What defines the third degree of domestic violence?

The third degree of domestic violence is defined primarily by acts that may not be physically injurious but still carry a significant threat to an individual’s safety or well-being. Following this definition, menacing or reckless endangerment fits this criterion because it involves causing another person to fear imminent serious physical injury or engaging in behavior that puts someone's safety at risk without necessarily inflicting physical harm.

Menacing pertains to making a person afraid of being harmed, whereas reckless endangerment indicates actions that could cause serious injury or death. Both behaviors demonstrate a disregard for the safety of another and are pivotal in categorizing domestic violence under the third degree.

In contrast, options such as assault in the first degree and aggravated stalking represent more severe infractions that would be classified at higher degrees of domestic violence due to the higher level of harm or threat they imply. Burglary in the first degree, while a serious criminal offense, typically does not directly relate to domestic violence in the context of defined violent acts against another person. Thus, menacing or reckless endangerment stands out as the defining characteristic of the third degree of domestic violence, highlighting situations in which the intent to instill fear or create danger is present without direct physical assault.