What defines felonious assault under MCL 750.82?

Felonious assault under MCL 750.82 is defined by the use of a dangerous weapon, or the representation that one is available to the assailant. This statute emphasizes the severity of the act based on the potential for harm created by a weapon, whether it's employed directly or implied. Assaulting someone with a weapon or merely indicating that you have one poses a serious risk to public safety, warranting a felony charge.

This pivotal element of "use" or "apparent use" highlights the danger associated with threats and the presence of weapons, as they can instill fear and lead to significant consequences. Through this definition, the law recognizes situations where an assailant may not physically harm someone but still engage in conduct that threatens safety, thereby justifying the felony designation.

Other options, while they may capture aspects of aggressive behavior, do not align with the specific legal definition of felonious assault as stated in the statue. Injury without intent, minor injury, or consent from the victim do not meet the criteria established under MCL 750.82, which focuses on the dangerous weapon aspect that characterizes felonious assault.