Domestic assault in the 3rd degree usually means a lower-level but still serious domestic violence crime where someone causes (or tries to cause) physical pain, injury, or fear to a current or former intimate partner or household/family member, and it is typically treated as a misdemeanor or lower‑level felony depending on the state.

Because this is a criminal‑law term, the exact definition depends heavily on your state’s statute. In many U.S. states, “domestic assault 3rd degree” (or “domestic violence 3rd degree”) often includes things like:

  • Intentionally or knowingly causing physical pain, minor injury, or illness to a domestic partner or family/household member.
  • Attempting to cause physical injury, even if the injury doesn’t actually occur.
  • Certain threatening or intimidating acts (like menacing, harassment, reckless endangerment, or similar conduct) when the victim is someone you’re in a domestic or dating relationship with.

Key points that usually define 3rd‑degree domestic assault / domestic violence 3rd degree:

  1. Domestic relationship
    • The victim is typically a spouse, ex‑spouse, intimate or dating partner, co‑parent, certain family members, or sometimes someone who lives/lived in the same household.
  2. Level of harm or conduct
    • Often involves physical pain or minor injury (bruises, soreness, etc.), threats, or reckless behavior that puts the victim at risk, but not the severe injuries or weapons use that would be charged as 1st or 2nd degree.
  3. Criminal level and penalties
    • In many jurisdictions, 3rd‑degree domestic assault is a misdemeanor , but some states classify it as a lower‑level felony (for example, a “class E felony”). Penalties may include: jail time, probation, mandatory counseling, fines, and a protective order.
  1. Protective orders and long‑term impact
    • A conviction can lead to no‑contact or stay‑away orders, loss of firearm rights, immigration consequences, and problems with jobs or housing, even if the underlying conduct was “only” 3rd degree.

Because laws differ by state and the word “third degree” is defined inside each state’s statute, you really need to:

  • Look up “domestic assault 3rd degree” (or “domestic violence 3rd degree”) + your state name on an official court, state code, or legal aid site; and
  • Talk to a local criminal defense or family law attorney for specific legal advice about any charge or situation.

If you tell me which state (or country) you’re asking about, I can explain how 3rd‑degree domestic assault is typically defined there in more detail (still in general information terms, not personal legal advice).