Any crime with a physical violence component, either by action or definition.  This can include the threat of violence, even if you do not follow through on said threat.  This also includes both crimes in which the violence is a component, such as with murder, as well as crimes where violence is used to commit the crime, such as robbery.  A violent crime can be committed either with a weapon or without one.   The majority of perpetrators of violent crimes are males.  Verbal assault is a kind of violent crime that is usually considered a misdemeanor, although that charge can be increased to a low grade felony depending on the person the threat is made against.   If the threat is committed against a political figure, such as the President, then the charges can escalate sharply.

Penalties for a Violent crime depend on a number of circumstances.  Does the accused have a history of violent behavior?  Does the accused have training in any sort of hand to hand combat?  Was a weapon used in the commitment of the crime?  Did the crime result in the permanent injury or death of another person?  All of these questions can have an added component to the penalty process if convicted of a violent crime.  If you are arrested for a violent crime, it is important to know your legal rights.  Make sure you maintain silence until you are able to retain the services of a lawyer.  Even you are guilty, you have the legal right to have an attorney present during any questioning.