What is the key difference between aggravated assault and simple assault in Georgia?

The key distinction between aggravated assault and simple assault in Georgia lies in the severity of the actions and the intent behind them. Aggravated assault is defined by the intention to cause serious bodily injury to another individual, or it involves the use of a deadly weapon. This reflects a higher level of severity and potential harm, which is why the legal consequences are much more serious for aggravated assault as compared to simple assault.

In contrast, simple assault typically involves an attempt or threat to cause physical harm, but it does not necessarily require the intent to cause serious injury or the use of a weapon. The focus in simple assault cases is on the act of threatening or attempting to harm someone, which does not reach the legal threshold necessary to classify it as aggravated assault. This is why option C accurately captures the essence of the difference between the two types of assault in Georgia law.