault is an attempt to commit an assault, which is the threat or use of force on another person that causes them to fear imminent harm or offensive contact. It is an attempted battery that has not progressed far enough to be an assault.

Example: If someone tries to punch another person but misses, it is considered an attempted assault. Another example is if someone intends to harm someone physically but is caught before they can carry out the assault.

These examples illustrate that attempted assault is a crime that occurs when someone tries to harm another person but is unsuccessful in doing so. It is still considered a crime because the intent to harm is present, even if the physical act is not completed.