Assault
RSA 631:2-a — simple assault is a misdemeanor, or a violation in a fight by mutual consent
| The offense | What it is | The charge |
|---|---|---|
| The offenseSimple assault | What it isPurposely or knowingly causing bodily injury or unprivileged physical contact, recklessly causing bodily injury, or negligently causing it with a deadly weapon | The chargeMisdemeanor; a violation in a fight entered by mutual consent |
| The offenseSecond degree assault | What it isKnowingly or recklessly causing serious bodily injury, or recklessly causing bodily injury with a deadly weapon, among other things | The chargeClass B felony |
| The offenseFirst degree assault | What it isPurposely causing serious bodily injury, or purposely or knowingly causing bodily injury with a deadly weapon, among other things | The chargeClass A felony |
Who handles this in New Hampshire: New Hampshire Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service; and legal aid programs and the state offices, listed in the New Hampshire directory.
Knowingly or recklessly causing serious bodily injury to a person under 13 is first degree assault.
Sources for this section (3)
- RSA 631:2-a — Simple Assault
- RSA 631:2 — Second Degree Assault
- RSA 631:1 — First Degree Assault
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed New Hampshire attorney.