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.

The crime of assault with a deadly weapon (also known as aggravated assault) occurs when someone uses a deadly weapon (gun, knife, club, tire iron, brass knuckles, etc.) during an assault.

In Wisconsin, the term 'assault' is not used in the criminal statutes; instead, Wisconsin law refers to 'battery' to describe physical contact and uses terms like 'threatening' or 'intimidation' for actions that would be considered assault in other jurisdictions. Battery is defined under Wisconsin Statute 940.19, and it occurs when a person causes bodily harm to another by an act done with intent to cause bodily harm to that person or another without the person's consent. Aggravated battery, which would be similar to assault with a deadly weapon, is addressed under the same statute and involves causing great bodily harm intentionally or with a dangerous weapon. The use of a deadly weapon increases the severity of the charge and the potential penalties upon conviction. It's important to note that in Wisconsin, a person can be charged with a crime for threatening or intimidating behavior that puts another in fear of imminent harm, even if no physical contact occurs.