2025 Session Last amended: 2015 session

§ 609.223 — Assault in the Third Degree

Plain-Language Summary

Defines third-degree assault in Minnesota. It is a felony to assault someone and cause substantial bodily harm, to assault a child as part of a pattern of child abuse, or to assault a child under age four causing injuries to the head, eyes, neck, or multiple bruises. The penalty is up to 5 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Practical Notes
Substantial bodily harm means temporary but significant disfigurement, temporary loss of a body part or organ, or a fracture. A pattern of child abuse makes the assault a felony regardless of the severity of the current injury. Assaulting a child under four is treated as a felony even without substantial bodily harm.