How is armed assault in a dwelling different from simple assault?

Armed assault in a dwelling is distinctly categorized by the requirement of intent to commit a felony. This means that the nature of the assault is not only about the act itself but also the purpose behind it. When someone engages in armed assault, particularly within the confines of a dwelling, they are typically intending to carry out a more serious crime than just an assault; this intention elevates the severity of the offense.

In contrast, simple assault does not carry the same level of intent to commit a felony. It represents a broader category of behavior that can include any threat or attempt to cause physical harm, regardless of whether it involves a weapon or escalates to more serious crimes.

Other aspects, while relevant to various kinds of assault, do not define armed assault in a dwelling specifically. For example, while being inside a structure or targeting an occupant might be characteristics of a particular incident, they are not defining factors that differentiate armed assault from simple assault in the legal context. The primary element that elevates armed assault is the felonious intent, particularly when a weapon is employed in the course of those actions.