Aggravating Circumstances at Legal Glossary

What is it? Circumstances that increase the seriousness or outrageousness of a given crime, and that in turn increase the wrongdoers penalty or punishment. For example, the crime of aggravated assault is a physical attack made worse because it is committed with a dangerous weapon, results in severe bodily injury or is made in conjunction with another serious crime. Aggravated assault is usually considered a felony, punishable by a prison sentence.

Law Definition Added By: Keira

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