2025 Session Last amended: 1992 session

§ 609.222 — Assault in the Second Degree

Plain-Language Summary

Defines second-degree assault in Minnesota. Covers assaults committed with a dangerous weapon (up to 7 years in prison) and assaults with a dangerous weapon that cause substantial bodily harm (up to 10 years in prison).

609.222 ASSAULT IN THE SECOND DEGREE.

Subdivision 1.Dangerous weapon.

Whoever assaults another with a dangerous weapon may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than seven years or to payment of a fine of not more than $14,000, or both. §

Subd. 2.Dangerous weapon; substantial bodily harm.

Whoever assaults another with a dangerous weapon and inflicts substantial bodily harm may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than ten years or to payment of a fine of not more than $20,000, or both.

History:

1979 c 258 s 5; 1984 c 628 art 3 s 11; 1985 c 53 s 1; 1989 c 290 art 6 s 9; 1992 c 571 art 4 s 7

History: History: 1979 c 258 s 5; 1984 c 628 art 3 s 11; 1985 c 53 s 1; 1989 c 290 art 6 s 9; 1992 c 571 art 4 s 7

Practical Notes

Second-degree assault is a felony. A ‘dangerous weapon’ includes firearms, knives, and any device or instrument that is likely to cause death or great bodily harm – courts have found items like baseball bats, vehicles, and even boots used to kick someone can qualify. ‘Substantial bodily harm’ means injuries involving temporary but substantial disfigurement or a temporary but substantial loss or impairment of a body part. If charged, seek legal representation immediately.

Source: Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes