Minnesota law categorizes assault into
five different charging levels. Assault charges can range
from first degree (the most serious as it is a felony) to
fifth degree (the least serious because it is a misdemeanor).
A fifth degree assault may also be labeled
as a “domestic” assault if it occurs between household
members, former or current significant others, or persons related
by blood. A domestic assault conviction can result in civil
penalties, such as being prohibited from possessing a firearm.
A prosecuting attorney determines the severity
of the charge by looking at what conduct took place between
the alleged perpetrator and the victim and what injuries, if
any, resulted from an altercation.
