Assault - Offenses Against the Person

Application Notes:

1. Definitions.—For purposes of this guideline:

"First degree murder" means conduct that, if committed within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States, would constitute first degree murder under 18 U.S.C. § 1111.

"Permanent or life-threatening bodily injury" and "serious bodily injury" have the meaning given those terms in Application Note 1 of the Commentary to §1B1.1 (Application Instructions).

2. Upward Departure Provision.—If the offense created a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury to more than one person, an upward departure may be warranted.

Background: This section applies to the offenses of assault with intent to commit murder and attempted murder. An attempted manslaughter, or assault with intent to commit manslaughter, is covered under §2A2.2 (Aggravated Assault).

Historical Note:: Effective November 1, 1987. Amended effective November 1, 1989 (see Appendix C, amendments 83 and 84); November 1, 1990 (see Appendix C, amendment 311); November 1, 1991 (see Appendix C, amendment 391); November 1, 1995 (see Appendix C, amendment 534); November 1, 2002 (see Appendix C, amendment 637); November 1, 2004 (see Appendix C, amendment 663).

§2A2.2. Aggravated Assault

(a) Base Offense Level: 14

(b) Specific Offense Characteristics

(1) If the assault involved more than minimal planning, increase by 2 levels.

(2) If (A) a firearm was discharged, increase by 5 levels; (B) a dangerous weapon (including a firearm) was otherwise used, increase by 4 levels; (C) a dangerous weapon (including a firearm) was brandished or its use was threatened, increase by 3 levels.

(3) If the victim sustained bodily injury, increase the offense level according to the seriousness of the injury:

(D) If the degree of injury is between that specified in subdivisions (A) and (B), add 4 levels; or

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Last reviewed October 2023