The crime of assault varies from state to state (and under federal law), but is generally defined as intentionally putting another person in reasonable apprehension or fear of an imminent (immediate) harmful or offensive contact. The crime of assault may be committed even if there is no physical contact, as the criminal physical contact constitutes the separate crime of battery. In many states assaulting a police officer or peace officer who is performing official duties (such as making a lawful arrest) is a more serious offense—sometimes a felony.

In Minnesota, assault is defined under Minnesota Statutes Section 609.02 and related statutes. Assault in Minnesota is generally categorized into five degrees, with first-degree assault being the most serious, involving great bodily harm, and fifth-degree assault being the least serious, typically involving the fear of bodily harm or non-consensual physical contact. The state differentiates assault from battery, which is not a separate legal category in Minnesota, but rather is included within the varying degrees of assault charges. Assaulting a police officer or peace officer is indeed considered a more serious offense in Minnesota. Under Minnesota Statutes Section 609.2231, assaulting a peace officer, which includes police officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, and other specified officers, can result in increased penalties and is often charged as a felony, depending on the circumstances and the degree of harm inflicted.