I understand the resoning for getting arrested but why fourth degree assault?

[ImTheDoubleGreatest!]

http://jezebel.com/anchorage-bound-flight-diverted-after-a-man-tried-to-ki-1782451801

The dude, obviously a fvcking creep, tried to kiss a 16 year old while she was sleeping. But how is that fourth degree assault exactly?

Edit: wrong forums, my apologies mods.

 

[Yewki]

From a law site in Washington, assault of the fourth degree is,

intentionally touching or striking another person with unlawful force, and in such a manner as is harmful or offensive... possible punishment of 364 days in jail and a $5,000 fine.

Key words "unlawful force" ... so basically if you touch some one in any way that is illegal, even if there's no physical threat, you can be convicted of this. Apparently its illegal to kiss a sleeping stranger, maybe the fact she's a minor came into play too

 

[ImTheDoubleGreatest!]

From a law site in Washington, assault of the fourth degree is,



Key words "unlawful force" ... so basically if you touch some one in any way that is illegal, even if there's no physical threat, you can be convicted of this. Apparently its illegal to kiss a sleeping stranger, maybe the fact she's a minor came into play too

Thanks, it just seems extreme because it wasn't exactly harmful, just weird.