In California, publicly brandishing a firearm or deadly weapon is against the law. Showing another person a handgun you have in your waistband — even if it's unloaded — is illegal. So is threateningly pointing a knife, work tool, sword, or any other object that could cause bodily harm to another. 

Although they may sound similar, assault and aggravated assault are two entirely different crimes in the state of California. They also have different punishments as the law considers one a more violent crime than the other. 

Under California law, there are two main types of assault charges — standard assault and aggravated assault. While both charges are certainly serious, the law considers aggravated assault a more violent crime than simple assault, leaving you to potentially face harsher penalties. 

Two young women walking down a sidewalk in Los Angeles stop when confronted by another woman. This third woman yells at one of the other women, claiming she has been having an affair with her boyfriend. The two women exchange heated words and at one point, the accusing woman raises her arm, makes a fist, and takes a swing at the other woman.