While there are similarities, the crimes of simple, or misdemeanor assault, and aggravated assault have significant differences.
Simple Assault
Simple, or misdemeanor, assault can be committed in three distinct ways: (1) by causing someone bodily injury, (2) by making someone reasonably fear bodily injury, or (3) causing physical contact with someone that is "extremely offensive or provocative." Versions 1 and 2 are class A misdemeanors, punishable by up to 11 months and 29 days in jail or the same period of probation. Version 3 is a class be misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months.
Aggravated Assault
Aggravated assault is a simple assault but with one of the following: (1) serious bodily injury, as defined in the statute, (2) the use or display of a deadly weapon, or (3) involved strangulation or attempted strangulation. Aggravated assault is punished as a B, C, or D felony, depending on the facts charged. This means the punishment range is 2-30 years, again depending on which version is charged and whether the defendant has certain prior convictions.
Assault on a First Responder
First responders in Tennessee include law enforcement, firefighters, TWRA officers, park rangers, and nurses. Assaults and aggravated assaults on these individuals can be committed the same way, but carry additional penalties. For a misdemeanor assault on a first responder there is a 30 day mandatory minimum jail term. For a felony, that mandatory minimum increases to 90 days. There are also increased mandatory minimum fines imposed.