Simple assault usually is considered as a lesser offense than other types of assault. If a person knows what he or she is doing when they cause reckless bodily harm to another person, but they do not intend to cause any other type of bodily damage to their victim, then this person has committed a simple assault. If a person’s menacing behavior causes someone else to fear that they are about to experience some sort of bodily harm, then this is also simple assault. Simple assault is aptly named, as it is handled much more simply by the courts than aggravated or criminal assault. Those guilty of simple assault usually can get by with paying a fine, and/or serving a short term in jail.