In what scenario can aggravated assault occur?

Aggravated assault occurs when an individual causes serious bodily injury to another person or uses a deadly weapon during the commission of the assault. In this scenario, causing serious bodily injury — which may involve significant harm such as fractures, major cuts, or any injury that poses a substantial risk of death — aligns directly with the legal definitions surrounding aggravated assault. When the victim is someone like a spouse, it can also carry additional charges or societal implications, reflecting the seriousness of the act.

In contrast, the other scenarios presented do not meet the criteria for aggravated assault. Verbally threatening a group does not involve physical harm or injury, and thus would typically fall under different legal definitions, such as making a terroristic threat. Similarly, minor scuffles without injury would likely be classified as a simple assault, and swatting away an object lacks the intent to cause serious bodily harm or the use of a weapon, which is necessary for it to be considered aggravated assault. Each of these options fails to exhibit the level of physical harm or intent that defines aggravated assault, making the correct choice pivotal in understanding this legal concept.