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 Rhode Island, assault is defined under Rhode Island General Laws Section 11-5-3 as an attempt or offer to do bodily harm to another person, with the apparent ability to cause the harm if not prevented. This means that an assault can occur even without physical contact, as long as there is an intentional act that creates a reasonable fear of imminent harm in another person. The law distinguishes between simple assault and battery, which is a misdemeanor, and felony assault, which includes assaults that result in serious bodily injury or are committed with a dangerous weapon. Assaulting a police officer or other peace officer while they are performing their official duties is indeed considered a more serious offense in Rhode Island, and it can lead to enhanced penalties, including potential felony charges, under Rhode Island General Laws Section 11-5-5.