Assault And Menacing
ORS 163.160, ORS 163.165 and ORS 163.190 — physical injury, then serious injury, and a threat with no touch at all
| Offense | What it takes | Class |
|---|---|---|
| OffenseMenacing | What it takesIntentionally trying, by word or conduct, to put someone in fear of imminent serious physical injury | ClassClass A misdemeanor |
| OffenseAssault in the fourth degree | What it takesIntentionally, knowingly or recklessly causing physical injury, or negligently causing it with a deadly weapon | ClassClass A misdemeanor |
| OffenseAssault in the third degree | What it takesRecklessly causing serious physical injury with a dangerous weapon, or injuring a transit or taxi operator, an emergency medical provider or a highway worker on duty, among other ways | ClassClass C felony |
When fourth degree becomes a felony. Assault in the fourth degree is a Class C felony when a minor child of either person sees or perceives it, when the person has a prior assault conviction against the same victim, when the person has at least three previous assault convictions, or when the person knows the victim is pregnant, among other cases the section names.
Assault in the third degree by recklessly causing serious injury is a Class B felony when it comes from driving under the influence. Where assault or menacing constitutes domestic violence, the judgment says so.
Sources for this section (3)
- ORS 163.160 — Assault in the fourth degree
- ORS 163.165 — Assault in the third degree
- ORS 163.190 — Menacing
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Oregon attorney.