Generally, assault is a crime that involves causing physical injury or threatening to cause injury to a person.  Alaska law defines 3 different degrees of assault, ranging from a Class B felony to a Class A misdemeanor. The seriousness of the assault charge can depend on whether the assault is intentional, reckless, or criminally negligent; whether a person was physically injured and, if so, the seriousness of the injuries; whether a dangerous instrument is used in the assault; whether a child is injured; and whether the assault involves repeated acts.