Eli5 What does “aggravated” mean when added to a criminal charge?

Question

What is the difference between assault and aggravated assault? Identity theft and aggravated identity theft?

In: 111

Answer 1

Every legal jurisdiction has their own definitions, so the answer will vary.

In Canada, assault is simply intentionally making direct or indirect content with someone else without their consent. There is no requirement to cause any type injury in order to assault someone. Aggravated assault is an assault which “wounds, maims, disfigures or endangers the life of the complainant.”

I imagine that most jurisdictions have a similar definition, where aggravated assault is an assault which causes more serious injuries.