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 Alaska, assault is defined under Alaska Statutes Section 11.41.200 - 11.41.220. The state recognizes several degrees of assault, with the severity of the charge depending on factors such as the intent of the perpetrator, the use of a weapon, and the extent of injury to the victim. First-degree assault is the most serious, involving circumstances that cause serious physical injury or involve the use of a dangerous instrument. Second and third-degree assaults involve less serious physical injury or placing someone in fear of such injury, with third-degree assault also including recklessly causing injury or placing another person in fear of injury. Fourth-degree assault, the least serious, can involve causing fear of imminent physical injury to another person, even without physical contact. Alaska law thus aligns with the general definition of assault, recognizing that the crime can be committed without physical contact, through actions that put another person in fear of imminent harmful or offensive contact.