76-5-103. Aggravated assault.

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A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.

Effective 5/6/2026

(a)As used in this section:

(i)"Chokehold" means the same as that term is defined in Section 76-5-102 .

(ii)"Targeting a law enforcement officer" means the same as that term is defined in Section 76-5-202 .

(b)Terms defined in Section 76-1-101.5 apply to this section.

(2)An actor commits aggravated assault if:

(i)the actor attempts, with unlawful force or violence, to do bodily injury to another;

(ii)the actor makes a threat, accompanied by a show of immediate force or violence, to do bodily injury to another; or

(iii)the actor commits an act, committed with unlawful force or violence, that causes bodily injury to another or creates a substantial risk of bodily injury to another; and

(b)the actor's conduct described in Subsection (2)(a) includes:

(i)the use of:

(A)a dangerous weapon; or

(B)a motor vehicle;

(ii)any act that intentionally or knowingly impedes the breathing or the circulation of blood of another individual by the actor's use of unlawful force or violence by:

(A)applying pressure to the neck or throat of an individual; or

(B)obstructing the nose, mouth, or airway of an individual; or

(iii)other means or force likely to produce death or serious bodily injury.

(a)Except as provided in Subsection (3)(b) or

(c), a violation of Subsection

(2)is a third degree felony.

(b)Except as provided in Subsection (3)(c) , a violation of Subsection

(2)is a second degree felony if:

(i)the act results in serious bodily injury; or

(ii)an act under Subsection (2)(b)(ii) produces a loss of consciousness.

(c)A violation of Subsection

(2)is a first degree felony if the conduct constitutes targeting a law enforcement officer and results in serious bodily injury.

(4)This section does not apply to an actor's use of a chokehold on another individual if:

(a)the chokehold is done as part of training for, or participating in, a practice or sport in which a chokehold is a known and acceptable practice, including martial arts, wrestling, or mixed martial arts; and

(b)the other individual is also training for, or participating in, the same practice or sport in which a chokehold is a known and acceptable practice.

Amended by Chapter 251 , 2026 General Session