In the state of Washington, assault is categorized by degree:
- First degree: Intent to cause great bodily harm with a deadly weapon or force or exposure to a dangerous disease or substance.
- Second degree: Intent to inflict substantial bodily harm using weapons or force or exposure to dangerous disease or substance (including trying to harm an unborn child by injuring the mother).
- Third degree: Causing bodily harm through criminal negligence or assaulting police officers, fire fighters, judicial employees, transportation providers, or healthcare providers.
- Fourth degree: A range of actions that violate social standards but don’t amount to a greater degree of assault.