at least in my state (NY) assault can be a misdemeanor. if you do not use a weapon and only inflict physical injury (as opposed to serious physical injury) it's only a misdemeanor.
black eye, bloody nose, scratches. that kind of stuff. class A misdemeanor.
38 posted on 01/30/2009 8:25:10 AM PST by thefactor
(yes, as a matter of fact, i DID only read the excerpt)