Felony menacing is a criminal charge that arises when someone places another person in reasonable fear of immediate harm with the intent to scare them, even if no injury or physical contact occurs. The charge can be classified as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances. In Colorado, for example, menacing can be charged as a Class Three Misdemeanor (M3) or as a Class Five Felony (F5) . It becomes a felony when it involves the use of a deadly weapon, even if the weapon is not real. In some states, menacing is another way of describing an assault, which is an attempt to hit or hurt someone or to place another in fear of imminent bodily harm or offensive contact. Menacing can also refer to displaying a deadly weapon in a threatening manner, which is sometimes called aggravated menacing or brandishing. The punishment for menacing can vary depending on the state and the severity of the offense.