LawMeaning

assault with a deadly weapon

In one sentence

Attempting or threatening to cause serious bodily harm using an object capable of causing death or severe injury.

Plain English

Assault with a deadly weapon involves either attacking someone or creating a reasonable fear of imminent harm using an object designed to kill or seriously injure—such as a gun, knife, or baseball bat. The weapon must be something capable of causing death or severe bodily harm, and the person must act with intent to harm or with knowledge that their actions create substantial danger. Unlike simple assault, this crime carries much harsher penalties because of the weapon involved.

Ad slot

Example

A person grabs a knife during an argument and lunges at someone, intending to stab them. Even if the knife doesn't make contact, this is assault with a deadly weapon because a deadly object was used to threaten or attempt serious harm.

Used in a sentence

“The defendant was charged with assault with a deadly weapon after attacking another person with a crowbar.”

Related terms

defendant
The person accused of a crime in a criminal case or sued in a civil case.
criminal intent
The mental state or purpose required to commit a crime.
Felony
A serious crime punishable by more than one year in prison or death.
Self-Defense
The legal right to use reasonable force to protect yourself from harm.
Statute of Limitations
A law setting the maximum time period within which a lawsuit can be filed after an injury or breach occurs.
Stand Your Ground
A law allowing a person to use force, including deadly force, to defend themselves without a duty to retreat.
Castle Doctrine
A law stating that a person's home is their castle and they can use force to defend it without duty to retreat.
Expungement
A legal process that erases or seals a criminal conviction from your record.

This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney.