While many types of crimes use violence, there are a specific set of crimes that are known as violent crimes or violent felonies. These crimes result in either someone getting physically hurt — such as murder or rape — or you’ve threatened someone with possible harm — such as robbery or arson. 

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.