Aggravated assault on a peace officer or other 1st responder is categorized as a _____.

Aggravated assault on a peace officer or other first responder is categorized as a Class 4 felony under Illinois law due to the increased seriousness of the offense when it involves individuals who are performing their duties to ensure public safety. This distinction is made because assaults against law enforcement or emergency personnel not only pose a direct threat to those individuals but also undermine the safety and order of the community.

Being classified as a Class 4 felony means that the offense is taken very seriously, carrying more severe penalties than a misdemeanor, which may involve hefty fines or imprisonment. This classification reflects the state’s intent to protect those who serve in critical public safety roles and to deter such aggressive behavior against them.

Other classifications, such as Class A misdemeanor or Class X, do not apply in this context. A Class A misdemeanor would involve lesser charges that do not meet the criteria for aggression against police or first responders, while Class X classifications are reserved for more serious felonies, often involving significant bodily harm or the use of weapons. This further emphasizes the status of assaults on first responders within Illinois law.